Kung Fu Styles Taught at AKFA
Chang Chuan (Long Fist)
Chang Chuan is known as “Long Fist” boxing. As the name implies, it is characterized by very elongated movements of the body. This style is often taught in China to the youth to increase their motor skills, strength, and flexibility. Chang Chuan is a graceful and proud system of northern Kung Fu that has many variations. Styles like Cha Chuan, Hua Chuan, and many others are in this broad category of Long Fist. At American Kung Fu Academy we teach this dynamic system to both youth and adults as a means of an introduction to Kung Fu so that our members will gain greater range of motion and learn continuity of movement. The sets are energy intensive which will promote strength and stamina!
Chut Sing Tang Lang (Seven Star Praying Mantis)
The Praying Mantis style of Kung Fu was founded by Wang Lang in China. After observing the aggressive and tenacious praying mantis insect, Wang Lang mimicked its movements and created a devastating system of fighting. The Seven Star system is the most popular style of Mantis Kung Fu. It is noted for its extremely fast hand techniques and agile foot movements of the monkey. Many great fighters from China were exponents of the Seven Star Praying Mantis system. At our kwoon, we begin teaching this system to students at the intermediate level of training. Many of our adult members will gain efficient self defense from this no-nonsense method of Kung Fu that relies on subduing adversaries quickly. The movements have been passed down for generations and it is considered our premiere style at American Kung Fu Academy.
Chin-Na (Seizing and Controlling)
Chin Na is the Chinese art of seizing and controlling an opponent. Chin Na techniques are actually found within many Kung Fu systems and consist of special grappling and pressing techniques whose basic purpose is to control a person. Chin Na techniques grab, control and lock the opponent’s joints or muscles/tendons so he cannot move, thus neutralizing his fighting ability. Also, realistic escapes encompass the techniques of Chin Na. Many times, an opponent may not have to be struck to neutralize his attack. This could be quite useful to our youth (i.e. to quell the “fight” at school) and adult members. At American Kung Fu Academy we teach to strike only when necessary, thus, Chin Na techniques become an integral part of our institution.