Beginning Kung Fu Basics
Kung Fu requires an understanding of the body, especially our own. Therefore in kung fu, we start with the most important practices that we can do all day, every day: breathing and posture. We then take it to the next step to learn flexibility and lower body strength.
Breathing is usually taken for granted, but to learn how to breathe for health, qi flow, martial ability takes a long time to become efficient. We use reverse breathing to maximize all of these attributes.
Posture is learning how to move the body efficiently with least effort with maximum strength. Posture also teaches us how to balance, relax and stay healthy. Good posture also helps qi flow which will keep us alert, strong, and live long.
Flexibility helps prevent injuries, enhances speed, and allows for greater qi flow. We have about 650 muscles in the body, all of which connect to and layer over each other. Stretching gives us the time to learn how to use the muscles with great strength without having to be a body builder. It is at the base of every movement we make, therefore starting it at the beginning is essential.
Lower body strength is the strength that grounds us to the earth. Most Americans have weak legs because we sit to drive the car, sit to eat, sit to work at the computer etc... We now very rarely get to strengthen our most powerful muscles. Lower body strength also helps us learn to relax, breathe easier, and balance. Also, our upper body's strength directly relies on the strength of our lower body.
Stance work teaches us to understand how our weight goes into the ground. It also teaches us how to move our body with maximum strength with minimal effort.
Stance work depends on standing meditation known as zhan zhuang in Chinese. Zhan zhuang is a way to learn balance, relaxation, breathing, qi flow, and develop powerful leg strength. In every class, we practice the most basic zhan zhuang called the horse stance or ma bu. 95% of all martial arts in the world use some stance similar to a horse stance in everyday practice. It is difficult and takes time to cultivate. Most students do not enjoy zhan zhuang at first, but after they see the development of leg strength, relaxation, and ease of movement, everyone starts to enjoy practicing it.
Instructor: Master Jonathan Snowiss
Cost: $110regular or $90 discount twice a week per month -- $60 regular or $45 discount once a week per month
Schedule
- Tuesday at 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM.
If you are interested in attending this class please contact us and let us know.