Welcome to American Kung Fu Academy!!
Congratulations! We would like to personally commend you on the decision of joining the finest martial arts program in the southern region!
We are dedicated to providing the foremost in quality Kung Fu instruction that emphasizes individual achievement of health in both mind and body. American Kung Fu Academy is dedicated to bringing you authentic Chinese Martial Arts instruction in a traditional manner but with a modern flavor.
Our purpose is to furnish you with a distinct and systemized program from which you can obtain many benefits. Furthermore, our structured system will help assist you in keeping accurate records of your progression.
Chief Master Instructor
Sifu Chuck Perry
I would like to introduce you to our Academy and basic introductory program. I truly believe that we offer the finest martial arts program anywhere. I am very serious about the program and the many benefits that Kung Fu has to offer. Our primary goal is to meet the individual needs of our students. Our family-oriented programs & professional instructors are all designed to help you achieve your goals in learning the fascinating art of Kung Fu. I believe in instilling respect, humility and discipline to make an important difference in our society of tomorrow.
What is Kung Fu
Kung-Fu is the traditional Chinese martial art practiced by millions of people in China, as well as in other countries. Almost all of the other Asian martial arts have been derived from or were greatly influenced by Chinese Kung-Fu. Thus, Kung-Fu can be said to be the “mother system” of almost all the martial arts. Kung-Fu is an all-encompassing martial art, whereas most other forms are narrower in scope. Japanese Karate-Do deals mainly with punching, blocking, and kicking. Japanese Judo deals mainly with throws and locks. Korean Tae Kwon Do deals mainly with empty hand and kick techniques. Chinese Kung-Fu has empty hands, kicks, blocks, throws and joint-locks as well as weapon techniques, and finally healing skills. Kung-Fu truly covers a much broader scope than any other martial art.
The terms “Kung” and “Fu” are Chinese terms that literally mean “accomplishment” through time and “Effort or Energy”. This generic term was used by people to refer to anything that required a great SKILL, because a skill is acquired through a large amount of time and effort. Hence, a good chef preparing a delicious meal can be said to have good “Kung-Fu” or skill. However, in modern times the meaning has become synonymous with all the Chinese Martial Art systems.
Kung Fu Styles Taught at American Kung Fu Academy
Chang Chuan (Long Fist)
Chang Chuan is known as “Long Fist” boxing. As the name implies, it is characterized by very elongated movements of the body. This style is often taught in China to the youth to increase their motor skills, strength and flexibility. Chang Chuan is a graceful and proud system of northern Kung Fu that has many variations. Styles like Cha Chuan, Hua Chuan and many others are in this broad category of Long Fist. At American Kung Fu Academy we teach this dynamic system to both youth and adults as a means of an introduction to Kung Fu so that our members will gain greater range of motion and learn continuity of movement. The sets are energy intensive which will promote strength and stamina!
Chut Sing Tong Long (Seven Star Praying Mantis)
The Praying Mantis style of Kung Fu was founded by Wong Long in China. After observing the aggressive and tenacious praying mantis insect, Wong Long mimicked it’s movements and created a devastating system of fighting. The Seven Star system is the most popular style of Mantis Kung Fu. It is noted for its extremely fast hand techniques and agile foot movements of the monkey. Many great fighters from China were exponents of the Seven Star Praying Mantis system. At our studio, we begin teaching this system to students at the intermediate level of training. Many of our adult members will gain efficient self-defense from this no-nonsense method of Kung Fu that relies on subduing adversaries quickly. The movements have been passed down for generations and it is considered our premiere style at American Kung Fu Academy.
Chin Na (Seizing and Controlling)
Chin Na is the Chinese art of seizing and controlling an opponent. Chin Na techniques are actually found within many Kung Fu systems and consist of special grappling and pressing techniques whose basic purpose is to control a person. Chin Na techniques grab, control and lock the opponent’s joints or muscles/tendons so he cannot move, thus neutralizing his fighting ability. Also, realistic escapes encompass the techniques of Chin Na. Many times, an opponent may not have to be struck to neutralize his attack. This could be quite useful to our youth (i.e. to quell the “fight” at school) and adult members. At American Kung Fu Academy we teach to strike only when necessary, thus, Chin Na techniques become an integral part of our instruction.
Your First Lessons!
(A “Typical” Beginner’s Class: What we do)
A. Saluting for Respect
Upon hearing the gong sounded or the words “line up!” the students are to quickly line up according to rank. Rank falls into a descending order with the highest ranked student in the front row and to the far right. Students are to be in “Ready Position” with feet together and both fists drawn to the sides. Classes begin with respect and end with respect by means of a formal Chinese salute. It is formed by having the right fist meet the left palm in the center of the body and extending the union forward (see Sifu on page 1). We prefer to call it a salute rather than a “bow” because it has no religious connotation. The salute can be thought of as a greeting or acknowledgement of rank, much like in the military when a private salutes to a lieutenant. The key element here is respect. Respect for order, respect for rank and respect for yourself.
B. Stance Training
After saluting, the student will usually hear the words: “Horse Stance – hup!” Stance training means that the student will stand in certain positions for a period of time (usually 1 minute at the beginner level) to build strength and stamina. This training separates traditional Kung Fu from other martial arts. Stance training will promote stronger legs which, in turn, will increase your balance and endurance. Although uncomfortable at first, this conditioning will become easier after a few short weeks! You will gain greater agility and mental focus.
