THE ARTS
 

PHILOSOPHY
 
Internal Martial Arts are unique in that they do not emphasize merely the physical side, but stress the mind and in training and virtue in action. 
 
While physicality is an important factor in a physical confrontation, the body clearly has limitations.  The mind, however, has none and is the “muscle” that separates us from the external martial arts.  Focusing on understanding, and awareness, allows us to move with minimal physical tension, which leads to internal power.  Contrary to popular myth, there is nothing magical about the internal arts; no “chi” that will send you flying without being touched.  Developing internal power (or chi) is based on science, anatomy and physiology.  As Sun Lu Tang often said:  “the secret of martial arts is practice, practice, practice.”
 
Martial virtue is an integral component of Internal Martial Arts.  In fact, learning to fight for most people is an obsolete, useless activity, except when practiced with the end toward developing virtue.  A practitioner’s intent must be pure, the mind calm, the action in harmony with the stimulus.  Our training aims at producing a pure intent, calm mind, and harmonious responses – not only in fighting but in everyday life.  Thus, training at the Kung Fu School for some goes beyond mere “fighting” or exercise, but becomes a way of life which is an end in itself.

Hsing I, an aggressive style aiming to occupy your enemy’s territory, is an excellent introduction to the internal side of fighting.  Apparently “hard” on the outside, Hsing I aims to develop internal softness and mental calmness.  Daily practice of Hsing I will reduce bodily tension and stress which obstruct movement, thereby facilitating speed, balance, strength, and equanimity – which comprise the grace needed for internal power.
 
Tai Chi, is a much better known internal martial art, with its emphasis on grace, balance and absorbing.  Widely practiced as a means of health development, very few practitioners are able to “use” Tai Chi in a hostile situation.  At the Kung Fu School, we train martial Tai Chi, which allows us to use the art martially but amplifies the health and meditative benefits.
 
Ba Gua, is a relatively modern martial art which teaches us to derive power from the coiling of the body.  Its effectiveness results from its emphasis on allowing the practitioner to adapt to change.  This style is reputed for its effectiveness when fighting multiple opponents and is widely hailed as a high level martial art.