Guo Style Wing Chun

It is believed that this popular fist style, formulated during the Qing Dynasty (Kangxi 1661-1722), was created by a Shaolin nun called Wu Mei who taught Yong Chun, her first student from whom the style takes its name.

The cultural essence of Wing Chun has been improved and developed over time, carried from generation to generation. Based on certain scientific principles like the well known centre line, duan qiao zhai ma and cun jin , Wing Chun is nowadays a popular style due to its adaptability and practicality within the short range of movements.

Our teacher, Master Guo Xinmin, has created a special Wing Chun style by retaining the essence of his masters from Foshan and Guangzhou (Zhen Weimin, Zhang Guangjie and Li Zhaohua, respectively) and combining them with the powerful techniques of Chinese traditional internal martial arts.

Guo Style Wing Chun training includes basics (steps and stances), 12 seeds and sparring form, applications, wooden dummy I, xiao nian tou (or little idea), xun qiao (seeking the bridge), biao zhi (thrusting fingers), wing chun ring, Guo Style 118 wooden dummy, butterfly knives and dragon pole.

Taiji Fist

Taiji Quan (太极拳) is a well known and loved internal chinese martial art. It has evolved over the millennia since its conception however in practice maintains the principles of Taoism (or Daoism). From its roots in the Wudang mountains, Taiji quan has evolved into 5 major classes: Chen, Yang, Wu, Wuhao, and Sun.

Here at The Martial Movement, as inheritors of Chen Style Taiji, we study and develop in all areas of this lineage. We also practise Yang style and Wudang style Taiji quan.

Taiji fist is commonly associated with slow, graceful movements practised en masse across parks all over the world, however in accordance with yin and yang principles, Taiji fist is also expressed with power and speed. We hope to bring this potential to any who practice with us.

In practice, Taiji training can be broken down into different parts. The first, silk reeling and basics, we build on a strong foundation developing our posture and balance. Second, forms such as Chen Yilu, Chen Sword, Yang 24, and Wudang Taiji Ball. Thirdly, push hands, a practice used to develop sensitvity with an opponent’s touch.

Qi Gong

The origins of qi gong can be traced back to the ancient history of China. Having evolved greatly since then, we nowadays encounter different styles (yi, ru, tao, buddha and wu) which, practised regularly, enhance a better health and promote longevity.

At The Martial Movement, as inheritors of our master’s teachings, we practise and develop Jinganli qi gong, a traditional internal kung fu training style that has been awarded the “intangible cultural heritage” distinction by the Chinese government.

Jinganli qi gong practice consists on a series of slow movements following a wide range of forms (sun, moon, sky, etc) which help the body realign naturally. Practitioners become conscious of their bodies and breathing, and are able to focus and regain peace of mind.

Jinganli qi gong is a great way of meditation and its regular practice brings innumerable health benefits to their practitioners.

Baji Fist

Also known as “Kaimen Baji Quan”, “Bazi Fist” or “Zhuoshaxing”, Baji Fist is a famous Northern style created by the Hui tribe of Cang County in Hebei Province. Historically used as an “imperial martial art”, Baji Fist has been practised by many bodyguards to protect important people as Qing Dynasty emperor Fuyi, Chairman Mao Zedong or Chinese leader Jiang Jieshi.

Baji Fist has very particular characteristics as a martial art. Simple moves driven by an aggressive and explosive force, with powerful ups and downs; this close range style requires stomping, twisting and colliding. Baji Fist training includes traditional stances, forms and applications for self-defense. Some of the fist forms are xiao jia, liu da kai, dan da; among the weapons, there are staff/ bo, spear, miao sword, etc.

Sanda

Sanda, Sanshou or Chinese kickboxing is a Chinese self-defense system and a combat sport. Originally developed by the Chinese military, Sanda combines full contact kickboxing, wrestling, take downs, throws, sweeps and even elbows and knees strikes.

Not seen as a style itself, Sanda is considered one of the two components of Kung fu training, being the second one the “taolu” or forms.