Jan 28, 2023
Films of Bruce Lee
Internal vs External Styles
Every style combines both internal or external, soft or hard. It is not just an extension of the hard vs soft techniques. Internal is not just soft. It has to do with controlling or understanding how Qi (Chi) works. It is a balance of both hard and soft, internal and external that matters.
Internal Styles (More Yin)
These styles are based on Taoism, often practiced in slow motion to capture correctly the flow of Chi. Being soft and relaxed are key characteristics. However, such softness can be very powerful and dangerous.
T’ai-Chi Chuan was developed by Sang-Feng (1600’s). T’ai-Chi Chuan mean Supreme Fist (Chuan):
Chen Style, original style
Yang Style, developed by Yang Lu Chan (1800’s). This is the most popular style.
Wu Style
Others Styles:
Hsing I Ch’uan
Pakua
External Styles (More Yang)
These styles are associated with external power and muscles. That is not to say practitioners do not develop internal power also. Shaolin is ofter associated with being powerful.
Northern Schools . . . Shaolin Styles
Five Animal Styles . . . Praying Mantis
Seven Star Style . . . .Monkey
Eagle Claw . . . Southern Schools . . .Choy Li Fut
Hung Gar . . . .White Crane . . .Wing Chun
Northern and Southern Styles of Gung Fu
Bruce Lee is known for his fast and hard punches. In his youth, he won boxing matches in school because of his training in Wing Chun. Later he learned kicking techniques, including from the French Savate style.
Northern Kicks
Northern styles were developed in Henan Province of China, which would influence the kicking styles of Korea with Tae Kwon Do.
Southern Punches
Southern styles came from the southern Shaolin Monastery in Fujian Province, which would influence Okinawan Karate-do. More hand movements such as Tiger Claw, Leopard Punch Crane Beak Praying Mantis Hand, and Leopard Fist are part of the styles.
Wing Chun, created by a woman, known for hand techniques, trapping, low kicks, and a wooden dummy.
Bruce Lee learned this style first.
Yin and Yang
Two opposing forces that are interdependent. In Executioner of Shaolin, it is the combination of yin and yang that defeats the master of yin style.
Doc Nirvana
AKA Professor Wayne Stein