"The number one good technique is to attack your opponent’s balance."
"In training, put your mind on your technique. In fighting, put your technique on your opponent"
-Grand master Wai-lun Choi
"We call this journey mastery, and tend to assume that it requires a special ticket available only to those born with exceptional abilities. But mastery is not reserved for the super talented or even for those who are fortunate enough to have gotten an early start. It’s available to anyone who is willing to get on the path and stay on it."
-George Leonard
Completion of the 12 Animal forms and permission from the instructor are prerequisites for Level II and Level III. These classes contains both solo and partner work.
The twelve animals are the foundation practice of Liu Ho Pa Fa (six harmonies and eight methods), an internal martial art developed by Chen Hay-I, a noted mathematician and Taoist who lived in Shansi province in the 10th century during the Sung dynasty.
Liu Ho Pa Fa is still relatively unknown as it has only recently begun to be taught publicly. Because of this fact, the style's lineage and teachings have retained a high level of integrity and authenticity. Wai-lun Choi is the current lineage holder of the style from whom we at the studio received our training. Choi succeeded Chan Yik-Yan, the previous grandmaster.
The 12 Animals practice consists of twelve short forms based on the fighting techniques, instincts, and spirit of various animals. The forms train the body to move harmoniously externally and internally. External harmony refers to the coordination of hands and feet, elbows and knees, shoulders and hips. Internal harmony refers to the coordination of mind and reflexes, qi and power. In addition to the solo practice, each animal contains a wealth of applications including strikes, locks, and throws based on the movement of each animal.
Level II includes instruction in the Mothers & Sons form.
Level II
Mother and Sons Linked Fist Form (Gee Mo Lin Wan Kuen)
Seven variations on ‘Battering Ram Fist.’ This form teaches sensitivity, sticking, trapping, strikes, locks and throws as variations on a single technique. Includes solo and partner practices. Prerequisite: 12 Animals.
Level III
Main Form (Jook Gae )
Sections 1 and 2
This advanced form teaches how to harmoniously integrate long sequences of techniques into a variety of fighting situations. Includes solo and partner practices.
Prerequisite: Levels I and II