Your First Year at Our Martial Arts School: A Path to Mastery

Completing your first year of education at our Martial Arts School is a significant milestone, laying the foundation for a lifelong journey in Kung Fu. This year is carefully structured to guide you through the essential stages of martial arts training, ensuring you build a solid base in both physical and mental disciplines. Our Kung Fu school does not use a belt system, but it is important and highly recommended to understand your level and progress on your journey to mastery:

1. First 2 Months - Introduction Classes - White Sash "belt" Level:

In the beginning, you’ll immerse yourself in the benefits of Kung Fu, focusing on its impact on health and well-being. These classes provide a comprehensive introduction to key concepts like the Qigong system, Gun Fa (“body development”), Quan Fa (“martial arts movements”), and Ney Goon (“internal mental work”). This stage is designed to familiarize you with the foundational theories and techniques of Kung Fu.

2. Next 4 Months - Less Talking, More Action Classes - Yellow Sash "belt" Level:

After laying the groundwork, it’s time to move into action. These months are dedicated to physical training, where you'll sweat, build strength, and start adapting your body’s coordination to the demands of martial arts. You’ll also work on improving your basic physical condition and begin mastering the first 13 basic Kung Fu movements.

3. Final 6 Months - More Focus, Higher Quality Classes - Orange Sash "belt" Level:

As you progress, the emphasis shifts to refining your skills and deepening your understanding of Kung Fu. You’ll be expected to perform all 13 basic movements with precision, explain them in detail to your Master, and demonstrate each movement flawlessly at least 100 times. True mastery comes not just from repetition but from understanding and being able to articulate the purpose and technique behind each movement.

There is a list of the first basic Kung Fu movements that you can expect your Master to teach you in your first year of practice:

