external Styles
External styles are the most recognizable Chinese martial arts in the world. Their movements are often fast and explosive in nature. Due to this, there is a focus on physical strength and agility in all of the movements. Training for these styles focuses on muscular power, speed, and applications.
Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu | 七星螳螂拳
There are quite a few legends surrounding the creation of the Praying Mantis Style, however, during the Song Dynasty (960-1279) a consensus has been established that the Mantis Fist was first created by Master Wang Lang(王郎) at the request of Abbot Fu Ju (福居, 1203-1275) when he brought together eighteen masters to improve the martial arts of Shaolin. After the Song Dynasty fell much of the documentation was lost to the ages until a manuscript depicting the martial art styles was found in 1794. It is at this point where Master Yun can trace the history of his martial arts style that he now teaches in his studio.
Chuo Jiao & Fanzi Quan | 戳腳和翻子拳
Chou Jiao and Fanzi Quan are uniquely connected. They are essentially opposite sides of the same coin when it comes to training practices. Each form focuses on the same movements but from completely opposite directions. Chuo Jiao utilizes a combination of jumps, quick kicks, and fast fists throughout its forms to generate power. A unique characteristic of this style is that the practitioner uses their feet and hand strikes in unison to find openings in the opponent’s defense. Fanzi Quan is much more linear and focuses on generating a flurry of quick fist attacks which are accented by specifically timed kicks.
Shaolin Mantis kung fu| 少林螳螂拳
Shaolin Mantis Kung Fu is a very practical fighting style. It contains few showy or extraneous movements. It emphasizes powerful direct attacks, using all parts of the body - head, shoulders, knees and elbows, along with punches and kicks.