C. Stretching
Immediately after the legs are warmed up from stance training, we begin a vast series of stretches to improve your flexibility and overall range of motion. This denotes that we do more than just stretching the legs for higher kicks… the whole body is stretched. Stretching should be done gradually and consistently. This promotes stronger muscles and will give you speed, increased blood circulation, pliability and coordinated movement. You will be invigorated like never before!
D. Techniques, Drills, Forms, Chin-Na, and Basic Self-Defense
After stretching, class will be led by the Sifu or an advanced member in which training techniques are taught from a “Horse” stance and gradually foot movements are incorporated with the hand techniques. A sturdy foundation is essential for learning Kung Fu. Thus, all basic punches, kicks, strikes and stances will originate from the horse stance. Techniques and Drills will be taught slowly for comprehension, regardless of your previous background. Forms and Self-Defense movements will be repeated until they are flowing and become a natural reflexive motion. Remember, you are learning an art!
Equipment Needed
I. Uniform
In traditional Chinese Kung Fu, there is not technically one type of uniform. Unlike Karate and other martial arts, a Kung Fu practitioner may wear a variety of “uniforms” in that the Chinese wear their loose comfortable everyday clothing to practice. So, at American Kung Fu Academy our basic uniform consists of loose black pants and our school T-shirt. We also wear shoes when practicing Kung Fu… preferably flat sole tennis shoes/martial art shoes. Fancier silk and satin uniforms and jackets can be also purchased at our school (see “Pro Shop” below.) loose black pants and our school T-shirt. We also wear shoes when practicing Kung Fu… preferably flat sole tennis shoes/martial art shoes. Fancier silk and satin uniforms and jackets can be also purchased at our school (see “Pro Shop” below.)
II. Weapons
Weapons are a rich part of the Chinese culture and Kung Fu. Weapon training will develop dexterity and coordination. It is also a rare treat to learn such intricate movements from such a diverse array of traditional Kung Fu weapons. However, it must be noted that safety is one of our main concerns, so the basic weapon taught throughout the program will be the staff. The monks in China preferred the staff because they did not wish to kill the opponent. Students should prepare to purchase a staff at the rank of Yellow Sash. The price can range from about $30 - $50. Again, check our Pro Shop. All other 17 weapons that are taught will be considered specialty weapons and are only taught to gentle and careful people of higher ranks. For more information on weapons, please speak with us personally.
III. Sparring Gear
Like weaponry, controlled sparring is optional and not required, but recommended to learn timing, distance and actual implementation of self-defense techniques against a live opponent. It must be stressed that “controlled sparring” is the only kind that we allow at American Kung Fu Academy. There will be no sparring without Sifu present. To prevent any injury, we require all students to wear complete sparring gear consisting of: Headgear (with face cage), foam gloves, foam footwear, shin guards, groin cup (for men) and a mouthpiece. This complete gear is about $200 - $350 and should be purchased at around Orange Sash level. Our school is a safe environment to learn and grow!
American Kung Fu Academy Pro Shop
We offer a complete line of quality martial arts supplies in our Pro Shop. You will find everything mentioned above and so much more. We specialize in all your training needs. Here are just a few items we have or can get within usually 2-5 business days: Heavy bags, stretching machines, deluxe uniforms, staffs, spears, swords, wooden dummies, sparring gear, martial arts shoes, videos/dvd’s, books, magazines… So, come in and see us for all your martial arts shopping.
| Kung Fu | (gung foo) | Chinese Martial Art (skill) |
| Sifu | (see foo) | Master / Teacher |
| Kwoon | (kwoon) | Kung Fu School |
| Jow Gow | (jow gow) | Black Sash / Instructor |
| Si Heng | (see hing) | Older Kung Fu Brother |
| Si Juh | (see juh) | Older Kung Fu Sister |
| Si Dai | (see dai) | Younger K F Brother |
| Si Mui | (see mooey) | Younger K F Sister |
| Si Gung | (see guhng) | Your Teacher’s Teacher |
| Dai Si Heng | (dai see hing) | Oldest K F Brother |
| Si Jo | (see joh) | Oldest Master/Founder |
| Toe Dai | (toh dai) | Kung Fu Student |
| Si Mo | (see moh) | Wife of Sifu |
| Tong Long | (tawng lawng) | Praying Mantis |
| Chang Chuan | (chang chwahn) | Long Fist |
| Fu Jow | (foo jow) | Tiger Claw |
| Ying Jow | (yeeng jow) | Eagle Claw |
| Lung | (loong) | Dragon |
| Chi | (chee) | Internal Energy |
| Mah | (mah) | Horse (stance) |
| Gwon | (gwahn) | Staff |
| Darn Do | (dahn doh) | Single Broadsword |
| Cern Do | (sern doh) | Double Broadsword |
| Cheung | (chern) | Spear |
| Gim | (geem) | Straight Sword |
| Cern Bei Sao | (sern bay sow) | Double Daggers |
| Kune | (koon) | Fist |
| Jeung | (joong) | Palm |
| Choy | (choi) | Strike |
| Wah Lum | (wah luhm) | Jade Forest |
| Sil Lum(Shaolin) | (see luhm) | Young Forest |
| Chi Sao | (chee sow) | Sticky Hands (handplay) |
| Yat | (yaht) | One |
| Yee | (yee) | Two |
| Sahm | (sahm) | Three |
| Say | (say) | Four |
| Um | (oohm) | Five |
| Look | (look) | Six |
| Chut | (jut) | Seven |
| Baht | (baht) | Eight |
| Gow | (gow) | Nine |
| Sup | (suhp) | Ten |
| Gung | (guhng) | Strength or hard |
| Mui Fah | (mooeyfah) | Plum Flower |
| Pai | (pai) | System or Style |