Sifu Adam Hsu on Learning Kung Fu
Adam Hsu on learning Kung Fu: “I am glad my instructors taught me in the traditional way.
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Four Things Hard to Believe
At the start of your training, if you’d asked: “What do I need to be a good martial artist?” you might have gotten a list which included strength, endurance, patience, humility, Ben-Gay, and a good pair of shoes. What would probably have been missing is the word “faith.” But anyone who’s done any kind of long-term training knows that that pinch of faith can often be all you have to guide you forward. You can’t check out every situation or problem that your chosen endeavor might involve–sometimes you just have to rely on those well-tested “rules of the road.” Martial arts … Continue reading →
Edgy
I have to admit that I’ve spent many years standing around just… standing around. Standing practice entered my life in the late Sixties. I experimented from that point on with sessions of continued standing and then modifications. You should know that there was not a lot of information in English on the subject and it was generally agreed that the practice took care of itself, it educated you as you went on. What does standing do? I am not here to convince you of its esoteric qualities. There are many levels of this from the sublime to the silly. My … Continue reading →
A Very Short Lesson on Bagua Zhang’s Reeling Silk
Defending The Self
As the story goes, a young boy wanted to avenge the murder of his parents, so he went to a sword teacher and begged to be accepted as a student. “How long will it take me to train myself to be a warrior?” the potential student asked. “Seven years,” the teacher advised. “No, you don’t understand. I want this so much that it’s in my blood. I will train day and night, never stop practicing, completely dedicate myself. If I do that, then how long will it take?” The teacher looked for a second at the boy standing in front … Continue reading →
Ted performing Mizong (Back in the Day)
Mizong Kung Fu is also known as Lost Track Style. It is known for its quick changes, deceptive footwork and unusual walking patterns. Like many Northern styles, it is extended, expressive and graceful. Here’s a short clip from the early days at the Academy. [videopack id=”4699″]https://www.reelingsilk.com/academy/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Ted-Performing-Mizong2.mov[/videopack]
Continue reading →Tradition Rebounds
We’re starting to open up classes to new students! Interested in trying a class at our world-recognized Academy of Martial & Internal Arts? Click HERE to let us know.
Continue reading →Instructor Nick Hancock Displays Fine Form
We found this great clip of our Nick Hancock demonstrating Northern Shaolin’s most famous form known as #6 Short Strike. Watch and enjoy.
Continue reading →Longfist Kung Fu Fundamentals: 12 Wk Class Starts Sept 28
Wow, it has been a loooong time since we have been able to add a class to our schedule and welcome new students to our school. So, we are excited to introduce our newest 12 week series, Longfist Kung Fu Fundamentals, taught by Nick Hancock. Nick is a professionally trained teacher in both Chinese medicine and traditional martial arts, bringing his particular expertise and talents to training movement as well as principles and theory. The fundamentals of Longfist Kung Fu establish the basics of Northern Chinese martial arts. This series of classes will not only introduce you to moves, health … Continue reading →
The Simple Art of Breathing
This simple method of breathing works well for people practicing Chinese martial arts, Chinese medicine, meditation and what is commonly referred to as Qigong (Chi Kung). We call it simple, but it is also profound; as it relates the physical act of inhalation and exhalation with the mind’s intent, keeping a special focus on a most familiar activity. A little investment of time each day is all you need to start, and, unlike more rigorous approaches, this one will never hurt you. Try it!
Continue reading →Shaolin Sheltering
Master Ted Mancuso, the proprietor of Plum Publications and founder of the Academy of Martial and Internal Arts, is my elder Kung Fu brother, or my Sihing (師兄) in Cantonese. We both trained in Northern Shaolin Kung Fu (Bak Sil Lum 北少林) under Grandmaster Kwong Wing Lam and our friendship spans nearly four decades now. Master Ted graciously allows me train alongside his students, my martial nieces and nephews, or my Sijat (again in Cantonese 師侄 – it’s not the same in Mandarin), and I’m very grateful to be part of his Academy. Thanks to Ted’s foresight, the Academy closed … Continue reading →
The Teacher’s Teacher
Last Sunday, I got a double-treat: my teacher, Adam Hsu, is in town for a couple of weeks and I had the opportunity to not only see and spend time with him, but to make his Long Fist Kung Fu class available to my own students, most of whom had never met him. Of course, there is always a bit of trepidation presenting your students to your teacher: will they look good to another and more experienced eye? Will my teacher take me aside and, without sarcasm, ask what the hell I have been teaching them? Will my students look … Continue reading →
What Do We Mean By “Martial”?
People get the wrong idea: when they hear “martial arts” they assume tournaments and grudge matches in caged environments. By the same token, they look quizzically at the ninety year old lady who proudly proclaims that she studies a martial art. But true martial arts range through a spectrum of skills and practices.
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