KUNG FU
功夫
Feng Shou 風手 Hand of the Wind
Tai Chi is closely related to Taoist Martial Arts or Wu Shu. The style that forms part of the Lee Style is called Feng Shou Ch'uan Shu which translates literally as "Wind Hand Fist Art" more commonly known as Hand of the Wind Kung Fu. The term Kung Fu itself translates as working man or skill (Fu) work (Kung). To be skilled in Kung Fu takes many hours of dedication and practise.
Contrary to most martial arts Feng Shou does not rely on force or being physically strong. In fact, the opposite is the case. As with Tai Chi, it adheres to softness and Taoist principles of non-force. Rather than blocking an opponent's attack, we learn principles of giving way, blending, flowing movement, and circling the force back to its origin. This is why it is called Feng Shou, like the wind soft in principle yet powerful in technique. Feng Shou can be learned by all no matter the physique.
Feng Shou 風手 Kung Fu 功夫
The following is typically taught in a Feng Shou class:
Partner exercises
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Striking techniques using - poisoned hand, open hand, hammer fist, straight fist, sword hand, spear hand, tiger claw, back fist, the eye of the phoenix.
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Rollaways - training exercises to ward off strikes directed at the body - techniques include sun palm, cloudy palm, willow ward off, swans neck, & hooks. Rollaways can also be practiced with weapons such as the staff and broadsword.
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Foot flow patterns teaching students how to remain rooted and balanced when moving through the various kicking techniques. How to deal with kicks, range, and takedowns are also learned.
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Evasion exercises such as Teacup, Clockface, and Four lotus petals. Strikes and kicks are avoided with stepping patterns in various directions orientated to the compass points.
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Many locking techniques of the Feng Shou system using arms, legs, and wrists.
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Grip and breakout - a free-flowing exercise to learn how to break out of grips and locks without using force.
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Sticky hands - an exercise to develop sensitivity, balance, and being rooted in one's stance.
Forms
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Shou Bei Fa kung fu form - a flowing sequence of strikes and defence against a range of attacks.
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Poison handsets "Tu Shou" These sets are a range of different strikes and patterns targeting specific areas of the body. Each set combines 3 rapid strikes with slow movement ward offs for defence.
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Active Mist - compliments Tu Shou this time with slow attacks and rapid defence moves.
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Weapon forms with staff and Chinese broadsword.