Appliances

‘Longfist’ Kung Fu

Shaolin Longfist Kung Fu owes it is origin ultimately to the ancient battlefields of Northern China. The same notions of striking, stabbing, sweeping and cutting etc at long-range were spacious systemized and codified at Bei Shaolin Si, the Northern or ‘Grandfather’ Shaolin Temple for over 150 years, before their initial open display at the start out of the Tang Dynasty,

The Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) apogee of Chinese Culture to date owed it is existence to the Shaolin Temple’s help of Emperor-to-be Li Shi-Min whose far-sighted generalship is redolent of Shaolin long-range thinking. General Zhao Kuang-Yin, who conventional the Sung Dynasty (960-1279 CE) acknowledged as the founder of Nothern Shaolin Longfist Kung Fu, was likewise Shaolin trained.

Kung Fu Forms

Forms, predetermined sets of inter-connected Kung Fu moves, embodying sure themes or peculiar distinct elements of their parent style, are an necessary aspect of Kung Fu training. Varying in length from less than 30 to more than 300 moves, Forms become more sophisticated, progressed and demanding as Students progression with an entire Section of Kung Fu Contests committed to Forms Competition.

Sometimes described as the ‘Spirit of Kung Fu’ Forms repeated performance imprints Students’ Technique with the parent style’s fundamentals. Demanding recall of long sequences and their exact physical performance, Forms are likewise famous for inspiring the mind and sharpening the intellect, whether people are at School, College, work or in retirement. Through Form exercise coordination and remainder are acquired, kicks, blocks and hand-strikes are ‘polished’, speed, stamina and flexibleness heightened and body, mind and breath linked together until they operate as one. Northern Shaolin Longfist forms commonly embody the extended circular movements, power and, athleticism that typify the style.

Lien Bu Chuan/’Continuous Step Sequence’

Developed Circa 1910 by Huo Yuen-Jia (played most notably by Jet Li in ‘Fearless’) at the Chin Woo (‘Pure Spirt’) Association in Shanghai. Lien Bu Chuan’s upright stances show it is affinity with the Crane. Fighting on-the-move (albeit in straight lines) is emphasised, now and then versus multiple opponents. The form’s success led to it is adoption by the Central Kuoshu Institute of Nanjing for Chinese Army Kung Fu Training purposes. The opening and closing salutes disclose it is Northern Shaolin origins, representing the Northerners’ habit of tying up and untying their long tunics before and after Kung Fu practice, whilst the moves in-between are full of kicking, striking and Qin Na applications.

Gung Li Chuan/ ‘Power Training Sequence’

Gung Li Chuan, also known as ‘Power-Training Sequence’, like Lien Bu Chuan, a basic training Form at Huo Yuen-Jia’s Chin Woo Association, was likewise chosen by Chinese Military Authorities for Army-Training purposes. However, the Form was invented by Chao Lian (1657 – 1748) for the duration of the early share of the Qing Dynasty. Gung Li Chuan’s deep stances aid to develop lower body strength and endurance:

“Zuo fu mian, Heu hu tuo xin, Xia da zai hu xi qian.”

“Sweep left-face, Black Tiger Steals the Heart, Double fists hammer downwards to stop knee.”

Thus runs Verse 3 of ‘The Song of Northern Gung Li Chuan’, describing moves 5-8 of this classic, flowing ‘Longfist’ Form. Apart from it is dynamic strength and stamina-enhancing qualities, and a sure aesthetic appeal, Gung Li Chuan also has curative and health-giving properties and is conducive to longevity!

Filmography

Many films have depicted Huo Yuen-Jia’s untimely death and the way his Senior Student, Chen Zhen, avenged this, including: Bruce Lee’s ‘Fist of Fury’ (1972); Jet Li’s ‘Fist of Legend’ (1994) and ‘Fearless’ (2006); and ‘Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen’ (2010) starring Donnie Yen, presently on release.

Kung Fu The Legend Continues Opening

David Carradine, star of the TV show Kung Fu, presents the fundamental principle of tai chi, a highly effective fitness program. This ancient and inspiring art strengthens the body and reduces stress, and may be done by practically everyone. The book includes a brief history of the program, breathing and meditation techniques, step-by-step instructions, and much more.

Kung Fu The Legend Continues Opening Photo

Kung Fu The Legend Continues Opening Image

Kung Fu The Legend Continues Opening Pic

Kung Fu The Legend Continues Opening Picture

Most helpful client reviews

4 of 4 persons found the following review helpful.
An easy to follow Tai Chi workbook
By A
David Carradine’s Tai Chi Workout is a very good book for the tai chi beginner. The sectionalizations in regards to the history and theory of tai chi are written in a manner that any mesmerized Westerner may grasp without being put off by too much mystery.
The best share though, are the photos of each position. These photos are full page size with a short comprehensible statement and name of the stance at the bottom.
This is a great book that you may actually learn from

2 of 2 persons found the following review helpful.
Better with the video
By Scott at the Junction
I may perceive other readers having difficultnesses with the photos. My copy of this book in the first place came with a video which shows all the forms and a finish workout. The music is genuinely horrid and Carradine seems a bit smug at times but you in truth see what is going on. Why is it on sale without the video? Has it been re-written to concede for the absence of this?

2 of 2 humans found the following review helpful.
Good for beginners wishing to learn this style of T’ai Chi
By Kerwin L. Schaefer
Very good basic intro to one style of T’ai Chi. Warning to David Carradine fans: altho there are a number of photos of David, most of the photos are not of him and it’s not possible to tell how much of the text was actually written by David himself. However, you ought to be competent to learn this form from the book, specially if you likewise have the videotape. It’s always better to have a real live teacher, but this is the next best thing.

See all 6 client reviews…