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Choy Lee Fut Kung Fu

Chan Family Choy Lee Fut Kung Fu is a complete fighting method and martial art, one of the most widely practiced kung fu styles inside and outside China today. It is well known for its speed and power, its smooth circular body movements and flexible footwork. Choy Lee Fut combines the powerful hand techniques characteristic of southern styles with the versatile kicks of the northern systems. It emphasises the intelligent use of strength and the combination of external force with the internal will.

Choy Lee Fut has a tradition deeply rooted within the martial arts of the Shaolin Temple. Chan Heung, our founder, spent 20 years learning his art from his three mentors - his uncle Chan Yeun Wu, Shaolin disciple Lee Yau Shan and the Shaolin monk Choy Fook. After many years of study Chan Heung combined his knowledge into one effective and comprehensive system. He called it Choy Lee Fut to commemorate his teachers and the Buddhist origin of the art (Fut means Buddha in Cantonese).

The Choy Lee Fut system has many forms, or set patterns of learning, by which a student develops proficiency in the techniques of the style. These forms are classified into three levels which include the following:

• Traditional fist forms and weaponry, either in solo forms or two person sparring sets
• Shaolin wooden dummy forms for hand techniques and weaponry
• Sand bag techniques and forms
• Qi Gong forms and traditional Chinese medical theories
• Lion dance sets

The external sets are harder and faster, designed to condition, increase stamina and benefit muscle and bone structure. The internal sets are slower, flowing and more relaxed. They promote internal organ harmony, correct breathing and a healthier, stronger body.

When a person learns Chan Family Choy Lee Fut they are beginning a journey. It is a journey that will enhance their lives in many ways. The study of kung fu develops strength, power and flexibility. It teaches practical self defence techniques and tournament fighting methods. More than this, the study of kung fu will also develop discipline, mental and physical balance and harmony and a profound sense of achievement and contentment. It is a many faceted art encompassing far more than fighting.

The couplet below was give to Chan Heung by the monk Choy Fook.

"The dragon and tiger met as the wind and the cloud.
Disciples, you must take good care of your future.
Revive the arts of Shaolin,
And don't let future generations forget them."

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