Dragon Shape Kung Fu introductory lecture

Grandmaster Wu introduces Lung Ying kung fu to Sifu Barry Pang’s Wing Chun students, impressing on them that this is a lifelong endeavour.

In the early 1990s, Lung Ying Grandmaster Wu Hua Tai sought to transfer knowledge to a compatible school in Australia. What followed was many years of residency with Barry Pang Kung Fu. 

At this lecture, held at a training camp in 1995, Wu Sigung spoke in Chinese with Anne Pang providing English translations. He demonstrated and spoke about the foundational Lung Ying techniques. Follows is a transcript of the English translations and a video excerpt showing the 80-year-old master demonstrating power development on some young students.

Introduction

Wing Chun and Lung Ying (Dragon Shape) kung fu are for the health of the body. A secondary benefit is self defence. 

There are many styles of Chinese martial arts, but all are concerned with only two arms and two legs. Before gunpowder was invented martial arts was very useful in protecting yourself and your country.

Many kung fu styles come from animals, but Lung Ying is based on a mythical creature. My theory is that many of the movements imitate those of a snake. Lung Ying requires agility, relaxation and looseness. In that way it is very similar to Wing Chun.

Like Wing Chun, the origins of Lung Ying are closely linked to the Shaolin buddhist monastery in Southern China.

Forms

The principle forms practiced in Lung Ying are: 

• Sup Luk Dun, 十六动
• Sam Tung, 三通 — Demonstration video
• Ying Jow, 鹰爪
• Ng Ma Gwai Choi, 五马归槽 — Demonstration video
• Lung Ying Mor Kil, 龙形摩桥
• Mui Fa Cha Lu, 梅花七路

There are also weapons forms. 

There are so many techniques in Lung Ying. So many that it can overwhelm the brain. I have Learnt more than 20 forms during my lifetime (from Lung Ying and other styles). I hope you learn and never forget. Keep practicing. 

In China Lung Ying is a very prestigious style. Its advantage is in shape of the hips (tucked) with a straight back and fast hands.

The basics

Na Ma is the first basic technique in which you start to develop footwork and leg strength. First you practice with hands on hips, later adding various hand techniques and learning to coordinate the upper and lower body.

In Na Ma stepping your upper body must be very loose, but legs very tight. Don’t drag your feet on the floor. You must have good footwork to get power into your hands. It’s like having strong tree-like roots planted to the ground.

your upper body must be very loose, but legs very tight

Then learn the Chuk Sarm Dim partner work. You have to practice this a lot, then learn the forms. Your hands must be relaxed during this partner work. When practicing your martial arts you must be very, very relaxed. Relaxed, fast, powerful. Also practice your claw, or fingertip strength. Nothing becomes good without practice.

Practice breathing. Breathe out through the mouth. Your breathing must be silent.

Conclusions

Understand your body. Learn about pressure points. Kung fu provides whole body exercise, unlike other sports. It massages all of your internal organs when you practice the forms. It is an external muscle workout whilst providing internal organ massage. 

Your techniques must look graceful, be practical and also be good for your health.

I have very little knowledge compared to all of the university students in the room today. Think about your training. You may hear about mystical things like Chi Gong power – use your brain to judge the truth in theories like that. My view is that this only goes as far as circulating chi in the body, to help with illness.

Take training seriously and for your lifetime. Remember that kung fu is not for making money. Pocket money, yes, but don’t expect it to be a money-making machine. I hope you can spread the art in future. If one day you run your own organisations, I would like to come to all of your camps.

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See also

• Grandmaster Wu Hua Tai (in memoriam)
• Sam Tung, 三通 — Demonstration video
  
• Ng Ma Gwai Choi, 五马归槽 — Demonstration video