- 9/3/09 Five Animals performs with Precious Sword at the UIUC Moon Gala! Video here.
- 3/15/10 Testing for Josh, Sarah, Dan and Stephan.
- 4/24/10 Great Lakes Kung Fu tournament in Cleveland.
- Current Article: Catching Kicks.
Styles
Choy Lay Fut
Choy Lay Fut actually began as a synthesis of existing kung fu styles. It combines the powerful and efficient hand techniques of southern styles with the fluid and agile footwork of the northern styles. This makes it a particularly strong and versitile style.
Choy Lay Fut is known for its explosive power and effectiveness in combat. Bruce Lee himself said "Choy Lay Fut is the most effective system that I've seen for fighting more than one person, and is the most difficult to defend against." in addition it has very dynamic and intensive forms training, which is a great workout for both the mind and body. With such a versitile system there is enough to learn that you'll never get bored!
Tai Chi
Tai Chi is an "internal" martial art, meaning the power comes from moving the whole body synergistically. This is why the training in Tai Chi is performed slowly; so the whole body will learn to function together as a single coordinated unit. The exercises employed develop balance, strength, coordination and power generation. In addition Tai Chi has been recognized as an excellent form of exercise, improving cardiovascular health without stressing the body.
San Shou
San Shou is an exciting and dynamic sport. It is much like full-contact kickboxing, but the rules are extended beyond traditional kickboxing. Kicking to the legs is allowed, and sweeps, throws and clinching also are allowed. This makes for a fantastic workout that is also a very realistic training exercise.
Lion Dance
Lion Dance is a traditional Chinese Dance performed at celebrations such as the Lunar New Year, Weddings, Business Openings and so on. The Lion comes and spreads good fortune to those present by the dance. We practice Fo Shan (Fat San) style Lion Dance.
Instructors
Rob "Putty" Putman
- Choy Lay Fut Instructor
- San Shou Instructor
- Lion Dance Instructor
Putty has been teaching martial arts since after he obtained his black sash in Choy Lay Fut in 2005. Putty's Sifu is Santanu Rahman, who has since moved on to run a school down in Austin. Putty is an avid believer in the effectiveness of Choy Lay Fut as a form of Combat, Art, and Exercise. He participates in as many demonstrations and outreaches as possible; his goal is to spread Choy Lay Fut throughout Champaign-Urbana.
Peter Garrett
- Tai Chi Instructor
- Choy Lay Fut Instructor
Peter has been teaching Tai Chi since 2006. A firm believer in internal martial arts, Peter excels in understanding and using relaxed power, when teaching in both the Tai Chi and Choy Lay Fut classes.