Kung Fu literally means to “work hard to develop a skill.”  Tai Chi means “grand ultimate.” This is the very essence of Kung Fu & Tai Chi training. You work hard to develop your skills with the techniques and also develop yourself physically and mentally to be the best (ultimate) that you can be. Kung fu is fast-paced and stresses self defense. Tai Chi is slow-paced and stresses relaxation.

 

The first benefit of Kung Fu & Tai Chi is the systematic self defense strategies that utilize a variety of combination techniques, joint locks, and pressure points. The basic principle of Kung Fu & Tai Chi self defense is to redirect an opponent’s force to put them in an unbalanced position while putting yourself in a balanced position to take control over the situation. Therefore, this allows a smaller individual to defeat even larger and stronger attackers. Kung Fu & Tai Chi never rely on one technique, but several to handle an attack. That way if one technique is blocked, the Kung Fu & Tai Chi practitioner is already executing the next one. The idea is to flow from one movement to the next without thought or hesitation.

 

The second great benefit of practicing Kung Fu & Tai Chi is health and fitness.  By health, I do not mean merely being free from illness; I mean an ability to eat with relish, to sleep soundly, to work energetically, to think clearly, and to be calm yet alert.  By fitness, I do not mean just the brute strength to do heavy work: I mean the ability to run and jump, to withstand heat, cold and wind in the open, to react speedily, to endure hard work, and to concentrate for some time without feeling fatigue.

 

Kung Fu & Tai Chi are better than other forms of exercise in promoting health and fitness.  In swimming, jogging and weight lifting, for example, the fitness acquired diminishes as one grows old, but in Kung Fu & Tai Chi it is actually enhanced.  This is because Kung Fu & Tai Chi is more than a physical exercise. Kung Fu & Tai Chi involves Chi Kung breathing exercises to improve the cardiovascular system. Specialized exercises for that promote flexibility and strength. Choreographed Solo Routines develop concentration, coordination, balance and smooth fluid movements.

 

The third benefit of Kung Fu & Tai Chi is character training. This character development is achieved through both the physical training and mental training. Physical training develops strength, flexibility, muscle tone, reflexes, relaxation, stress relief balance and coordination. Through the process of learning Kung Fu & Tai Chi, the student develops mentally with better discipline, concentration, confidence, integrity, persistence, leadership, courage and goal setting.

 

Kung Fu & Tai Chi developed from monks that observed various animals. They copied the essences of these animals to improve their health, mental conditioning and self defense to protect themselves and others from bandits and evil wrongdoers. The five major animals that helped develop and shape Kung Fu & Tai Chi are:

 

Animal	Physical	Mental
Tiger	Strength	Determination & Discipline
Dragon	Fluidity	Alertness & Concentration
Leopard	Speed	Patience & Understanding
Snake	Breathing	Temperance & Endurance
Crane	Balance	Control, Character & Spirit

 

Kung Fu & Tai Chi help you stay Fired Up, Fearless and Focused for Life