Curriculum
This traditional system of Gong-fu contains a vast array of exercises, forms, culture and philosophy. It is suitable for both men and women alike and is composed of various aspects. To give one an overview, they have been grouped into three main areas below. The student will spend roughly two-thirds of their time learning, practicing and perfecting the first aspect; which is:
Includes:
· Jiben gong or ‘basic training’ which includes: stretching, kicking and standing stake exercises.
· Exercises such as: Mao gong (Cat exercise), Long zhao gong (Dragon claw exercise), Sha dai gong (Sand bag exercises) and so on.
· Internal breathing exercises, Taoist health exercises, beating exercises and Iron palm.
Students commence with learning exercises which increase the flexibility of the waist, followed by leg exercises. The first part of which is stretching the legs. Through continuous practice the flexibility and elasticity of tendons and muscles is increased, which enhances the range of movement in the joints. This in turn improves the speed of techniques. The increased flexibility also makes injuries less likely to occur during training. The second part, involves learning the general kicks found in northern gong-fu styles, as well as the specialised kicks of Seven Stars Praying Mantis. By practicing the many different kicking techniques overall co-ordination, flexibility, power and control of the legs increase.
The student will then commence learning a standing stake exercise. This involves learning eight postures. Standing still in these various stances for prolonged periods helps cultivate our Qi or ‘energy’. It increases the muscular power of the legs, developing deep roots, providing the student with a strong foundation upon which the rest of the style can be built.
Includes:
· Hand forms
· Two person hand forms
· Weapon forms
· Two person weapon forms
These are a series of techniques linked fluidly together. They incorporate the many theories of the style. They develop and improve co-ordination, balance, stamina, speed and focus. Through learning the forms you are actually learning how to defend and attack as every technique has a practical application. Two person hand forms, this is where the form is practiced with a partner. These give the student a sense of making contact with a live opponent, which develops sensitivity and the ability to ‘listen’ to or ‘sense’ your partner’s energy and intention. The forms contain a vast array of techniques which peak the student’s interest and acts as a transitory stage between hand forms and free-sparring.
Weapon forms, these introduce students to the various weapons found in Seven Stars Praying Mantis. Weapons act as a mere extension of ourselves and therefore increase our range. Weapons develop strength and focus. Before starting to practice weaponry the student must have a good standard of basic training. Each form has techniques that are unique to that particular weapon. As the student progresses the complexity of the weapon and their forms increase. There are also a numerous amount of two person weapon forms. Combined, these single person and partner forms provide the basis of all weapon fighting skills and techniques.
Includes:
· Free-Sparring with and without weapons
Having covered the previous stages, students who wish to learn free-sparring begin with learning various two person drills. Although students often do not realise it at the time these drills are the first step in learning Praying Mantis free-sparring. Later students may also go on to learn free sparring with weapons.
魁德堂七星螳螂拳套路
Kui De Tang Seven Stars Praying Mantis Hand Forms
Seven Stars Praying Mantis hand forms may be divided into three categories namely; elementary, intermediate and advanced. Below is a list of the elementary hand forms that are taught at our school.
No. |
Chinese |
Pinyin |
|
|
|
1. |
插捶 |
Cha Chui |
2. |
小返車 |
Xiao Fanche |
3. |
大返車 |
Da Fanche |
4. |
轆轆 |
Lu Lu |
5. 6. |
古而存 |
Gu Er Cui |
7. |
拙刚 |
Zhuo Gang |
8. |
十八搜 |
Shiba Sou |
9. |
柔靈 |
Rou Ling |
10. |
單插花 |
Dan Chahua |
11. |
雙插花 |
Shuang Chahua |
12. 13. 14. 15. 16. |
五路連手 |
Wu Lu Lian Shou |
17. |
接拳 |
Jie Quan |