Wei Zhong Wu Guan UK Training

Under the guidance of the Master Zhang Wei Zhong, the IKFRA is recognized as the UK branch of his school, Wei Zhong Wu Guan :

• Sun style Baguazhang , Taijiquan and Xingyiquan ( including weapons )

Baguazhang

There are three major branches of Baguazhang - one developed by Yin Fu, one by Cheng Ting Hua and one by Liang Zhen Pu. At IKFRA we teach Cheng Style ( via Master Sun Lu Tang ). Cheng Ting Hua's Bagua uses Longzhua Zhang (Dragon Claw Palm) with round Tiger's Mouth and separated fingers. It uses a lot of Bai Bu, which is related to Cheng's studies of Chinese wrestling (Shuai Jiao), where this kind of footwork is widely used for throws and sweeps. Baguazhang is recognized as one of the three internal styles of Chinese martial art. 'Bagua' literally translates to Eight trigrams. These trigrams are symbols which are used to represent all natural phenomena as described in the ancient Chinese text of divination, the Book of Changes (Yi Jing or I Ching). 'Zhang' means palm and designates Baguazhang as a style of martial art, which emphasizes the use of the open hand in preference to the closed fist. Baguazhang, as a martial art, is based on the theory of continuously changing in response to the situation in order to overcome an opponent with skill rather than brute force (as they do in taijiquan). Although there are several theories as to the Origins of Baguazhang, continuous research by martial masters all over China conclude without reasonable doubt that the Art is the creation of a single individual, Dong Hai Chuan.
Briefly, the material taught :

• 8 Basic Movements.
• 8 Big Palms.
• Weapons.
• Baguazhang forms.
• Pushing hands and applications.

Taijiquan

Sun style tai chi chuan is one of the main branches of taijiquan ( along with Chen, Yang, Wu and Wu/Hao ). Master Sun created this form by infusing influences from Xingyiquan and Baguazhang into the form taught to him by his teacher - Master Hao Wei Chen. He considered this form to be the culmination of all his knowledge. Its form is flowing, contains mostly upright movements. The footwork of Sun style is called the 'follow-step' - when one foot advances or retreats the other follows. The palm is open through out. Despite appearences this form can be quite demanding due its emphasis on upright posture and single weighted stances.

Xingyiquan

Xingyiquan is one of the oldest orthodox internal styles of Chinese martial arts. 'Xing' refers to form or shape and 'Yi' commonly refers to the mind or intent. Xingyiquan is commonly translated as Form and Mind or Form and Spirit boxing. The name illustrates the strong emphasis placed on the motion of the body being subordinate to conscious control on intention of the spirit and qi movement that combined mind and body. The form the body takes is an external manifestation of the internal state of mind and is the underlying premise behind Xing Yi Quan as a method of combat. Xingyiquan looks external but infact concentrates the mind internally despite the external and basic structure of the movements. It comprises of Five element fists and 12 animal forms.
Briefly, the material taught :

• 5 Elements.
• 12 Animals
• Weapons.
• Linked forms.
• Pushing hands and applications.