United Martial Concepts

Kung fu Principles: How Kung Fu Differs From Karate

There are 10 theories, or principles, that separate Chinese Boxing from all other forms of Martial Arts or sport (i.e. Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Judo, Wrestling, Thai Boxing, etc):

1. Root= Sinking and relaxing; using the ground as a lever. Foundation (all inclusive – Pushes – Rooting in movement – Maintaining root)

2. Yield= The ability not to resist force: helps achieve the four oz. theory (all inclusive – Pushes – In Tai Chi).

3. Cede= Press and stick: using forward pressure to stick to an opponent. This means control and fewer options for the opponent.

4. Unitary Theory= Every part of the body working in unison (as one): non-segmented energy. The study of Tan Tien (source of power) and Tsun Kwan (source of speed).

5. Centeredness= Always being aware and attacking an opponent’s center line. When being attacked, giving an opponent a false center (All inclusive – Pushes). Center line does not change; Central line constantly changes.

6. Body State= The position of the body when yielding, rooting, ceding, and being unitary. Understanding Yin and Yang states as well as extremes.

7. Line and Angle= The study of the importance of the degree of angle without leaving oneself vulnerable to counter attack (pursuing the four oz. theory).

8. 6-9 Theory (Changeability)= No excess – learn to throw tremendous force without overextending; the ability to yield and simultaneously stick to an opponent, maintaining the ability to change, avoiding extremes in all movement.

9. Projection= Converting Chi into Ching. Throwing energy from inside the body (Chi) to a point outside the body (Ching) with focus. Coordinate the “sloshing” of bodily fluids on impact as a wave would crash into an object and knock it over with its force.

10. Mind Hit= Distraction of an opponent’s mind with pain or movement. Take an opponent’s mind out of the fight, and there is no resistance.

These theories, or principles, must be mastered in order to truly understand the “real” martial art of Kung Fu. Every “technique” should be a reaction to an opponent’s threat(s), not a preconceived idea, and should include all of these principles. Only then can the Martial Artist be called Master.

“A teacher has taught when he teaches one to teach himself.”-Grand Master Jack Lannom