Introduction to Choy Li Fut
Choy Li Fut is a form of Kung Fu developed by Chan Heung in 1836. Chan Heung named the new method of fighting after his instructors ‘Choy’ and ‘Li’ and the suffix ‘Fut’ was added as homage to Shaolin Temple. Word ‘Fut’ means Buddha and it is from Shaolin Temple that his predecessors came. This style of Kung fu is influenced by both Northern and Southern China. Unique character of this martial art form is that the techniques are different for students with different physique and Chan Heung has developed them from his own experience. All the fighting techniques in this form have been made into script by Chan Heung and were handed over to his close disciples.
Different forms used in this martial art are hand forms like (Small Cross Pattern Hand Form, level hand form), two man hand forms, staff forms, spear forms, broad sword forms, two edged sword forms, long handled weapon forms, fan forms, two part weapons, two persons combat weapon form, miscellaneous single weapons and dummy forms. Any person interested to learn Choy Li Fut has to begin with stance and movement training. It has got very different striking techniques and most of them are used in offence and in defense. Long fist and Buddhist palm are the two dynamic boxing types used here. Several traditional Chinese weapons are also used for fighting in this martial art form. The heaviest of all Chinese weapons ‘Nine-Dragon Trident’ is used in Choy Li Fut only. It has very realistic and practical methods of fighting, because the fighting technique developed during the period of war.