WHAT IS WU SHEN PAI CHU’AN FA GUNG FU?

Rich in history and traditions, yet logical and practical for use in a modern society, Wu Shen Pai Chu'an Fa (Kenpo) is a unique and sophisticated system of martial art. Wu Shen Pai Kenpo is based in centuries old movements, yet has incorporated the use of physics, kinesiology and physiology to create an alphabet of motion. The movements of Wu Shen Pai Kenpo are at once practical and effective, yet adaptable to the abilities of the individual. The member schools of the International Kenpo Karate Society and the Wu Shen Pai International Association bring to their students not merely a method of fighting, but a complete system incorporating the use of mind and body to evaluate, adapt, and react to any confrontation. 

Wu Shen Pai Chu’an Fa Gung Fu contains internal and external disciplines and the study of the healing arts. The physical aspects of the system are divided into four areas of study. These are Basic Fundamentals, Self Defense (Both Hard and Soft Forms), Forms or Sets, (Hard and Soft Forms), and Freestyle. Basics are the foundation of the system which form the “alphabet of motion” from which can be built more complex “words," then “sentences," and finally “paragraphs” of motion. Basic Fundamentals are originally learned phonetically through individual movements such as stances, blocks, parries, punches, strikes, finger techniques, kicks, and foot maneuvers. These basics are then combined into increasingly sophisticated sequences of movement called “forms” or “sets." Self defense techniques, which are themselves composed of basics, give definition and meaning to the fundamentals. They provide the manner of applying the basic for maximum effectiveness in a variety of pre-defined fighting situations. Finally, there is freestyle training which allows for extemporaneous use of the basics in a manner which emphasizes maneuverability, accuracy, and the maintenance of proper distance. The progression of students through the material is marked by the awarding of belts. The progression of ranks begins with White, then Advanced White, Yellow, Advanced Yellow, Orange, Advanced Orange, Purple, Advanced Purple, Blue, Advanced Blue, Green, Advanced Green, three degrees of Brown, and finally Black Belts. The various ranks are awarded to give the student a sense of accomplishment and, more importantly, to give them a sense of where they have been, where they are, and where they are going. Unlike many systems, a Black Belt in Wu Shen Pai Kenpo requires a minimum of 4-6 years of serious study in addition to a written thesis and formal testing before a National board of examiners.   Regardless of age or physical limitations, everyone will acquire skills which are both useful and practical. In a modern society, which is at times both violent and dangerous, the knowledge of American Wu Shen Pai Kenpo can be a valuable “life reassurance” policy. The goal of Kenpo is to be able to walk away from a confrontation not out of fear of what will happen to you, but rather out of fear of what you might be forced to do to an aggressor. Combining mind, body, and spirit, the study of American Wu Shen Pai Kenpo is a fascinating, rewarding, and enriching experience.
MORE ABOUT THE ART OF WU SHEN PAI CHU’AN FA GUNG FU
Wu Shen Pai Chu'an Fa translates simply as "Warrior Spirit Family". Wu Shen Pai Chu’an Fa has its own traditional code of ethics or Wen Wu which are strictly adhered to. It is also an art which is based on the duality of opposites. Wu Shen Pai Chu'an Fa is a combination of YIN (soft/circular movement) and YANG (hard/linear movement). The Wu Shu (martial aspects) of Wu Shen Pai can be further explained in four distinct - though interconnecting - major paths of study.
Nei Kung  Deals with developing, controlling, and directing one's Ki, or internal energy force, through breathing and meditation exercises in conjunction with specific physical techniques.
Wai Kung  Wai Kung includes the offensive and defensive empty hand combative applications. Combining elements predominantly tense and linear in nature with those soft and circular, these techniques mesh to form a natural fighting system. This phase includes full instruction in 156 Self Defense Techniques, all hand strikes and blocks (trapping and grabbing as well as deflection applications, using the hands, wrist, forearm, elbows, arms and shoulders), 365 individual kicks, throws and falls from any position and onto any surfaces, human anatomical structure as it pertains to combat applications (knowing and utilizing the body's weak points to effectively control the opponent, regardless of their size), joint manipulation and breaking, finger pressure-point application, prisoner arrest, control and transport, grappling applications, forms, offensive choking and flesh-tearing techniques, defense against multiple opponents, breaking techniques, counter-attacks, and killing techniques.
 Wu Xie Kung  Involves the offensive and defensive use of the over 108 traditional weapons found within 20 categories of weaponry. By learning these various weapon systems, the practitioner can most effectively utilize any available object as a weapon as the situation demands.
Shen Kung  Is the study, development, and control of the human mind in order to attain one's full potential and mental capabilities. Techniques are taught to achieve an increase in one's total awareness, focus, and concentration levels. Included are instruction in :controlling one's mind; development of the "sixth sense"; memory recall; the study of human character and personalities; practical psychology; visualization; the art of concealment and stealth as utilized by special agents; as well as advanced, secretive applications. Wu Shen Pai Kenpo teaches both the martial art (Wu-Shu) and healing art (In-Shu) applications. If one is able to injure or worse, then he/she should know how to heal as well, once again maintaining harmony through the balance of opposites. First aid applications, revival techniques are taught in conjunction with the traditional full studies of acupuncture, Royal Family acupressure, herbal and natural medicines, and bone setting.
Wu Shen Pai Chu’an Fa (Kenpo)® is certainly one of the most comprehensive systems of self-defense and combative techniques in the world. This system has been developed in accordance with the ancient principles of Yin-Yang, which emphasize balance in life and harmony with others and nature. The study of Wu Shen Pai Chu'an Fa encompasses the following areas and types of study:
Hard Linear Movements Soft Circular Movements Foot and Hand Techniques Joint Manipulation / Joint Locks Takedowns / Throws / Sweeps Ground Fighting Traditional and Modern Weaponry Internal Energy Development Meditation and Breathing Techniques Healing Arts Philosophy and Ethics
What attracts many Westerners to the Eastern Martial Arts in the first place are the traditional values of respect, honor, integrity, and loyalty. It is the presence of ceremony and etiquette which displayed humility and maturity. It is the Eastern philosophies of harmony with nature, strong disciplined character, honoring elders and seniors with respect, inner peace, and the balance of juxtaposing forces of nature which permeates into every aspect of the physical and intangible (Yin/Yang). The traditional Chu’an Fa emphasis on concepts and principles of motion, physics, and biomechanics remains. However, Wu Shen Pai Chu’an Fa Gung Fu has retained the character building aspects of traditional martial arts training. We feel that you will find this mixture both practical and fulfilling.
WU SHEN PAI VALUES: 1. Ethics are the beginning and the end of everything we do. 2. Duty to Wu Shen Pai is like duty to our commonwealth; it is a fundamental part of us. 3. Learning and teaching are sacred. 4. Students must learn to be good teachers, just as teachers must never stop being good students, and continue to learn. 5. Learning and teaching modes must be flexible to meet student needs. 6. Kindness and courtesy are as important as any self-defense move. 7. Violence serves no one. The best Martial Artists avoid fights if at all possible. FOR A LOOK AT WU SHEN PAI’S UNIQUE AND EXPLOSIVE METHOD OF EXECUTION OF THE CHU’AN FA SYSTEM CLICK HERE.

WU SHEN PAI CHU’AN FA GUNG FU
A Martial Art of Strength and Honor!