Adult Kung Fu Program

Course Offerings

What is Kung Fu?

Contrary to popular belief, 'kung fu' does not refer exclusively to a form of Chinese Martial Art. The term 'kung fu' literally means energy (kung) and time (fu). It refers to a high level of skill in any activity acquired through time, energy (study and practice) and patience. Thus, for example, you might be a kung fu musician, a kung fu parent or a kung fu martial artist! (Technically, one is said to possess kung fu in a particular skill). The term 'Kung Fu' is used in the West to mean Chinese martial arts; in China, the term commonly used is wushu, or martial technique. The term 'kung fu' came to be associated with the Martial Arts because of the extraordinary level of patience and time it takes to achieve a high level of skill—one must have a great deal of kung fu in order to achieve this. Our adult Kung Fu program was developed by our Master Instructor Dr. Yang Jwing-Ming with the traditional values that were taught to him by his instructors. The program has been adapted for today's lifestyle—it provides a physical workout while stimulating the mind.

YMAA Kung Fu Training Content

Note: YMAA stands for Yang's Martial Arts Association

Kung Fu Styles offered at Yang's
Shaolin Long Fist (Changquan) and Shaolin White Crane (Bai He).Shaolin Long Fist specializes in kicking and medium to long range offensive and defensive techniques, while Shaolin White Crane specializes in hand techniques and medium to long range offensive and defensive techniques.

Fundamental Stances (Ji Ben Bu Fa) Stances are the ways of standing designed for different offensive and defensive strategies and techniques. There are ten fundamental Long Fist and six White Crane stances that you must learn before you can start learning any sequences. Fundamental stances are the foundation in every style of Chinese martial arts. These stanceswill be included in the first level of Shaolin training.

Qin Na (or Chin Na)
Qin Na (or Chin Na) means seize and control and includes grabbing Qin Na and cavity press Qin Na. Grabbing Qin Na is used to control an opponent without injuring him/her. YMAA trains about 120 Qin Na techniques, and students must learn a number of Qin Na for each period. Qin Na classes and seminars are also offered regularly for those students who would like to become an expert of Qin Na techniques.

Fighting Forms (Pan Shou or Qiao Shou)
Fighting Forms (winding hands or bridging hands) are training sets constructed of two or three techniques which allow members to practice with each other. Fighting forms help you to build your natural reactions for both offense and defense. YMAA uses many sets of fighting forms for both barehand and various weapons. A YMAA student must qualify with a number of fighting forms in each period.

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Fundamental Hand Forms (Ji Ben Shou Fa)
Hand forms are the ways of holding the hand when it is used for striking. Hand forms also include the methods by which an attack reaches the opponent. They also teach the student how to build his/her root, how to generate Jin (martial power), and how to direct the Jin to the opponent. Every style has its own specific training for hand forms. YMAA uses hand forms from both Long Fist and White Crane.

Fundamental Kicks (Ji Ben Tui Fa)
YMAA training includes more than thirty different kicking methods from both Long Fist and White Crane. They teach the student how to use his/her legs for both defense and attack. Fundamental kicks are also the means to develop leg kicking Jin.

Fundamental Training Forms (Ji Ben Lian Shi)
Once a YMAA student has learned the idea of stances, hand forms, and kicking, he/she will then be taught how to combine them in exercises called Training Forms. YMAA has twelve Tan Tui (Spring Leg from Long Fist) fundamental training exercises which help to build your foundation.

Short Defense (Jian Yi Fang Shen Fa)
Short Defense teaches the YMAA student how to defend himself/herself against a street attack. There are ten basic barehand defense techniques listed in the training schedule which can be used in a variety of applications. A YMAA student must master them in order to pass the qualifications for the second period. After learning these ten techniques, a student is encouraged to create other short defense techniques for further training.

Knife Defense (Bi Shou Fang Shen Fa)
Knife Defense is designed for defense in a street fight when the opponent has a Knife or short weapon in his/her hand. There are ten basic dagger defense techniques, and many other advanced ones which the YMAA student must qualify in during the course of the training. After learning these techniques, a student is encouraged to create other Knife defense techniques for further training.

Martial Power (Jin)
Jin is the Chinese term for martial power. Jin originates in the internal energy (Qi) which is used to greatly increase the muscular power. In YMAA, only those students who have passed the second period will be qualified to receive Jin training.

Sequences (Quan Tao)
Sequences are also called "forms", "routines", or "katas" in some martial styles. A sequence is normally a combination of more than fifteen basic fighting techniques. These fifteen basic techniques can usually be derived into thirty or more advanced techniques. Sequences help the student remember and master the techniques of the style which have been passed down through the generations. Repeated practice builds up natural attacking and defensive movements that the student can use in actual fighting situations. Sequences also train the student's patience, willpower, endurance, and power.

Matching Sets (Quan Tao Dui Lian)
A matching set is a sequence that is practiced with a partner. Practicing a matching set lets you experience a situation that resembles a self defense situation. They help you to develop natural reactions, which are the key to self-defense. In YMAA, you must qualify in many matching sets, including those which utilize various kinds of weapons.

Traditional Kung Fu Weapons
A variety of weapons are taught at YMAA. Within the regular curriculum, students will first learn Staff, then Saber, Short Rods, Sword and Spear. Matching weapon sequences help to further a student's understanding of each weapon. Specialty weapons such as Chain Whip, Three Section Staff and Kwan Dao are also taught.

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Benefits of Kung Fu

• Increases flexibility
• Enhances concentration
• Develops strength
• Increases coordination
• Teaches self-defense
• Builds speed and reaction skills

Schedule of Classes

• Monday 7:15pm—8:15pm (Beginner)
  8:15pm—8:45pm (Advance)
• Tuesday 6:15pm—7:15pm (Beginner)
  7:15pm—7:45pm (Open Practice)
• Wed. 7:15pm—8:15pm (Beginner)
  8:15pm—8:45pm (Advance)
• Thursday 7:15pm—8:15pm (Beginner)
  8:15pm—8:45pm (Advance)

More about Kung Fu

• Kung Fu Theory
• More about Shaolin Long Fist Kung Fu
• More about Shaolin White Crane Kung Fu
• Kung Fu Course Curriculm (Adult)

You are welcome to observe a class
call: 978-475-2020

For rates and more Information
Call or email us for more details: yangsandov@aol.com.