Classes

At Five Animals Kung Fu we have classes in two different styles of Chinese martial arts: Kung Fu and Tai Chi. These two arts are very different, but they complement each other perfectly, providing a more wholistic training experience.

Choy Lay Fut Kung Fu

The style of Kung Fu we practice is called Choy Lay Fut. Choy Lay Fut is a very popular style in Hong Kong, known for its devastating power and ability to combat multiple opponents. In our classes we train with drills and exercises designed to:

• Develop relaxed power.
• Reduce reaction time and increase speed.
• Read opponents and counterattack effectively.
• Develop seemless flow from one technique to another.

Our Choy Lay Fut training is broken into two stages, a introductory curriculum and a more advanced curriculum. The introductory curriculum usually takes about a semester to get through then the student moves to the advanced curriculum, which takes much longer. On Mondays the two classes train separately, on Wednesdays the two groups train together. More information can be found on the getting started page.

Tai Chi

We also offer classes in Yang style Tai Chi. Tai Chi is known for its slower movements that develop balance, control and flexiblity. Our classes involve

• Silk reeling exercises.
• Meditation and qigong work.
• Learning a series of forms, including both open hand and weapons forms.

Combat Class

We have one class a week that focuses exclusively on the various aspects and types of combat. In this class we train many different forms and types of fighting, including

• Using Choy Lay Fut in combat.
• San Shou (some information here).
• Weapons Combat.
• Multiple Opponent Combat.

Once students have completed the introductory cirriculum they can start participating in the combat class.

Drills and Cardio

For one class a week we focus on

• Harnessing and perfecting relaxed power.
• Efficiency and effectiveness.
• Pushing cardiovascular endurance.

Lion Dancing

For advanced students that show interest and dedication, Lion Dance may also be taught. Lion Dancing develops

• Stances and cardiovascular endurance.
• Rhythm and timing.
• Sensitivity and reactions.