The Australian School of Kung Fu
and Tai Chi
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Chow Gar Training
There are numerous training methods that students of Chow Gar Tong Long
(Southern Praying Mantis) kung fu
will participate in. These are:
- Conditioning. Involves two students striking each
other's palms, forearms, stomach, back, chest, and neck to make
these areas tough and hard. This allows the student to withstand
the pain and damage associated with being hit. It also enables
the student to deliver strikes that deal more damage to an opponent.
Many martial artists train without knowing what it's like to
be hit. If you are not conditioned to withstand this, getting
hit in a fight can be a shock and may lead to your defeat.
- Tui Sau (also known as Chy Sau). Often referred to as "push hands" or
the "grinding arm", tui sau develops the strength
of the bridge and helps to improve one's
breathing, control, and sensitivity. Tui sau is a fundamental Chow Gar training
technique and is essential for developing short-range striking
power.
- Jong Training. Jongs involve two people that practise
predetermined moves against one another, striking each other
with moderate force. This is designed to improve one's understanding
of the techniques, timing of impact, stability, footwork, control,
and accuracy. Jong training can be performed with or without
weapons.
- Sparring. Similar to jongs, however the moves in sparring
are not predetermined. This is the one of the most realistic
Chow Gar training methods. Again, there is typically moderate levels of
contact.
- Pad Work. Involves striking a series of moving targets
(pads) in a single or combination manner. The pads are sometimes
held by multiple opponents to simulate group fighting. Pad work
is designed to develop maximum power and aggression while improving
one's cardiovascular fitness.
- Forms. A series of techniques strung together and
designed to improve one's concentration, co-ordination, breathing,
stability, and internal strength. Forms
can be performed unarmed or with weapons.
- Chi Kung. At advanced levels, chi kung forms are taught
to students. Chi kung is a traditional Chinese exercise which
helps students breath correctly, develop inner power (chi),
and improve dynamic muscular strength.
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