1. Neutral stance "Zhongli zhan". First what you learn on Kung Fu class it's that stance and then everything else. The neutral stance, also known as soto-hachiji-dachi in Karate, involves standing upright with feet parallel, shoulder-width apart, and toes open at a 45-degree angle. It's a foundational posture in martial arts, promoting agility for both offense and defense. In this stance, the legs are nearly straight, knees unlocked, allowing for stability and flexibility in movement. It's akin to the Wuji posture, aiming to clear the mind and relax the body while maintaining readiness for action.
2. The Vertical Fist Straight Punch is a fundamental technique in Kung Fu, known for its speed, precision, and directness. Unlike the traditional horizontal punch, the vertical fist punch is delivered with the fist aligned vertically, which allows for a quicker and more natural extension of the arm. This punch is executed with the whole body, generating power from the ground up through the legs, hips, and torso, ensuring maximum impact. The alignment of the fist also reduces the risk of injury to the wrist and maintains a compact guard. The Vertical Fist Straight Punch is not just a powerful strike but also a versatile technique that can be used effectively in close-quarters combat, making it an essential skill for any martial artist.
3. Straight Kick. Sometimes we using heels and sometimes bowl of the foot or even toes for these type of kicks, it’s all depend from your strategy, situation and enemy position. 
   The hill kick is stronger, but heavy, slower and shorter on the distance, which makes it perfect when your partner or Target closer to you. The bowl of the foot kick is best to use when you need kick further, faster with the goal of reaching out for a Target. And the kick with your toes will be best to use when partner is not ready and open for it, distance may be medium or long. 
   Straight Kick or Push Kick. In martial arts, there are three basic kicks that all novice practitioners learn first, the roundhouse kick, also known as a turning kick or a power angle kick, the side kick, also called a twist kick and the front kick also referred to as a straight kick or a push kick.
   Delivering a front kick involves raising the knee and foot of the striking leg to the desired height and extending the leg to contact the target. The strike is usually delivered by the ball of the foot for a forward kick or the top of the toes for an upward kick. Kung Fu practitioners utilize both the heel and bowl of the foot for striking. Various combat systems teach “general” front kicks using the heel or whole foot when footwear is on. Depending on the fighter’s tactical needs, a front kick may involve more or less body motion and thrusting with the hips is a common method of increasing both reach and power of the kick. The front kick is typically executed with the upper body straight and balanced. Front kicks are typically aimed at targets below the chest: stomach, thighs, groin, knees or lower. Highly skilled martial artists are often capable of striking head-level targets with front kicks...
4. The horse stance in Kung Fu, also known as "ma bu" in Chinese, is a fundamental posture characterized by a wide and stable stance with feet planted firmly on the ground, knees bent, and thighs parallel to the ground. The posture resembles that of riding a horse, hence the name. It's a foundational stance that enhances balance, stability, leg strength, and overall body coordination in martial arts practice.
5. This is demonstration of a Kung Fu regular upper palm block.It is a very helpful tool in Martial Arts arsenal. The palm block is a versatile martial arts technique utilized across various disciplines like Kung Fu, Karate or Taekwondo. Employing the palm of an open fist, practitioners deflect incoming attacks while retaining the ability to grasp their opponent. Despite its effectiveness, a potential drawback lies in the risk of finger injury if not executed correctly, especially against forceful strikes. In Chinese Kung Fu, blocking is more akin to striking the opponent's arm, aiming to damage and off-balance them with impactful follow-through movements. Due to its open-handed nature, the palm block is known for its swiftness and minimal tension, offering a rapid defense against formidable assaults or facilitating evasion when executed with precision.
6. In Kung Fu, the back stance, also known as the empty stance, is a fundamental posture where the majority of the body's weight is distributed on the back leg. This stance provides a stable foundation and enhances balance while allowing for quick, powerful movements and effective defense. The front leg is typically bent slightly and positioned forward, with the foot pointing straight or slightly outward, while the back leg is straight and firmly planted, ensuring that the body's weight is predominantly supported by it. This alignment not only stabilizes the practitioner but also facilitates a dynamic shift in weight and readiness for various techniques and transitions.
7. The Kung Fu Palm Heel Pressing Block is not only effective against upper body attacks but also proves invaluable in countering kicks and punches directed towards the lower body. Here’s how it applies: Versatility Against Kicks: When facing a kick aimed at the midsection or lower body, the practitioner can swiftly raise their arm and rotate their palm outward to intercept the kick. The palm heel meets the incoming force, effectively halting its momentum and redirecting it away. Defense Against Low Punches: Similarly, when confronted with punches aimed at the abdomen or lower regions, the Palm Heel Pressing Block can be employed to intercept and neutralize the attack. The palm heel absorbs the impact, allowing the defender to control and redirect the opponent’s force. Timing and Precision: Against lower body attacks, timing is crucial. The defender must anticipate the trajectory of the kick or punch and execute the block with precise timing to intercept the attack effectively. Transition to Counterattacks: Following a successful block, practitioners can capitalize on the opponent’s compromised position. This might involve counterstrikes to the opponent’s exposed areas or maneuvers to unbalance them, setting up for further defensive or offensive actions. Training and Application: In Kung Fu training, practitioners dedicate time to refine their ability to react swiftly and decisively against various attacks, including those targeting the lower body. Practice sessions often include drills that simulate different attack scenarios to enhance proficiency in using the Palm Heel Pressing Block. Overall, the Palm Heel Pressing Block’s utility extends beyond upper body defense, proving its effectiveness in safeguarding against kicks and low punches. Its integration into martial arts practice underscores its versatility and strategic value in combat situations.
8. In Kung Fu, the front stance, or "Zhengzi stance," is fundamental for stability and power. In this stance, the weight is primarily distributed over the front leg, which is bent at the knee to lower the body's center of gravity and enhance balance. The back leg remains straight and locked at the knee joint, providing a solid support structure and ensuring the body remains aligned. This configuration not only stabilizes the practitioner but also allows for effective movement and force generation. Proper execution of the front stance requires the front knee to be aligned with the toes and the back leg to be fully extended, creating a strong and stable base for various techniques and transitions.
9. The Horizontal Fist Straight Punch is a classic and powerful Kung Fu technique, widely recognized for its effectiveness in delivering forceful blows. In this punch, the fist is aligned horizontally, with the knuckles facing upward, allowing for a strong and stable connection with the target. The technique relies on generating power through a coordinated movement of the entire body, starting from the feet, rotating through the hips, and extending through the shoulder and arm. The horizontal alignment of the fist ensures a broad striking surface, maximizing the impact area. This punch is versatile and can be delivered from various angles, making it a fundamental technique for both offense and defense in martial arts. Mastery of the Horizontal Fist Straight Punch enhances overall punching power and is a key component in any well-rounded Kung Fu practice.
   
10. The Forearm Block Inside is a powerful and essential technique in many martial arts styles but specifically in Kung Fu, Karate and Tae Kwon Do, renowned for its effectiveness in deflecting incoming attacks. This movement involves a strong inward motion, where the forearm is used to block strikes aimed at the upper body. The key to this technique lies in the twisting effort of the arm as it moves inward, which not only adds strength to the block but also helps redirect the opponent’s force away from your centerline. This twisting action engages the muscles of the arm, shoulder, and core, creating a solid barrier against punches, kicks, or weapon strikes. The Forearm Block Inside is not just a defensive maneuver; its precise execution can unbalance the opponent, opening opportunities for counterattacks. As a fundamental technique in martial arts, it teaches the practitioner to blend strength with fluid motion, making it an indispensable skill for both beginners and advanced martial artists alike.
    
