The Yin and Yang of the Plum Blossom Federation

I've always been fascinated how complete opposites can balance and compliment each other. Often times, it even becomes circular in the way that one leads to another. Take for instance our two cherished arts of the Plum Blossom Federation, Choy Li Fut kung fu and Yang Tai Chi. Choy Li Fut is very dynamic and explosive, with fast strikes, high kicks and low stances. Tai Chi is elegant, determined, and performed at less than half the pace of Choy Li Fut. Yet both are effective martial arts styles, in developing power, internally and externally.

To understand the reasons behind their doctrines, let's take a quick look at their origins. Choy Li Fut was designed during warring rebellious times. People needed to know how to defend themselves and very quickly. Choy Li Fut not only gave them a solid base for combat, but an upper hand in it's variety of strikes. Tai Chi on the other hand was developed in more peaceful times. This gave the student time to slowly develop each posture to perfection, so that in use, it would be the strongest strike possible. Emphasis was placed on internal development to give an upper hand outside the limits of body size and capability.

As the student progressed through each art a funny thing would happen, the Choy Li Fut student began to soften each technique, focusing on the internal aspect of the art, and the Tai Chi student began to add speed and fajing (power) to the form. Ultimately, they became the same thing, an enlightened martial art.

The truth is, most arts lead to this same destination, varying only in principle and technique. However, it takes the right teacher to guide the student to understand themselves and the art entirely.

Now the beauty of our Federation is that we offer both these arts to all students to practice separate, or simultaneously. Although it is necessary to have a solid foundation in one art, study in the other can result in an increased understanding and ability of technique in both arts. Choy Li Fut students can develop relaxation, correct posture and connection through Tai Chi. Tai Chi students can develop intention and also avoid being too stiff in form.

Just remember all your answers are ready, it's time to start asking!