Frequently Asked QuestionsA: There is not much point to accumulating a lot of information if you can’t fit it together. The diversity and depth of the Chung Wah Kung Fu System are a secondary result of three clear principles upon which it is founded.Q: I get the impression that there is a lot of material to learn in the Chung Wah System. Is the System founded on more than just a volume of forms and styles?CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
The combination of these three principles functions in a reciprocal manner, resulting not only in a system of martial arts, but a single, unified and comprehensive System of martial Study or Learning. This unified System is driven by a single underlying goal: the Physical, Mental, and Spiritual development of the human being. Throughout the System, this goal is addressed. As advancements are made, three stages of attainment are achieved: to apply the martial training to develop the body and mind, to apply the martial learning to understand Dao, or ‘the Way’, and finally, to apply this understanding and awareness to know Life itself. Q: What areas of learning does the Kung Fu program at Chung Wah involve? A: The curriculum may be divided into the following major components: Children’s Kung Fu Program, Calisthenic Exercises and Flexibility Training, Empty Hand Sets and Forms, Technique Training, Special Technique Training, Sparring and Combat Training, Self-Defense Programs, Weapons Training, Special Equipment Training, Lion Dance and Dragon Dance Training , Internal and External Training, Qigong Meditation, Traditional Healing in Martial Arts, Diet and Nutrition Training, Martial Theories and Strategies, Martial Arts Philosophy Applied to Daily Life, Advanced Topics in Science: Human Science Training, Power Generation Training Q: What will my child learn in the CHILDREN’S KUNG FU PROGRAM? A: An excellent form of exercise, the ancient art of Kung Fu will also teach your children respect and discipline. They will improve their agility, coordination and confidence, while learning self-control and humility in a fun, healthy environment. Your children learn all the same components of the adult program through materials and skills specifically designed for the proper physical and mental developmental stages of children. Please see curriculum outline for specific details. Q: What is a good age to start my child? A: Any age is a good age for a child to start learning kung fu. Children usually start as young as four or five years of age, depending on the motivation of the child. Q: What are CALISTHENIC EXERCISES AND FLEXIBILITY TRAINING? A: Calisthenic Exercises cover a wide range and include exercises and training drills geared toward general body development. These exercises are invaluable in developing coordination and control as well as preventing injury through systematic strengthening and nourishing of various body tissues and organs. Flexibility Training is designed to gently and progressively increase the functional range of motion in the joints and tissues. Flexibility exercises tend to focus on specific areas of the body. In martial arts, we learn to understand and improve the function of every part of the body. By developing and maintaining good flexibility, one is able to maximize control and precision in movement and potential for power, increase the aesthetic level of movement, and improve one’s health. Q: What are EMPTY HAND SETS AND FORMS? A: Forms are combat techniques linked together in a set pattern, serving to act as a library of techniques of a given style. The empty hand sets, or forms, taught in the Chung Wah System are from both Northern and Southern, as well as Internal and External fighting systems. Empty hand sets and forms are ideal for developing balance, coordination, and focus. Q: What styles can I learn in the System? A: You can learn over 20 different styles, including Shaolin, Mantis, Eagle, Tai Chi, Wing Chun, Hung Gar, Choi Lei Fat, and so on. for a complete list, please see appendix A in the appendices section of the FAQ. Q: What does TECHNIQUE TRAINING entail? A: These are drills which provide you with the physical and mental tools necessary to respond instinctively and effectively in self-defense situations. They are categorized as follows: Kicking, Hand Striking, Throwing and Tripping, Grappling, Special Techniques, and so on. Q: What is meant by SPECIAL TECHNIQUE TRAINING? A: This training includes Sensitivity Training, such as Sticky Hands, Pushing Hands, Touching Hands, Listening Force, and Angling and Distance Controlling for advanced combat skills. Point Striking and Manipulation training includes a variety of specialized pressure point and neurovascular disruption striking techniques. Q: Why do we learn SPARRING? A: Sparring allows the practitioner to test and evaluate their skills of self-defense in a controlled situation. Q: What types of sparring are there? A: The different sparring formats used in the Chung Wah System are as follows:
Q: How soon can I learn sparring? A: Normally, beginners do not engage in free sparring for at least one or two years. However, partner drills and controlled sparring sets are learned sooner. For those who only wish to learn sparring, they may register exclusively in that part of the program. Q: Who would be suited for your SELF-DEFENSE PROGRAMS? A: We have special program designed especially for women, children, families, corporate executives, seniors and the disabled, taught in our schools, or with special arrangement, in the home or workplace. Q: Will I learn to become more aware and observant? A: Great emphasis is placed upon becoming more aware of one’s environment. Avoidance is the first and most important goal. Second, how to avoid trouble once its spotted and Return to Safety, and third, how to use a Situation-Appropriate Response in the event of an assault or attack. Q: I am small and not that strong. How do I know the techniques will work for me? A: The self-defense techniques are simple but highly effective, taking advantage of the natural vulnerable and weak points found in all humans. These techniques are easy to learn and remember, which also helps in their effectiveness in a real situation. Practice allows the individual to respond automatically to any threat and deal with it accordingly. Emphasis is placed upon defense and utilizing the attacker’s strength to one’s own advantage. As strength is not a deciding factor, these same techniques are easily adaptable for almost anyone. Q: Why do we learn about WEAPONS TRAINING? A: Weapons training is a traditional and integral part of Chinese martial arts. In ancient times, weapons served a practical purpose in Chinese warfare and self-defense. The use of weapons training persists not only to uphold tradition, but also to provide an essential medium through which the student may enhance power and coordination. Q: How long until I can learn a weapon? A: First, everyone learns the basics. Flexibility, balance, how to move. You will start with the staff, the foundation of all weapons, after six to twelve months. Q: What are foundation weapons? A: There are four: staff, spear, broadsword, and straight sword. These four weapons are said to give birth to all other weapons in martial arts. In learning them, you will develop a diverse foundation of skills and become capable of moving freely towards the study and mastery of other weapons. Q: How many weapons can I learn? A: There are over fifty different types of weapons and over 250 weapons forms in the system in all five categories (long, medium, short, flexible and special), as well special training methods to help unlock the secrets of the weapons. Q: What is SPECIAL EQUIPMENT TRAINING? A: Special equipment training encompasses both Modern and Classical. Modern equipment training includes punching bags, weights, speed bags, focus gloves, and so on. Classical equipment and apparatus training includes Stone Locks, Iron Rings, striking bags, wooden posts, and so on. Q: Why do kung fu students learn LION DANCE and DRAGON DANCE TRAINING? A: These ceremonial dances, performed at special occasions, play an important sociocultural role and contain deep symbolic meaning. Traditionally performed only by kung fu students, the dancing movements are derived from fundamental kung fu techniques. An important part of Chinese martial arts, the traditions of lion dancing and dragon dancing build strong technique and endurance, teamwork and a deep appreciation of culture. |