11. The Short Uppercut is a dynamic and explosive Kung Fu technique, perfect for close-quarters combat. This movement involves a swift upward punch delivered from a low position, targeting an opponent’s chin, jaw, or torso. Unlike a wide-swinging uppercut, the Short Uppercut is compact, allowing for quick execution with minimal telegraphing. The power behind the Aperkot comes from a sharp upward drive, utilizing the legs, hips, and core to generate force. The punch is delivered with the fist traveling a short distance, making it highly effective in tight spaces where a full swing isn't possible. The Short Uppercut is a versatile tool in any martial artist's repertoire, combining speed, power, and precision to deliver a knockout blow in close combat scenarios.
    
12. The Short Hook is a compact yet powerful technique designed for close-range combat. Unlike longer-range punches, the Short Hook relies on a tight, circular motion to generate force, making it ideal for striking an opponent in confined spaces or when up close. The power of the Short Hook comes from the rotational movement of the hips and shoulders, with the arm bent at a 90-degree angle and the fist traveling a short distance to its target. This technique is not only effective for its speed and surprise but also for its ability to target vulnerable areas such as the jaw or ribs with precision. The Short Hook is a crucial part of any martial artist's arsenal, offering a blend of power, accuracy, and efficiency in situations where space and time are limited.
    
13. The Diagonal Hammer. This movement is a powerful Kung Fu technique characterized by its dynamic and forceful execution. This move involves a diagonal strike delivered with the side of the hand or forearm, often combined with a stepping motion to enhance its impact and momentum. The practitioner generates force by rotating the torso and pivoting on the back foot, creating a diagonal angle that targets an opponent's vulnerable areas. The technique is not only effective in striking but also in deflecting incoming attacks, making it a versatile component of a martial artist's arsenal. Mastery of the Diagonal Hammer requires precise timing, coordination, and the ability to leverage body mechanics for maximum force.

During your first year of Kung Fu education, you will not only learn individual martial arts movements but also begin practicing them in short combinations. This step is crucial as it helps you develop coordination and balance through smooth transitions, enhances the quality of your technique, and builds cardio endurance and correct breathing patterns. Practicing combinations allows you to integrate multiple skills simultaneously, laying a strong foundation for more complex techniques.

• First KungFu Basic Combination from Neutral Stance

This combination performed from neutral stance. With 2 different martial art movements: straight punch, and the front leg short kick.

Kung fu leaves no stone unturned on the path towards health and wellness. Martial Arts technique improves our coordination and our movement.

With a clear mind and a healthy body, we can experience and appreciate the world around us in all its beauty. 

• First Kung Fu Basic Combination from Horse Stance

There are several variations of it but this one “from horse stance” is the most popular and most hard one. Cardio workout is great and even greater when you practice it on heavy bag. This combination concludes punches with horizontal fists and vertical fist, and also conclude straight, basic kick. A dip position and transition of your weight from leg to leg provides work on the balance, especially when you kicking, because you need to stand only on one leg :)

Practicing technique allows you to distinguish between what works, and what doesn’t. Improving your skills as a martial artist demands that you be completely honest with yourself. Practicing of the basic technique is the most important in martial arts and requires lots of your everyday patience…

In this way, the martial artist comes to know himself (or herself), and so he (or she) can truly express himself (or herself). This expression births artistry.

• First Kung Fu Basic Combination from Fight Stance

This combination performed from fight stance. With 3 different martial art movements: straight punch, then cross punch via the other side and the front leg kick.

Interaction with the heavy bag work teaches you practice technique with more emotional content and gives great power and cardio workout. Through that practice you'll get the development of emotional control and will greatly decreases stress. All of this is Kung Fu: a martial art that guards our physical and emotional health and is, in fact, an art of life.

Additionally, you will start practicing your first weapon—the stick or staff, which is typically a brow-level weapon. This training is essential for developing upper body strength, particularly in the forearms, as well as improving overall coordination. The skills you acquire with the stick will make it easier to learn techniques with other weapons, giving you the confidence to handle any weapon you choose to master next. The discipline and precision required for weapon training will further solidify your martial arts foundation, ensuring well-rounded development.

FAQ: Please click on the links below to watch the short video answers.

What's the point of practicing basic technique? 

How this Kung Fu basic technique is going to work in the real situation?

Grand Master Kung Fu Valery Prosvirov explained just by demonstrating the quality and power of Martial Arts Technique...