Level 1

Continued…

All Forms interlink and are backward compatible with each other, a student whom can perform the L4 Form, finds their ability with the L1 Form, will have improved markedly. The reasons for this are 2 fold:

• Increased flexibility and correct technique
• Approaching the 'old form' with a different perspective will improve L1 and visa–versa

As there is no short method of learning the style, a student must first spend considerable time learning the associated basic moves and punches in what is known in the martial arts world as a "long-fist" pattern. The basis behind this is to have the student learn their balance and striking / blocking range in different positional scenarios. The constant repetitions of the basic moves are usually acknowledged by the students in the same frustrated manner (Aprrox. 6 month's). Typically a student queries in the lines of, "My balance is getting worse?" The answer to this remark was best summed up by Sifu, "No, your balance always like that, you just realise now." The main correction points at this early stage are mainly structural, in that much emphasis is placed on the back and shoulders being kept straight, correct footwork, and natural breathing. This style of Kung Fu utilises natural bio–mechanics and flexibility which helps maintain a healthy body for ones life. Once the warm ups have been completed, the first of the "long-fist" patterns are performed. This pattern utilises the 4 basic punches used in Yueh Jia Quan Kung Fu and is colloquially known as 4–Punch.

The 4–Punch pattern maintains correct posture and helps to keep the vertical axis of the body vertical. A common technical flaw an untrained person will carry out is, on attack or defense lean back or forward with their head in an anticipated defense or attack, thus, reducing their balance and striking / defending power. This style is ultimately an internal art, therefore, no winding-up with punches, blocks et cetera are required. Another quote from Sifu was, "A fish never swims back to go forward, it just goes forward." The seemingly simple design of 4–Punch should always be executed with humility, and confidence.

Humility

The morality of action may be defined as how the martial artist should behave outwardly to the world. Five important traits compose the morality of action: they are humility, respect, righteousness, trust, and loyalty. The student should commit these ideals to memory. The following quote is from a very old source without an author and is considered to be one of the standards in Chinese learning fundamentals: "humility gains and pride loses." When a person is humble they admit, in a sense, that there exists something above them or at the moment something beyond their reach. This attitude when closely examined is the foundation for all learning. If a student felt adequate and satisfied (pride) with what they had learned, then the ability to reach out beyond their scope would be destroyed. By being humble, the martial artist realise's that what they know is next to nothing; there is always a gap to fill in by constant learning and practice. In this way "humility gains" by instilling this in the martial artist mind, the understanding that they are incomplete in their ability and thus must keep striving for perfection. The final outcome is a better student in mind and ability.

From the above it is easy to see why "pride loses." Pride creates a feeling of satisfaction and adequacy. A mental block is created by giving the martial artist a false sense of achievement. The result is that growth and ability come to a halt. If the student thinks that they are good, then why should they practice as hard? If the student isn't humble, there is no way to improve and reach high levels of ability; morality goes hand-in-hand with achievement.

Fundamentals

• L1 – DBW
• L2 – GKB
• L3 – TDDS
• L4 – Eagle Claw
• L5 – Tiger Claw