JOW GA KUNG FU
Jow Ga is a traditional style of Kung Fu that originated in Southern China. It developed over time by combining features of three different Kung Fu systems: Hung Ga, Choi Ga, and Northern Shaolin kicking methods. Jow Ga Kung Fu training also incorporates the famous five animal techniques and over 18 different weapons.
Jow Ga joins the powerful hand techniques of Hung Ga with the fast footwork and blitz attacks of Choi Ga and the devastating kicking arsenal of Northern Shaolin to create a more comprehensive Kung Fu style. Learn more about the history of Jow Ga Kung Fu. |
JOW GA KUNG FU SYSTEM
The Jow Ga System at Chan's is divided into four levels - Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Instructor level training. Each level contains several sashes (similar to belts) through which a student progresses, and must pass a test to prove they are proficient at a given level before they learn additional material. Each level includes various exercises, conditioning, empty hand and weapons forms, self-defense applications, and sparring. |
EXERCISE & CONDITIONING
Jow Ga Kung Fu is a very physically demanding style. Every class begins with stretching and an active warm up to promote flexibility and develop strength. Beginning students are advised not to worry if they feel out of shape because regular training will develop strength, speed, flexibility, coordination, and stamina more quickly than usually expected. The body will also become conditioned to both take and deliver power strikes without injury.
EMPTY HAND & WEAPON FORMS
A form is a collection of techniques which are choreographed in a specific pattern or order. Jow Ga has over 20 traditional empty hand forms and more than 18 weapon forms. Each form teaches different techniques, fighting theories and principles to provide the student with a means to practice and gain an excellent cardio workout in the process.
The main focus in learning Kung Fu forms is developing basic skills - strategy comes later. If you don't possess a solid structure for your techniques, you cannot hit hard and it is all useless. Form is about developing structure, precision of techniques, lightness of movement, power, speed, and balance. You do not need an opponent to practice this. |
SELF-DEFENSE
It is very important for students to grasp not only the techniques of each form, but also the theories and principles that underlie the form. We help to accomplish this through numerous form application drills and exercises. Without understanding the applications, a form becomes nothing more than an intricate dance. Also, without practicing the fighting applications, a student will never be able to execute skills properly in a real life situation.
In addition, Jow ga also includes a Self-Defense curriculum outside of form training that helps prepare students for possible confrontations in the real world by applying the techniques learned in class. SPARRINGJow Ga classes include regular sparring sessions to give students an opportunity to spar against classmates in a controlled environment. Students gain a sense of what it might be like to be attacked and are better prepared for actual combat. Sparring class offer on the first Monday of each month, from 7:00pm-8:pm. Safety equipment is mandatory for sparring sessions. Advanced students may participate in weapon sparring.
|