FOUR BASIC FUNDAMENTAL SKILLS

-

The Four Basic Fundamental Skills

Invariably in most Chinese Kung Fu, there will be these four basic fundamental skills of:-

  1.  "Tun" -- swallow or contraction
  2.  "Tu" -- spit or expansion
  3.  "Fu" -- float or rise
  4.  "Chen" -- sink or heaviness

These are normally integrated into the "Taolu" or Forms. To make it easier to understand, it can be analogously explain as the directions and movements of backwards, forwards, upwards and downwards, correspondingly to the above. The corresponding expression in Wing Chun can be generalized (but not necessary, depending on the combat situation) as in:- 

  1.  "Tun" -- Wu Sao, Huen Sao, Low Bong Sao, Juk Sao, Kan Sao Tie Sao
  2.  "Tu" -- Biu Sao,  Middle Bong Sao, Mong Sao, Lan Sao
  3.  "Fu" -- Tok Sao, High Bong Sao, Chui Sao
  4.  "Chen" -- Chum Sao, Tan Sao, Fuk Sao, Lap Sao, Pak Sao
What can you realize from the above generalization? Reflect on them and open-heartedly ask yourself what type of energy characteristics are you using when you execute any one of the hand forms. Where do your energy come from? Which part of the bio-mechanic is activated? When are you inhaling and when you should exhale? Guess you know what I am hitting on....... I trust that you can honestly ask yourself. Your Inner Teacher will definitely gives you the answer.

For example, when you "Tun" (swallow), is best to exhale, when you "Tu" (spit) , is appropriate to exhale forcefully to amplify the force, as the compressed potential energy is released at a fast speed. Inhale to give power when you "Fu" (float or rise), the breath will magnify in the action giving it substantial "mass". Obviously, exhale accordingly when you "Chen" (sink), in synchronicity with the rate you sink, giving it substantial "dead weight". The exhalation will also make you "Suong" ( let go and relax), which helps very much in the manifestation of "dead weight".





Just realizing this four basic fundamental skills and breadth works can make a fast difference in your performance. Adding in the "Pneumatic" and "Hydraulic" system that our bio-mechanic is based on, we are more powerful than we can imagine. Shall we add in the Mental power of "Yi" (Intent)? The synergy and synchronicity of the Physical Body, Energy Body and Mental Body can make a marvel. 

In Sao Lim Wing Chun  Lotus Form is designed with all these consideration and condition with great insight put into it. Kung Fu is a discovery journey without ending as long as you want to progress further. Let's dive further to understand the Three Elliptical Curves, which need to work along with these Four Basic Fundamental skills to be more effective.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What is Sao Lim Wing Chun?

-
Image
INTRODUCTION: Sao Lim Wing Chun is a synergy of Shaolin Kung Fu and Wing Chun  The foundation training will be from the Shaolin kung Fu philosophy, concentrating on building strength, endurance, stamina and self discipline. This part of the training is from my late Sifu, the famous Shaolin Master “Iron Fist” Chong Beng Joo. He was one of the most prominent disciple of Reverend Sek Koh Sum, the legendary 49th generation of the Chinese Buddhist lineage; the first being the  revered Bodhidharma (Damo). Wing Chun Kuen’s concept and principles will form the basis of the training method for techniques and applications. Wing Chun Kuen trains the awareness and sensitivity of one’s own body movements derived from the soft, relaxed tendon and joints power. It emphasizes on the center line theory, using opponent’s strength than using own brute strength, structural integrity, economy of energy, timing and space.   Weapons training will be part of the curricul...
Read more

Wing Chun in the 2000s of today world

-
Image
Wing Chun is one of the most popular Kung Fu style in the world today..... Wing Chun's origin was from Southern China, believed to be from the Shaolin temple. Its true origin is still yet to be proven or verified. There are a few versions of its origin, which seem to be probable but still some facts just don't match or tally. The most talked about is the Buddhist nun, Ng Mui witnessing the battle of the Crane and the Snake....... teaching the Art to Yim Wing Chun ......  Through time, Wing Chun has evolved in many ways, but the "visual" core characteristics are still recognizable. Some are very hard and external, some are soft and "internal" and some are mixed with other Kung Fu styles. Under the influences and backgrounds of different masters, diverse styles of Wing Chun were evolved. Not surprisingly more new variations will materialize as time goes by. Today one can see many fractions of Wing Chun, like Yip Man Wing Chun (which is one of the post p...
Read more

My Wing Chun Journey

-
Image
My Wing Chun Journey I have been "meddling" with Wing Chun for about twenty years, researching into the origin and different types of Wing Chun. Up till now no neutral, impartial researchers can come up with a conclusive findings. Whenever I met somebody who ask me about my lineage, I actually "frown" inside me, can't help wondering how much the questioner understand about Wing Chun. But it is natural that if anybody is affiliated  with a certain lineage, they will be automatically "loyal" to that lineage, protecting, defending and promoting their vested self-interest. Sometimes people failed to realize the Truth..... and may not want to acknowledge it. There are many unscrupulous martial artists getting affiliated with so called "Grand masters" just to exploit the popularity of Wing Chun. Equally unscrupulous are the so called "Grand masters", appointing their representatives with just a few seminars. These are the dish...
Read more