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Lineage of Traditional Wu Shu Styles
Wu Shu is firstly divided into Northern and Southern origins of China.(Nan/Bei)
Then the trace school name or birth place, for example from the Northern origin – The 5 Main Schools are; Shaolin /Er Mei/ Wu Dang/ Leang Shan/ and Hua Shan.
Then it is broken down to the style name, for example Hong/ Cha/ Pao/ Hua and Shaolin Chuan etc.
A southern style can be traced by firstly its origin, then its birth place - then the style is traced from 1 of 5 main Southern styles –Hung/ Lao/ Choi/ Lei/ and Mok.
The styles practiced from the various Schools birth places follow 1 of 2 main Principals of Wu Shu which are External Skills (Wei Ja), or Internal Skills (Nui Ja).
[ Shaolin - Lohan Style ]
Wu Shu and the purpose of movement within the form
There is a very distinguishing element to all styles of Wu Shu which is referred to as Xing Fa. The ability to use the actual movements from the forms -Tao Lu is to San Da equals Xing Fa- Form is to Fighting equals purpose.This fighting element can be seen in an athletes traditional form, and form can be seen in an athletes fighting.
For someone who hasn't been shown Xing Fa and try to compare two athletes in an assessment of the same traditional form and similar skill level, one with an understanding of Xing Fa and one with out may only be looking for the characteristics of Wu Shu judging in general- Speed/ Power/ Balance/ Control/ Correct use of stances - foot - hand movements in Rhythm etc which all Wu Shu forms must share. Without knowing the purpose of the movement brings change to Wu Shu as a sport for the onlooker and the athlete. A traditional form has purpose and shouldn't be changed for a flair factor. Traditional and Contemporary need to be kept separate.
To someone watching who has an understanding in Xing Fa would have a greater appreciation of the traditional form being displayed within each stance of the form, each hand and foot technique there is the variance of understanding the technique of the movement from close range to long range entering techniques, to grappling , to seizing, to takedowns and throws etc. The difference is just moving in the shape of the form,because its part of the form sequence.The actual essence of what Wu Shu is further develops the martial ability of the athlete by a rich and comprehensive understanding of the form being practiced. The form training alone in traditional styles is the same as contemporary Wu Shu without the purpose of the actual movement, the style then changes to a sport with out the martial practice development.
Form training (Tao Lu) is a very important development factor of Wu Shu, however, the actual practical side to the application of each and every one of the movements in the form you practice is the real hidden treasure. As a student to Wu Shu it is important to become professional in one traditional style, with a strong understanding of Xing Fa in the style that you practice, then learn the various characteristics of others. Many traditional and Martial development was left out of professional Wu Shu athletes training courses in Wu Shu schools so as to develop a specialty in competition form training only, styles stopped the development of free fighting (San da) training so as to specialize in forms training, and was handed down from Teacher to Student without Xing Fa. This is how Wu Shu has turned to a sport over the years for competitive forms since the founding of the Peoples Republic of China.Many Family styles of traditional Wu Shu have kept their course of training clear with purpose by including a balanced system of development in all aspects of their training. Family styles are systems of training which originated in both North and South China from one of the various School headings following a particular traditional style.
[ Leang Shan - Water Margin Style ]
Wu Shu the Sport
The sport of Wu Shu has been set into 3 contemporary styles for forms (Tao Lu) competition - Chang Chuan / Nan Chuan/ and Tai Chi Chuan. All 3 styles adopting the good points from the traditional style movements of its origin and birthplace,but without teaching the martial ability. This style of Wu Shu has brought much acclaim to competition of forms (Tao Lu) with many complex forms of high skill for the purpose of competitive Wu Shu, the use of weapons is also included in separate forms events, however is referred to as apparatus for the 3 contemporary Wu Shu styles. As a result of such a high level of forms being developed in specialty styles for competition, free fighting (San Da/ Shan Shao) was added separately as a course of training for contemporary free fighting competition.
Wu Shu Styles
Chang Chuan(Long Fist)
The Modern newly composed style of Northern Wu Shu - Chang Chuan, which was developed after the founding of the Peoples Republic of China incorporates all the good points from 5 Northern traditional style forms. Chang Chuan movements are executed in a wide range requiring tremendous physical exertion, the movements are extended (long) agile and changeable, which include the use of dynamic jumps and undulating techniques. Constant training in the form (tao Lu) will improve the elasticity and pliability of the ligaments, tendons and muscles, which increases the range of motion and flexibility within the joints. When a person trains Chang Chuan Tao Lu, they must focus on correct posture of movements, which is only attained with the body being flexible in all the joints to make a clear form and transition of movement. The style is consistent in changing continuously hand /feet movements and are closely combined with the eyes bringing good spirit to the form. Abdominal breathing techniques are combined with these movements bringing longevity of the power during form exercise. The overall rhythm of the form is seen by applying power smoothly with harmony of fast, slow, and paused techniques, of light and heavy movements.
 [ Sifu Luke Kretschmann at 17 years Chang Chuan ]
Nan Chuan (Southern Fist)
The modern newly composed style of Southern Wu Shu – Nan Chuan which was developed after the founding of the Peoples Republic of China incorporates all the good points from all 5 Southern traditional style forms. This style of Wu Shu has brought much acclaim to the competition of Southern forms (Tao Lu) with many complex forms of high skill for the purpose of competitive Wu Shu.
Nan Chuan movements are hard hitting and powerful requiring great physical strength and speed. Nan Chuan has a very different characteristic to Chang Chuan which is easily noticed by the use of firm and stable stances (Bu Fa)/ footwork which is steady and agile with minimal kicks (Twei Fa)/ forceful hands and fast punches (Shao Fa).Constant training in nan Chuan Tao Lu will improve the power and strength necessary to be able to move fast and firmly with hard hitting techniques. Nan Chuan uses sounds to add explosive energy exerted in the transition of movement with breathing during form exercise.
 [ Sifu Luke Kretschmann at 16 years Nan Chuan ]
Hock Chong Wu Shu Course System
A traditional course of training for styles inside the Shaolin heading is strongly taught which includes various Northern Shaolin Chuan styles.
Traditional weapon forms are also taught.
Contemporary Wu Shu - Chang Chuan and Nan Chuan, as well as the contemporary apparatus forms - Staff/ Broad sword/ Spear/ and Sword for competition and demonstration sports ability, for students who have grasped the traditional foundation of Wu Shu.
The essence of Wu Shu- the Xing Fa is taught in San Da course.
Once having trained in Tao Lu and all basics are at a high level (Gee Bun Gong), the student begins Drunken Fist (Zui Chuan) style and the Xing Fa purpose to the form. There are 2 Drunken weapons in this course ; the Staff, and the sword.
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