KUNG FU

Choy Lee Fut Kung Fu is a complete fighting method and martial art. It is one of the most widely practiced kung fu styles inside and outside China today. It is well known for its speed and power, its smooth circular body movements and flexible footwork. Choy Lee Fut combines the powerful hand techniques characteristic of southern styles with the versatile kicks of the northern systems. It emphasises the intelligent use of strength and the combination of external force with internal will.

A Choy Lee Fut practitioner learns to use the body as one complete unit, by training a strong, stable but agile horse stance combined with fast and fluid hand and foot techniques. All punches, kicks, palms, knees and elbows follow the 8 directions of the Ba Gwa, which allows for all angles of attack and defence.

We teach classes every Monday and Wednesday. Students will practice techniques using pads and partner drills and learn the forms that comprise the Choy Lee Fut system. Starting with training forms, students will progress to dummy and weapon forms as they learn more.

In class students will learn:

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* Self defence and awareness
* Strength, conditioning and flexibility

* Reflex and coordination training
* Shaolin stancework
* Shaolin animal training
* Traditional fist forms
* Traditional weapon forms
* Shaolin wooden dummy forms
* San Da sparring techniques and takedowns
* Kum Na grappling and joint lock techniques

and more.

Choy Lee Fut has a tradition deeply rooted within the martial arts of the Shaolin Temple. The Choy Lee Fut system has many forms, or set patterns of learning, and drills by which a student develops proficiency in the techniques of the system.

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The practice of kung fu and chi kung is not just about self defence and living to a ripe old age. It is about living in the best possible physical shape, both inside and out, as well as in peak mental and emotional form.

When a person learns Choy Lee Fut Kung Fu they are beginning a journey. It is a journey that will enhance their lives in many ways. The study of kung fu develops strength, power and flexibility. It teaches practical self defence techniques and tournament fighting methods. More than this, the study of kung fu will also develop discipline, mental and physical balance and harmony and a profound sense of achievement and contentment. It is a many faceted art encompassing far more than fighting.

The couplet below was give to the Founder of Choy Lee Fut, Chan Heung, by the Shaolin monk Choy Fook:

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“The dragon and tiger met as the wind and the cloud.
Disciples, you must take good care of your future.
Revive the arts of Shaolin,
And don’t let future generations forget them.”

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THE TEN RULES OF CHAN FAMILY CHOY LEE FUT KUNG FU

These are the 10 rules of Choy Lee Fut Kung Fu Code of Conduct, as set out by the founder, Chan Heung. It’s important that all students read and understand these rules.

This code of conduct was established by Chan Heung when he formed the Choy Lee Fut system. The rules apply to all practitioners of Choy Lee Fut, regardless of school, country or master affiliation. Through them Chan Heung aimed to instil martial virtue (武德 – Mandarin “Wu De”, Cantonese “Mo Duk”) on Choy Lee Fut practitioners both in his day and in the future.

Being part of the Shaolin lineage with its monastic element, this aspect of the training was very important to Chan Heung and continues to be in Choy Lee Fut schools worldwide. Below is a translation, however the original is in a poetic form of Chinese so some of these concepts are difficult to accurately render into English:

– Train Choy Lee Fut every day and do not forsake its way without reason.

– You should practice not only to improve your skill and body but also to develop a good and patient heart.

– Never use your skills to commit injustice or injury to others.

– You must pay utmost respect to your teachers and senior students.

– Pay your fellow classmates respect through trust, friendship and honesty. Do not bully them in any way.

– You are not to fight among your brothers of Choy Lee Fut. To prevent this, when in times of trouble, we use the tiger claw (Fu Jau) action as a sign that we are Choy Lee Fut practitioners.

– Do not drink alcohol and eat meat in excessive amounts. Alcohol takes away one’s sense of control and meat slows down the body. Therefore, the two taken excessively can damage your body and spirit.

– When practicing Choy Lee Fut, do not show others your skills without consideration, as it may cause trouble to yourself and to others. If you judge a person to be of good nature, then you may pass on your knowledge.

– Never misuse your skills on others or put yourself above them, as it only causes trouble. Practice kung fu to build a strong foundation for your body.

– Practice everyday and do not forsake its way.

Those who chose to break the rules of conduct and go against the Founder’s wishes traditionally had a choice: to either leave or have their Sifu assess the situation and make the ultimate decision on the practitioner’s status within the school. We continue that tradition today, and expect all our students to show respect, diligence, and humility at all times.

The image below is a photograph of the calligraphy listing the rules as translated above, which is always on display at the Sydney Headquarters school of Chan Family Choy Lee Fut. This is a piece of history, having been in the family for generations.

Only ever use the skills you learn for self-defence.

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