Martial Arts Courses & Programs
Monday, March 3, 2014 at 11:24AM Wushu 武术, which is synonymous for Kung Fu, is the modern sport popularized by Jet Li 李连杰. The competitive sport is divided into two primary categories, Taolu 套路 and San Shou 散手. Taolu are the unique hand and weapon routines derived from traditional Shaolin Kung Fu while San Shou is the Chinese version of MMA or Mixed Martial Arts. The International Wushu Federation has standardized the various TaoLu routines into three primary categories; ChangQuan 长拳, NanQuan 南拳, &Tai Ji Quan 太极拳. Modern Wushu Chang Quan or "Long Fist" is divided into 4 primary levels which include Chu ji Chang Quan 初级长拳, Zhong ji Chang Quan 中级长拳, Gao ji Chang Quan 高级长拳, and Guo Ji Chang Quan 国际长拳. In addition, there are four fully recognized weapon divisions that include the Staff 棍, Broadsword 刀, Straight-sword 剑,Spear 枪.
Modern Wushu NanQuan 南拳 is devided into 3 primary levels which include Chuji Nan Quan 南拳, Zhongji Nan Quan南拳, and Gaoji Nan Quan 南拳. There are also two primary south weapons such as Nan Gun南棍 & Nan Dao南刀. Wushu Shaolin Kung Fu students must memorize all of the compulsory routines in order to receive a Black Belt in South style Wushu.
Shaolin Kung Fu is world renowned as the mother of all asian martial arts. It was developed at the Shaolin Temple in Henan Province, China approximately 1500 years ago from a set of yoga health postures. There are two primary sets of Shaolin forms that are taught around the globe. The first set is the 10 core Songshan Shaolin Temple forms which include Lian Huan Quan 连环拳, Tong Bi Quan 通臂拳, Xiao Hong Quan 小洪拳, Qi Xing Quan 七星拳, Da Hong Quan 大洪拳, Pao Quan 炮拳, Tai Zu Chang Quan 太祖长拳, Chang Hu Xin Yi Men 长护心意门, Luo Han Quan 罗汉拳, and Shaolin Guiding Quan 少林规定拳. Northern Shaolin Kung Fu is another system that includes two preliminary routines known as 12 Tan Tui 十二弹腿 and Lian Bu Quan 连步拳. There are also 10 core Northern Shaolin forms that include Shaolin #6 Duan Da 短大, #7 Mei Hua 梅花, #4Chuan Xin 穿心, #5 Wu Yi 武艺, #8 Ba Bu 拔步, #1 Kai Men 开门, #2 Ling Lu 领路, #3 Zuo Ma 坐马, #9 Lian Huan 连环, and #10Shi Fa 式法. Northern Shaolin Kung Fu is also filed with numerous animal styles including the infamous preying mantis. Two of the most prominent preying mantis forms include Li Pi Tang Lang & Beng Bu Tang Lang. In addition to animal styles there are 18 classical weapons in Shaolin Kung Fu. Some of these weapons are Yin Shou Gun, Shaolin Dao, Shaolin Qiang, Shaolin Jian,San Jie Gun, Jiu Jie Bian, Shaolin Bian, Sheng Biao, Shuang Dao, Shuang Bian, Shuang Gou, Shuang Shou Jian, Pu Dao, Da Dao, Yue Ya Chan, and Damo Guai Zi.
Tai Ji Quan is world renowned for its healing abilities. It is an ancient exercise that encourages proper breathing and body posture. There are five predominant Tai Ji styles that include the Yang, Chen, Hao, Wu, and Sun. The most famous and widely practiced style of Tai Ji Quan is the Yang family style. The International Wushu Federation recognizes the 42 YangPosture Tai Ji Quan as an official division in competition Wushu. Another popular practice is called Qi Gong. Qi Gong is a set of meditative breathing tichniques that strengthen the internal organs and produce a mystical energy called Qi. This internal energy can be used to help eliminate illnesses such as colds, flues, and even cancer. It is also used by martial artist during combat to defeat an opponent. Although it is rather difficult to comprehend, many theorist describe Qi as simply natural energy inherent in all living creatures.
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San Shou, also known as Sanda, is the combative sport of Kung Fu which incorporates punches, kicks, throws, take downs, and in some cases grappling. Sanda is the Chinese version of MMA that dates back to the ancient history of Shuai Jiao. In Sanda, there are strict rules and regulations that each participant must acknowledge and abide by. A fighter can defeat an opponent through points, referee decision, or technical knockout.
Shuai Jiao which derived more than 4,000 years ago in China is the art of uprooting an opponent to the ground by utilizing numerous takedowns. Many Japanese styles including Jiu Jitsu,Judo, & Aikido all share a common lineage that can be traced to the ancient art of Shui Jiao. Today, Shui Jiao is interlinked with all fighting systems and take downs are utilized by nearly every Martial Art in the world.
