Kung Fu Techniques

The qigong exercise is not a 'technique' in a true sense. It involves the process of aligning the body movements, breath and awareness for the purpose of exercise, meditation and healing. The phenomenon of 'qi' is described as the energy which flows through all the living beings.

There are different styles of kung fu, classified on the basis of schools, sects and families. These styles have developed over a long period of time and are considered to be important forms of self defense.

The different kung fu styles and techniques can be broadly classified into internal and external ones. External kung fu styles focus on the development of muscles and improvement in cardiovascular health. Internal styles manipulate the 'qi'.

The important kung fu fighting styles are explained in the upcoming slides. These techniques form the basis of the different forms of Chinese martial arts.

The techniques in the monkey style involve monkey or ape-like movements. These techniques are altogether known as 'Monkey Fist'. Specialty of the monkey style is that a variety of weapons are used while practicing it. The important techniques of monkey-style kung fu are 'Hou Quan' and 'Tai Shing Pek Kwar'.

The Hou Quan technique is characterized by acrobatic movements like front flips, sideways flips, back flips, hand stands, back handsprings, forward lunges, walking on hands, spinning on the butt, backward lunges, etc. Hand strikes include clawing (monkey-fist) and slapping. Different monkey expressions are also included in this technique.

The variations of 'Tai Shing Pek Kwar' technique are mentioned ahead:

Stone Monkey: In the stone monkey technique, you get prepared to receive blows on the body in exchange of the opportunity to target the weaker spots of the opponent. Attempts are made to look out for weak spots without falling for the temptation of hitting at open spots.

Standing Monkey: This technique is also known as tall monkey and emphasis is placed on keeping the body upright. Hitting at pressure points is also a feature of standing monkey.

Lost Monkey: The essence of the lost monkey technique is that you deceive the opponent by acting like you are confused and 'lost'. You should retaliate when the opponent is least aware of the moves you are going to make.

Wooden Monkey: Anger and ferocity are the qualities depicted with the help of this technique. Bringing down the opponent by means of grappling is an important move made in this technique.

Crafty Monkey: This technique is similar to the lost monkey, however, it should be studied separately. In this technique, you fake your emotions in order to lure the opponent to launch an attack. Only when the opponent drops his guard, should attacks be made.

The praying mantis techniques are categorized as 'Northern Praying Mantis' and 'Southern Praying Mantis'.

This technique evolved in Shandong, a northeastern Chinese province. The Northern praying mantis involves the techniques of deflecting attacks that are perpendicular, with circular or whip-like movements. The praying mantis hook, made with 1-3 fingers is used for attacking the eyes and also for blocking the attacks of opponents.

It was created by the Hakka people who belong to southwest China. This technique is different from the Northern Praying Mantis and lays emphasis on close-range fighting. The use of low kicks is limited and hand movements are given more importance.