Chow Gar is a Close in fighting system from the Southern Shaolin. It is famous for its aggression and effectiveness in close in fighting. These skills are developed by utilizing a range of training techniques developed over the years and passed down through authorized teachers of the system.
One of the key elements of training in the Mantis style is to learn to generate the Gen or Shock power. One of the first exercises to help in this development is called Chia Sau or Grinding Arm. As one becomes more experienced the more one begins to be relaxed in the exercises, building power and strength through a relaxed force which otherwise, to a beginner, seems very physical. This is a stage where the power emanates from the joints and bones.
The whole of the body is used as a weapon including the use of the fingers, wrist, elbow, claw, phoenix eye fist, knee, shoulder and low line kicking. In addition a number of weapons are taught within the system including Pole, Straight Sword, Broadsword, Sai, Tiger Fork and Spear.
Click here to download a brief video introduction to Chow Gar Southern Mantis Kung Fu.
Specific Training Routines
Dip Gwut Gung (Rib bone power)
Dip gwut gung, meaning rib bone power, is one of the Southern Praying Mantis Kung fu training skills used throughout its forms. This action is performed by the opening and closing of the rib cage, thus strengthening the rib bones and the ligaments that join them to the sternum and spine. The bones of the entire body are very much alive and just like the muscles they can be strengthened with certain exercises such as "dip gwut gung" (i.e. special "gung lik" training skills).
The ribs protect our internal organs and the ribcage bones are flexible and move as the body moves. Training methods such as the "Saam hay gen" (three air power drills) and "dip gwut gung" work on this movement through rigorous drills that build up the muscle tissue and ligaments around the ribs so the midsection and rib cage can withstand heavy blows.
Since it is reasonable to assume that every punch or kick cannot be blocked or prevented, training to absorb punches is crucial. There is a verse that states. "Dip Gwut Gung, Gen Tung Gen," meaning that the development of the shock-like power gen comes from the practice of the "dip gwut gung". These two forces combine to produce awesome striking power.
Inch Force Power
The Chow Gar Praying Mantis Kung fu system is famous for its inch force power. This inch power not only emanates from the fist, but from every part of the body. Inch force power can only be achieved by practicing extraordinary mantis training methods. These methods may at times be hard and boring, but they will give the edge a martial artist needs to win a fight. Termed Gen, inch force is an explosive power that comes from within. There are many forms and drills in the mantis system which expresses this power using short range moves reminiscent of small explosions. In inch power, there is no need to wind up to throw a punch or pull back before striking. With this trained hidden energy, you can instantly explode through your opponent like a lightning bolt attacking a tree.
Gen power consists of a number of facets, including explosive power, heavy power, shock power, inch force power, soft and hard power, rooted power, and mind power. One training drill, "Chy sau" or grinding arm, develops the wrist, forearms, shoulders and back. Though it seems a simple exercise, its main task is to push out the vital internal power (Chi) to the fingertips, providing the explosive "gen" power. The bones, joints, and ligaments will become strong and the limbs will possess the heavy arm power.
This exercise has 18 variations, each guaranteed to produce a stronger, more powerful fighter. "Doy Chong" or double arm practice develops what is called "say bun lig" or 4 powers. This two-man drill enhances the forward moving power which many have talked about but few have experienced. There are too many training exercises to list but this gives an insight into the style.
Forms
There are many famous forms and hidden training drills which make Southern Praying Mantis Kung-fu unique. Novices begin with the basic but also one of the most advanced forms "3 step arrow" or "Saam Bo jin". They then move onto others 3 step forms including "Yui kui" or "shaking off the bridge". The advanced forms, of which there are 36 in number include -searching insect hands- "bo sim sau", 4 gate hands- "Say mun sau", 9 top asking hands - "Gau si mun sau".
Dim Mak
Southern Chow Gar Praying Mantis Kung-fu exercises its vital pressure point striking within the complexity of its Forms and training Chongs. All Forms and training Chongs contain the appropriate angles and directions in which to strike these vital points. Just like a book that has many chapters, so too does a single Form/Chong contain many sections in it. Each section has its group of vital points, with some techniques using a single strike and other necessitating multiple blows. Certain Chow Gar Praying Mantis forms will highlight particular vital points. There are not any blocks in this system of Kung fu, all contact is aimed at pressure points to either weaken or destroy what is coming in at you.
My Master
Although I consider that I have only scratched the surface of a lifetimes training, I owe all I have learnt and achieved in Southern Chow Gar Mantis to Master Paul Whitrod. I owe him a great deal, certainly more than I could repay and this will never be forgotten. Sifu has shown understanding and a great deal of patience in his dealings with me, one who has certainly not been the perfect student. Often today we are all too busy, or thats the excuse, to show any respect to others. However I believe that Sifu is fully deserving of my respect and I hope that this is always apparent and that over the years I am able to repay him in some small way for all his kindness. I do not believe that we should act disrespectful to our teachers as is often seen at tournaments and on discussion boards.
Tony Willis is a student of Master Paul Whitrod who authorised him to teach the style.
