Wushu is the IMAC advisory board for the Chinese martial arts including Kung Fu, Tai Chi and Wing Tsun and lau gar.

Below is a description of each of these martial arts as well as contact details for their advisory board representatives.

 

Kung Fu

Kung Fu is one of the most widely known forms of martial arts in the world today, due in no small part to the proliferation of Kung Fu movies from the 1970’s onwards led by kung fu’s most famous practitioner, Bruce Lee. 

In essence it is the application of body mechanics and energy dynamics. Its drills, movements, techniques and forms are the application of a deep understanding of how the body works, how power is generated and how energy is transformed. A collection of effective combat techniques, it is a way of fighting; it is also a way of life, a method for self development, both mentally and physically, promoting health and longevity. Hence Kung Fu is considered not just a way of fighting but a practice that develops mind, body and spirit.

Kung Fu has an incredibly long history, originating over 1,400 years ago with the Buddhist monks of the Shaolin temple in China’s Henan province. Spreading throughout China, multiple styles of Kung Fu have developed over the centuries with most retaining common principles and concepts. These combine the hard/external elements (blocks, punches, kicks and physical strength) and soft/internal elements (relaxed movement, mental focus, breathing and power generation) to achieve a balanced and effective martial arts system. 

Kung Fu (Gōngfū, 功夫), literally translating as skill or hard work over prolonged time, is a broad term that came to encompasses all traditional Chinese martial arts. This came about as a reflection of the lifelong dedication shown by practitioners in the pursuit of mastering martial arts. The term Wushu (Wǔshù, 武术), literally translating as martial technique, is also widely used. It often refers to the Chinese governments officially approved competition and performance based version of martial arts.

Tai Chi 

Tai Chi is an internal Chinese martial art practiced for both its defence training, health benefits and meditation. There are 5 major styles. 

  • Chen style (陳氏) 

  • Yang style (楊氏) 

  • Wu Hao style (武氏) 

  • Wu style (吳氏) 

  • Sun style (孫氏) 

These are categorised as soft or internal styles whereas kung fu would be classed as a hard external style. For instance (as a simple example - blocking hard against an opponent would be kung fu harmonizing with the attack – blocking softly would be a tai chi move. 

Translate tai chi or taiji means "supreme ultimate" as is called this because it was viewed as the ultimate martial art. Various studies have concluded that Tai Chi is incredible for longevity, joint maintenance and injury recovery not to mention good mental health. 

Kung Fu and Tai Chi has something to offer people of all ages beyond learning self-defence, providing great health, fitness and flexibility benefits. Kung fu is a great activity for adults, children and teenagers, building confidence and discipline while introducing them to the world of martial arts. Tai Chi is incredible for adults to maintain good health. 

Contact Details

Kung Fu and Tai Chi Representative: Eddie Walsh 
Tel: 087 6799793
Email: eddie@dublinkungfu.ie

WingTsun Kung Fu

Chinese Kung Fu systems tend to have colourful origins and WingTsun is no exception. With the destruction of the Shaolin Monastery one of the survivors a Buddhist Mistress by the name of Ng Mui developed a new fighting system which emphasised technique to over-come the previously guarded hard Shaolin system now being taught openly. Her first disciple was a woman; Yim Wing Tsun. Regardless of the credibility of the origins, WingTsun is a system the emphasises technique to over-come strength and brute force. 

The system was brought from mainland China to Hong Kong by Grandmaster Yip Man (made famous in the Ip Man series of movies) and then spread throughout the rest of the world by his many students. One of these students was Grandmaster Leung Ting and it is this linage that we represent here in Ireland through the European Wing Tsun Organisation – EWTO. The EWTO is one of the largest single system organisations in the world and is headed by Si-Gung Keith Kernspecht. The system in Ireland is taught and promoted by the IEWTO by Dai-Sifu Rainer Tausend 7th HG and Sifu Aidan Canavan 5th HG. Bruce Lee is probably the most famous practitioner of Wing Tsun and was the foundation of his own system Jeet Kune Do.

While WingTsun is a traditional martial art there is a strong emphasis on self-defence with its close- range fist, elbow, knee strikes and low kicks. It is suitable for male and female regardless of age and fitness levels. Children can train in the system through specially tailored Kids WingTsun programmes. Students are taught the system through the 12 student and 10 higher grade programmes. At a high level the programmes cover the following:

  • The Siu-Nim-Tau (Little Idea) Form

  • The Chum-Kiu (Arm-Seeking) Form

  • The Biu-Tze (Thrusting Fingers) Form

  • Chi-Sau Sections (Sticking Hands) & Lat-Sau (Sparring and Applications)

  • The Muk-Yan-Chong (Wooden Dummy) Techniques

  • Luk-Dim-Boon-Kwun (Six & a Half point Long Pole Techniques)

  • Bart-Cham-Dao (Eight Cutting Broadswords Techniques)

 

Contact Details

Wing Tsun Representative: Aidan Canavan

Phone: 0868546765

Web: www.wingtsun.ie and www.wingtsunireland.com