Basic Longfist Kung Fu
This three-part course focuses primarily on Northern Shaolin Longfist Kung Fu and is intended to introduce new students to the concepts and training methods fundamental to Kung Fu study. Longfist Kung Fu is an excellent introductory style, since its large, extended movements are not overly complex and are relatively easy for the new student to learn.
Students start by learning the basics and are gradually introduced to more challenging movements and techniques. Students who complete all three parts of this course are welcome to continue their study in our ongoing Standard Program (details coming soon).
We teach three parts to this course, each 15 classes in length:
Basic Longfist Kung Fu 1
Stretches, Basic Exercises and Stance Training
Punching, Kicking and Movement Exercises
Linked-step Fist (Lian Bu Chuan)
Basic Longfist Kung Fu 2
Stretches, Basic Exercises and Stance Training
Punching, Kicking and Movement Exercises
Tantuei, sequences 1 and 2
Power-training Fist (Gong Li Chuan)
Basic Longfist Kung Fu 3
Stretches, Basic Exercises and Stance Training
Punching, Kicking and Movement Exercises
Tantuei, sequences 3 and 4
Coiling Dragon Staff (Pan Long Gwun)
Tantuei (“Springing Legworks”, 彈腿) are a set of short movement sequences that contain many of the techniques found throughout the Longfist Kung Fu style. They are learned individually, and are then practiced as a combined set at different speeds. Traditionally they have been used to familiarize beginners to movements typical of the style and to help establish a strong foundation for higher levels of study.
Linked-step Fist (Lian Bu Chuan, 連步拳) and Power-training Fist (Gong Li Chuan, 功力拳) are the foundational empty-hand forms of the Longfist Kung Fu style. The first emphasizes step, coordination and balance, while the second adds a focus on producing power while maintaining stability. Selected martial applications are also practiced while learning both these forms.
Coiling Dragon Staff (Pan Long Gwun, 盤龍棍) is a Southern Shaolin staff form included in this series of classes because it is the most fundamental weapon form we teach. Weapon forms help develop a better sense of space, train greater precision in movement, and impart a better understanding of the extension of power, which also applies directly to empty-hand techniques.
For more information on Longfist Kung Fu, please refer to the Northern Shaolin Chang Chuan section on the page on Kung Fu.
This program is open to:
Adults (18 and over)
For details on Basic Longfist Kung Fu classes currently being offered, their times and locations, please refer to the information in the column to the right.
Introductory Tai Chi & Chi Kung
This program is designed for those new to Tai Chi and Chi Kung. Students will learn stretches, basic movement exercises and fundamental Chi Kung exercises, will practice single movements from the Tai Chi form, and will learn the first and second segments of the Traditional Yang Style Tai Chi Long Form. These segments are of perfect length for new students, and can be practiced as a complete set. The remainder of the form, the third segments is taught to students enrolled in our ongoing Tai Chi & Chi Kung classes.
We teach three parts to this course, each 10 classes in length:
Introductory Tai Chi & Chi Kung 1
Stretching and Basic Exercises
Chi Kung exercises 1-3
Single Movement Practice
Yang Style Tai Chi Long Form (segment 1)
Introductory Tai Chi & Chi Kung 2
Stretches and Basic Exercises
Chi Kung exercises 4-5
Single Movement Practice
Yang Style Tai Chi Long Form (segment 2, first half)
Introductory Tai Chi & Chi Kung 3
Stretches and Basic Exercises
Chi Kung exercise 6
Single Movement Practice
Yang Style Tai Chi Long Form (segment 2, second half)
Stretches and Basic Exercises
Each class starts with a series of stretches to help loosen and condition the body. These are followed by basic exercises that help relax the body and joints, and focus the mind.
Chi Kung
Six Chi Kung exercises will be introduced to help students develop proper breathing methods and deeper internal awareness.
Single Movement Practice
Selected movements from the Yang Tai Chi form are practiced individually to help students develop a greater understanding of the subtleties of movement and greater harmony between mind and body.
Yang Style Tai Chi
Students in this program will learn the first half of the Yang Tai Chi (Long Form, parts 1 and 2 of 3), which is of adequate length for beginning and intermediate level students to practice as a complete set. The remainder of the Yang Tai Chi Form (part 3) can be learned in our ongoing Intermediate Yang Tai Chi classes, which are offered periodically.
This program is open to:
Adults (18 and over)
For details on Introductory Tai Chi & Chi Kung classes currently being offered, their times and locations, please refer to the information in the column on the right side of the screen.
