Kung Fu


Grandmaster Yoo Kung FuKung Fu SymbolIn general, Kung Fu is a label used to describe any martial art that comes from China. Kung Fu is one of the oldest fighting arts known to mankind. As it evolved, Kung Fu incorporated Taoist meditative respiratory techniques initially used to improve energy, and later applied to fighting techniques. Kung Fu is the generic name for literally hundreds of individual Chinese fighting arts both "External" and "Internal", and both ancient and of relatively recent invention.

The term "Kung Fu" means "Hard Work or Task", and "always learning" (“Kung” means "accomplishment". “Fu” means "effort").

Kung Fu can generally be divided into external and internal systems. The external system emphasizes body mechanics, leverage, and applied force. They tend to use weight, strength, positioning, and anatomy to optimal advantage. Typically external styles are hard.
Grandmaster Yoo’s students are taught the following external styles:
  • 12 spring legs
  • Monkey Fist
  • Cha Family Fist
  • Mizang Chuan
  • Lohan
  • Buddha Fist
  • Eight Way Fist
  • Six Harmony Fist
  • Eagle Claw
  • Power Fist
  • Shaolin Fist
  • Northern Long Fist
  • Two Person Set
  • Five Animals (Dragon, Tiger, Crane, Snake, Leopard)
  • Tang Long (praying mantis)
Grandmaster Yoo Kung FuThe internal system focuses more on non-tangible elements of the art. They utilize Qi flow, rooting, and those elements that some people consider "mystical". Internal systems tend to emphasize meditation, body control, perception, mind control, and pressure points.

At Yoo's Kung Fu, students will receive instruction in the following internal styles:
Tai chi chuan (Yang and Chen Styles) "Grand Ultimate Fist" A Chinese internal art form that is based on the principles of yin and yang.
Hsing-I (Mind Form Boxing) Hsing-I is based on the five traditional elements: earth, water, fire, metal, and wood.
Pa Kua Chang (eight trigram palm) Pa Kua Chang is based on the classic I-Chings, and is well known for its fast evasive footwork, circular movements, intricate coiling, and numerous palm strikes.
Kung Fu also includes instruction in the use of weapons. A total of eighteen different weapons are offered to Yoo's Kung Fu students.
  • staff
  • spear
  • Pa-kua do
  • rope javelin
  • kwan tao and puado
  • tiger fork
  • tanfa
  • double axes
  • butterfly knivescane
  • 3 section staff
  • whip chain
  • twin hooks
  • fan
  • daggers and halbered
  • tai chi swords (single and double)
  • Broad Sword (single and double)
  • double edged straight sword (single and double)
Grandmaster Yoo Kung Fu