Chow Gar Training

There are numerous training methods that students of Chow Gar Tong Long (Southern Praying Mantis) kung fu will participate in. These are:

• Conditioning. Involves two students striking each other's palms, forearms, stomach, back, chest, and neck to make these areas tough and hard. This allows the student to withstand the pain and damage associated with being hit. It also enables the student to deliver strikes that deal more damage to an opponent. Many martial artists train without knowing what it's like to be hit. If you are not conditioned to withstand this, getting hit in a fight can be a shock and may lead to your defeat.

• Tui Sau (also known as Chy Sau). Often referred to as "push hands" or the "grinding arm", tui sau develops the strength of the bridge and helps to improve one's breathing, control, and sensitivity. Tui sau is a fundamental Chow Gar training technique and is essential for developing short-range striking power.

• Jong Training. Jongs involve two people that practise predetermined moves against one another, striking each other with moderate force. This is designed to improve one's understanding of the techniques, timing of impact, stability, footwork, control, and accuracy. Jong training can be performed with or without weapons.

• Sparring. Similar to jongs, however the moves in sparring are not predetermined. This is the one of the most realistic Chow Gar training methods. Again, there is typically moderate levels of contact.

• Pad Work. Involves striking a series of moving targets (pads) in a single or combination manner. The pads are sometimes held by multiple opponents to simulate group fighting. Pad work is designed to develop maximum power and aggression while improving one's cardiovascular fitness.

• Forms. A series of techniques strung together and designed to improve one's concentration, co-ordination, breathing, stability, and internal strength. Forms can be performed unarmed or with weapons.

• Chi Kung. At advanced levels, chi kung forms are taught to students. Chi kung is a traditional Chinese exercise which helps students breath correctly, develop inner power (chi), and improve dynamic muscular strength.