External Kung Fu Techniques

The Bak Fu (White Tiger) style incorporates techniques from the external styles of Kung Fu including Choy Lay Fut and northern Shaolin Eagle Claw.

Kung Fu

Kung fu and wushu are popular terms that have become synonymous with Chinese martial arts. However, the Chinese terms kung fu (Chinese: 功夫 pinyin: gōngfū) and wushu (Traditional Chinese: 武術; Simplified Chinese: 武术) have very distinct connotations. Each term can describe a different martial arts traditions and can also be used in a context without referencing martial arts. Colloquially, kung fu (or gong fu) alludes to any individual accomplishment or cultivated skill. In contrast, wushu is a more precise term that refers to general martial activities. The term wushu has also become the name for a modern sport similar to gymnastics involving the performance of adapted Chinese bare-handed and weapons forms (tàolù 套路) judged to a set of contemporary aesthetic criteria for points.

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Shaolin

Ever since 1669, when Huang Zongxi first described Chinese martial arts in terms of a Shaolin or "external" school versus a Wudang or "internal" school, "Shaolin" has been used as a synonym for "external" Chinese martial arts regardless of whether or not the particular style in question has any connection to the Shaolin Monastery. In 1784 the Boxing Classic: Essential Boxing Methods made the earliest extant reference to the Shaolin Monastery as Chinese boxing's place of origin. Since the beginning of the 17th century, the Shaolin Monastery garnered such fame that many martial artists have capitalized on its name by claiming possession of the original, authentic Shaolin teachings.

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Choy Lay Fut

Choy Lee Fut is an integrated system of diverse knowledge that combines traditional Chinese martial arts (kung fu) with traditional Chinese medical practices and the arts of Qigong and Tai Chi.

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

Choy Lee Fut has a tradition deeply rooted within the martial arts of the Shaolin Temple. Chan Heung, our founder, spent 20 years learning his art from his three mentors: Chan Yeun Wu, Lee Yau Shan and monk Choy Fook, before combining his knowledge into one effective and comprehensive system. Chan Heung called it Choy Lee Fut to commemorate his teachers and the Buddhist origin of the art (Fut means Buddha in Cantonese).

The Choy Lee Fut system has over 190 forms classified into three levels of learning, these forms include the following:

Traditional fist forms and weaponry, either in solo forms or two person sparring sets
Shaolin wooden dummy forms for hand techniques and weaponry
Sand bag techniques and forms
Qi Qong forms and traditional Chinese medical theories
Lion dance sets

The external sets are harder and faster, designed to condition, increase stamina and benefit muscle and bone structure. The internal sets are slower, flowing and more relaxed. They promote internal organ harmony, correct breathing and a healthier stronger body.