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. The external kung fu styles focus on the development of
muscles and improving cardiovascular health. Internal styles carry out
the manipulation of 'qi'. The phenomenon of 'qi' is described as the
energy which flows through living beings.
Styles of Kung Fu Techniques
The different kung fu fighting styles are explained in the following paragraphs.
Monkey Style
The techniques in monkey style involve monkey or ape-like movements. The monkey techniques are altogether known as 'Monkey Fist'. Specialty of this kung fu style is that a variety of weapons are used in this form of martial arts. The important techniques of monkey-style kung fu are 'Hou Quan' and 'Tai Shing Pek Kwar'.
Hou Quan
This technique is characterized by various 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.
Tai Shing Pek Kwar
The variations of 'Tai Shing Pek Kwar' technique are mentioned below.
The preying mantis techniques are categorized into 'Northern Praying Mantis' and 'Southern Praying Mantis'.
Northern Praying Mantis
The technique evolved in Shadong, a northeastern Chinese province. The Northern praying mantis involves the techniques of deflecting attacks that are perpendicular, with circular or whip-like motions. The praying mantis hook made with 1 - 3 fingers is used in attacking eyes and also in blocking the attacks of opponents.
Southern Praying Mantis
It was created by Hakka people who inhabit areas in southwest China. This technique is different from Northern Praying Mantis and lays emphasis on close-range fighting. The use of low kicks is limited and hand movements are given more importance.
Dragon Style
Movements that are quick and powerful can be said to be an important feature of dragon style kung fu. The various clawing, fist and palm techniques are given importance in comparison to jumps and kicks. The dragon styles which is also known as 'Lung Ying' employs various techniques in crippling the opponent to such an extent that he is not able to fight anymore. Damaging or manipulating the joints of opponents is also one of the important techniques of dragon style.
Snake Style
Snake style techniques are used to bring about fluidity in movements. This fluidity which resembles the movements of snake is useful in entwining the body around that of the opponent. It helps defend in a better manner. The attacking moves can also be made from different angles by adopting this technique.
Tiger Style
The main features of tiger style are acrobatic movements, a wide stance, extensive footwork and a unique fist position. In this fist position, thumb should be curled in a manner similar to that of other fingers of the hand. Generally the thumb is wrapped around fingers however, in this position, it should just be curled. The technique brings performers of kung fu to realize their internal power with enough practice.
Crane Style
This kung fu style was developed by Fang Qiniang, a female martial artist. Intricate hand techniques and close range fighting are the main features of these techniques; these actions resemble movements of pecking birds. The flying crane technique employs the flapping movement of wings.
The different kung fu techniques mentioned in the article give us an idea about the variety of styles and methods of self-defense used in Chinese martial arts. These styles require a lot of practice and dedication to master them.
By Shashank Nakate
Styles of Kung Fu Techniques
The different kung fu fighting styles are explained in the following paragraphs.
Monkey Style
The techniques in monkey style involve monkey or ape-like movements. The monkey techniques are altogether known as 'Monkey Fist'. Specialty of this kung fu style is that a variety of weapons are used in this form of martial arts. The important techniques of monkey-style kung fu are 'Hou Quan' and 'Tai Shing Pek Kwar'.
Hou Quan
This technique is characterized by various 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.
Tai Shing Pek Kwar
The variations of 'Tai Shing Pek Kwar' technique are mentioned below.
- Stone Monkey: In the stone monkey technique, players are ready to receive blows on the body in exchange of the opportunity to hit weaker spots of the opponent. Attempts should be made to look for weak spots without falling to 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 lost monkey technique is that one deceives the opponent by acting to be confused and 'lost'. One should retaliate when the opponent is least aware of the moves.
- Wooden Monkey: Anger and ferocity are the qualities depicted by means of this technique. Bringing down the opponent by means of grappling is an important move of this technique.
- Crafty Monkey: This technique is similar to lost monkey, however, it should be studied separately. In this technique, the opponent is lured to attack by faking emotions. Only when the opponent drops his guard, should the attacks be made.
The preying mantis techniques are categorized into 'Northern Praying Mantis' and 'Southern Praying Mantis'.
Northern Praying Mantis
The technique evolved in Shadong, a northeastern Chinese province. The Northern praying mantis involves the techniques of deflecting attacks that are perpendicular, with circular or whip-like motions. The praying mantis hook made with 1 - 3 fingers is used in attacking eyes and also in blocking the attacks of opponents.
Southern Praying Mantis
It was created by Hakka people who inhabit areas in southwest China. This technique is different from Northern Praying Mantis and lays emphasis on close-range fighting. The use of low kicks is limited and hand movements are given more importance.
Dragon Style
Movements that are quick and powerful can be said to be an important feature of dragon style kung fu. The various clawing, fist and palm techniques are given importance in comparison to jumps and kicks. The dragon styles which is also known as 'Lung Ying' employs various techniques in crippling the opponent to such an extent that he is not able to fight anymore. Damaging or manipulating the joints of opponents is also one of the important techniques of dragon style.
Snake Style
Snake style techniques are used to bring about fluidity in movements. This fluidity which resembles the movements of snake is useful in entwining the body around that of the opponent. It helps defend in a better manner. The attacking moves can also be made from different angles by adopting this technique.
Tiger Style
The main features of tiger style are acrobatic movements, a wide stance, extensive footwork and a unique fist position. In this fist position, thumb should be curled in a manner similar to that of other fingers of the hand. Generally the thumb is wrapped around fingers however, in this position, it should just be curled. The technique brings performers of kung fu to realize their internal power with enough practice.
Crane Style
This kung fu style was developed by Fang Qiniang, a female martial artist. Intricate hand techniques and close range fighting are the main features of these techniques; these actions resemble movements of pecking birds. The flying crane technique employs the flapping movement of wings.
The different kung fu techniques mentioned in the article give us an idea about the variety of styles and methods of self-defense used in Chinese martial arts. These styles require a lot of practice and dedication to master them.
By Shashank Nakate
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