In Chinese, the term Kung Fu (achievement + man) literally means a person’s achievement. While this phrase can also be used to describe a type of expertise in any field or occupation, it has become most synonymous with Chinese martial arts.

In the world of Kung Fu, there are hundreds of Chinese martial arts comprised of comprehensive systems, specific styles, and family methods. In some cases, comprehensive systems had been conceived from the fusion of the finest techniques from both specialized styles and family methods. In other instances, certain styles were preserved through the sheer reputation of heroic individuals or the persistent efforts of talented practitioners. And in the more unfortunate circumstances, the traditions and techniques of a leading family or village clan have disappeared due to distrust, discontent, disillusion or a mix of all the aforementioned.

Classical Kung Fu as it exists today has been maintained in pockets of practitioners throughout the world despite Communist leader Mao Zedong’s post-1949 initial efforts to purge all of China’s old era practices such as Kung Fu. The traditions and customs that accompany long-standing pre-Communist Kung Fu lineages are a powerful allure of classical Chinese martial arts. The legends, the protocols, and the training all combine to set this particular cultural practice apart from others. While self-discipline and self-defense may be a few of the major reasons why classical Kung Fu continues to grow in spite of increasingly alternative trends in exercise, to partake in a practice intertwined with such cultural and historical significance provides an individual with a broader context and deeper appreciation for the arts left behind by their martial ancestors.

On the other hand, Contemporary Wushu is the product of modern China’s physical education and athletic research institutes. Based upon the primary movements of classical Chinese martial arts, modern Wushu is enhanced by a sports-science approach toward training its participants. Its adherents are considered athletes, challenging the physical limitations of human capabilities while captivating crowds in competition arenas with breathtaking routines. As a recognized worldwide amateur sport, the Wushu movement is forging legends and memorable moments of its own as it moves forward in a field of artistry and athleticism that honors its classical martial heritage.

The merits of both approaches, classical and contemporary, serve to preserve the legacy of Chinese martial arts in modern times.

Pak Mei Kung-Fu is one of the few systems to combine both Shaolin and Taoist practices into a single fighting style. It is classified as an integrated internal and external system that emphasizes the science of combat along with the Taoist principles of using the qi (hei in Cantonese) to maximize the generation of power from within the body and to maintain health. The blend of soft and hard, supple and stable, and force and strength manifest the essential principles of this sophisticated system. It is the qigong (breath skill) inherent in each technique that facilitates the maintenance of these guiding precepts.

Additionally, the execution of every technique must combine the 6 Physical Powers – mah (stance), yiu (waist), bui (back), sao (hands), geng (neck), and ngah (teeth) – into one crisp, sharp action. To ensure proper support, the stance must maintain an equal distribution of weight between both legs. Known as the Pak Mei mah to practitioners within this system, this is a hybrid stance that crosses a condensed conventional horse stance with a modified pigeon-toed stance. Such a firm foundation allows the flexibility of the waist to produce the supplementary force required behind hand, forearm, elbow, and shoulder strikes. When a posture changes, the waist must also turn; this accommodates the transition to generate the correct power required to enforce the technique.

Proper body alignment and positioning is of the utmost importance in supporting overall movement and techniques. Contrary to common belief or appearance, the back does not hunch in Pak Mei. The back maintains a proper upright spinal alignment while the shoulders shift forward, creating the illusion of a hunched back – if at all. When the shoulders round themselves, the chest will naturally concave, creating what is known as hauh hung, or monkey chest, in Pak Mei. This structure is favorable for the rising and sinking of the dan tien, the area approximately two inches below the navel that is considered the main source of qi and power. In the highest training levels, the back does not physically exhibit exaggerated curvatures because the body’s infrastructure performs the rounding. To complete the configuration, the teeth are clenched to close the circuit by which power can escape, much like when power lifters must bite down during the peak of the lift. All of these properties must work in unison before a technique can be considered a true Pak Mei technique.

Unique to Pak Mei Kung Fu is geng jak ging, or scared power, a form of explosive force that enables a technique to convert quickly from a soft and relaxed movement into a powerful strike upon impact, which to the untrained observer can look quite external, or using sheer muscular strength. This facet of Pak Mei Kung Fu is one of the system’s highest attributes and perhaps the hardest to personally attain.

In terms of combat, techniques are executed between short and mid-range distances, never leaving the practitioner feeling awkward or exposed. The hand movements are fast, powerful, and kept close to the body. When one hand moves, the other reacts – simultaneously. When one defends, the other attacks. When one attacks, the other assists. The fong ngaahn, or Phoenix-eye fist, in which the index finger’s protruding joint strikes against an opponent’s vital points, is used extensively. Moreover, the system also employs the fist, a variety of grabs, and multiple variations of an open palm to counter or control an opponent’s attacks. Elbows cripple the opponent by breaking the bridge – the arm – and striking vital points during close-range situations.

The Pak Mei mah allows the legs to move with speed in any direction while power can still be generated in a split second. Kicks are typically within a stable and safe reach for the practitioner while at the same time damaging and undetected for the opponent. Kicking methods include deflecting, disabling, and ground fighting maneuvers. All kicks can be, and are, applied at different heights and angles as long as they are aimed at the opponent’s vital spots, have the proper force to cause damage, and are employed with full-body coordination.

A diverse range of two-person exercises, sensitivity drills, and partnered practice sets assists the practitioner with foundational skills leading to sparring and self-defense applications. A fine balance of self-control and channeled-aggression is required to appropriately utilize Pak Mei techniques, particularly during sparring sessions.

While Pak Mei Kung Fu is famous for its aggressive and advanced empty-hand usage, weapons supplement and complete the system’s training sequence. The more notable traditional Chinese weapons include the staff, the Tiger Fork (trident), and the Double Iron Crutches (tonfa-like device). While these weapons may no longer have their daily place in modern times, the principles governing their employment are of importance to the Pak Mei practitioner. Knowledge and understanding of the manipulation of these traditional tools can lead to universal applications with any modern day counterpart.