The classic chinese martial arts included weapons training for several reasons. Primarily, weapons were needed generations ago by the common people that found it necessary to defend themselves from everything from other humans to marauding animals.

Eventually, kung fu schools began to specialize in the various weapons and developed their own styles for using them. Because of this, one family or style of kung fu may be known for its use of the broadsword for example. While another family or style may be known for spear etc. Weapons teach the student how to center their body and find a root to the ground. This occurs because the weapon is an extension of the body and causes the kung fu student to learn new methods of balance and coordination. Weapons also teach the kung fu student how to project their energy through the tip. The eyes will learn critical distance skills while the body is taxed with new ways to control itself.

Hung Gar Kung Fu was no exception to this evolution. In fact, Hung Gar contains the classical weapons and our school endorses having the student learn a new weapon at every level of advancement. Beginning with pole (staff) and advancing through the various single and double edged bladed weapons, and eventually to the larger more esoteric weapons like tiger fork (trident), kwan dao (guan do), and monks spade.

Pole is the weapon taught to beginers for many reasons - mostly it us used to teach the basic movements needed for all the more advenced weapons. The double weapons are a unique challenge to anyone wanting to challenge their ambidexterity! And, the larger, heavier weapons can rigerously test the grip, body centering, stances and overall stamina.

tigercranesifu@yahoo.com

main street - newark delaware - market east plaza

302-607-5646 (mobile) -or- 302-737-4696 (land line)