When choosing a martial arts style to study, it is recommended that a student considers their body structure and preferred learning method. The forms training within a system may fashion itself around techniques, and quite often only certain individuals can master them. Therefore examining how a particular martial arts system is set up to train its students is an important factor that can determine an individual student’s success in the style.
The unique versatility of Choy Li Fut was developed by Chan Heung. He designed the first training forms to suit the average student’s ability. As a result most people have the ability to learn the style thoroughly and master its techniques. This stage of beginner training involves learning the primary forms and stance training, which sets the pattern for the student’s martial arts future.
Stance Training There are two types of stance training, high stances (Go Jong Mah) and low stances (Dai Jong Mah). Beginners initially develop low stances, which are open and wide, and are designed to strengthen the legs and provide a good Choy Li Fut foundation. A student practices moving smoothly within the low stance work, achieving lively and flowing transitions.
When a beginner advances to the high stance training, the footwork becomes quicker and the distance covered is shorter. High stances are effective for the quick movements required in combat, whilst low stance training provides balance and stability.
Forms training is designed to promote health, longevity and self defence training. Forms practice strengthens a students muscles and bones, and thereby conditioning the body evenly. Every movement executed is performed in a natural relaxed manner, avoiding any tension and stiffness that is considered to be detrimental to a student’s health. All forms begin with long, wide open circular movements. The techniques are natural and contain no tense force because ‘Ging’ which translates to power, flows efficiently and without disturbing the student’s continuity and balance. During practice, students are taught to relax all physical aspects of the body, and at the same time deepen their breathing which sinks their energy down into the Dan Tien (the body’s centre of internal energy located an inch below the navel).
Spirit Shouts While studying the basic training forms, the Choy Li Fut student learns to produce vocal sounds that match their movements and help them produce ‘Ging’ (relaxed power). The five sounds, ‘Yak’ ‘Wak’ ‘Dik’ ‘Hay’ ‘Ha’ enables students to produce the appropriate ‘Ging’ power by changing their breathing patterns.
Breathing regularly is important when practicing the forms, and students learn to pay attention to their breathing techniques to maximize speed and power. When striking out and releasing the power, a student exhales. When pulling back they inhale, when sinking down into a stance they exhale and when rising up again they inhale. When blocking an oncoming attack ‘closing the door’, a student exhales, and when launching an attack ‘opening the door’ they inhale. Students are taught to take breaks and rest when learning the breathing exercises, and with time and practice all of the power-releasing exercises become natural and effective.
Practice and Patience In order to keep form and posture accurate and correct, beginner students should not progress too quickly. When students are in a hurry to improve and learn more forms, their breathing often does not match their movements and even though their forms may look attractive to watch they will not be practical.
By conditioning and relaxing the body with long circular movements and producing sounds that help regulate the power, the Choy Li Fut practitioner is training in both external and internal aspects at the same time, bringing them together as one function.
Sifu Jo Hardy
Sifu Jo Hardy
