Philosophy and Glossary

Belltown Martial Arts

Hung Kuen Kung Fu and Fitness

Kung Fu Philosophy
To achieve the best results in training, whether it is just to get into shape or learn more in-depth Kung Fu, one should come to class with an open mind and put 100% effort into each training session. The statement "you get out what you put into the class" is very true. It doesn't matter what type of fitness, coordination, flexibility, or strength you currently possess; it is a common misconception that you must be in peak physical shape to practice martial arts. THIS IS NOT TRUE; your success in Kung Fu is dependent upon your COMMITMENT, CONSISTENCY, and DISCIPLINE that you develop in your martial arts practice. Everyone can benefit from a sound mind and body. The great grandmasters of centuries ago developed Kung Fu as a way to understand the body, mind, and spirit to enhance one's life, internally and externally, and to develop one's spirituality, health, and physique. Patience is a key element in being successful in Kung Fu; train at your own pace and don't compare yourself with others in class who may be further in skill level. Outside training is also very beneficial; it keeps you refreshed on new techniques and skills, not to mention your body in tune during the off days from class. True Kung Fu takes time to develop. It is a centuries old art that thrives today. There are no short cuts.

Glossary

Kung Fu Terms

duo-jye - Thank you
gen lai - Salute
gong fu -
A. A martial arts system that orginates from the Shaolin Temple.
B. Cantonese for "hard work."
C. The Cantonese pronounciation of "Kung Fu". In the 1970's, gong fu films starring famous Hong Kong stars became increasingly popular in the United States. The term "gong fu" morphed into "Kung Fu" in America due to American pronounciation.
sifu - Master in Cantonese. Used to address any master of an art, including gong fu. Head instructor.
si hing - Older brother. Used to address elder male school members.
si jeih - Older sister
si jie - Older sister. Used to address elder female school members.
simo - Head gong fu instructor (female)
sisuk - Uncle
so gek - Iron broom sweep kick
yee-hey - Humility

Stances

goong hsi ma - Literally: Bow and arrow horse. The second hung kuen primary stance. This stance is assumed by moving into the horse stance and then shifting and pivoting the back foot forward. The back leg must be straight, with the knee locked into position.
kee lombo - Twist horse stance
neegee kim yao ma - Literally: lamb sharing horse stance.
tiu li ma - Cat stance. Also called "hoi jong" -- the fighting stance.
sae-ping ma - Literally: four point horse. The core hung kuen stance. Also called a square horse and the horse stance. This stance is deep, low, and grounded--the feet are five side steps out from the shoulders and the knees are thrust out to the side, locking the leg position. New students will spend most, if not all, of their first class becoming familiar with the feeling of a proper horse stance by "sitting" in the stance.

Blocks

biu sau - Snake block/strike
bong sau - Low forearm block
chun sau - Open hand block.
fan sau - Open hand arm block
kiu sau - Extended finger chi block
long sau - High long arm block.
muk sau - Back first block.
paak sau - Slapping block.
so sau - Round or circular block.

Punches and Strikes

chong chooi - Upper cut punch
deng chooi - Short fron snap punch
fu jau - Tiger claw strike
fung nan chooi - Phoenix eye punch
gua chooi - Backhand snap punch
hok chooi - Crane strike.
kam chooi - Literally: hay maker. An overhead punch.
ping chooi - Front straight twisting punch.
pow chooi - Leopard paw strike
sau chooi - Round or hook punch
yaat chi chooi - Front straight chi punch

Kicks

deng gek - Round-house kick
fu mai gek - Back thrust kick with hand on ground
lin wan den gek - Double low/high roundhouse kick
tek gek - Front snap kick.
yang gek - Side kick

Exercises

muk sau - ping chooi punch - The muk sau - ping chooi punch exercise involves students alternating between muk sau blocks and ping chooi punches while standing in horse stance, sae ping ma.
ping chooi punch - The ping chooi punch exercise involves the class throwing straight punches in unison while in the horse stance, sae ping ma.