Bak Mei Kuen

          METHODOLOGY

In Bai Mei Quan, there are principles on how movements and power is generated this requires the coordination of the body in the basic level. Since we rely on perpetual cycling power which means that each move when connected gains momentum and thereby force from the previous one increasing in acceleration and thereby power, to practice the fundamentals and the principles are critical to success. We list some of these principles below:

• San Xing (3 Shapes): Yuan (Round), Bian (Flat) and Zhi (Straight)

• Si Biao (4 Dynamics) - Tun (Swallow), Tu (Spit), Fou (Float), Chun(Chun)

• Wu Xing (5 Elements): Gang (Hard), Rou (Soft), Qing (Light), Zhong (Heavy) and Xun (rapid)

• Liu Jin (6 Energy powers): Zhi (Straight), Suo (pull, Sheng (Ascend), Chen (sink), Xuan (wirl), Gu (splatter)

• Liu Bu (6 Parts powers): Tou(Head), Jing (Neck), Bei (Back), Yao (Waist), Shou (Hands) and Jiao (Legs)

• Ba Xiang (8 Directions): Shang (upward), Xia (downward), Li (inward), Wai(outward), Zhuan(twist), Fan(turn), Jin(enter), Tui(exit).

• Ba Shi (8 Postures): Bian (Whip), Ce (Cut off), Wan (clear out), Zhuang (smash Through), Dan (Spring out), Suo (pull in), Pan (Swipe out), Chong (Rush out),

• Ba Gong (8 Skills): Shen (spirit), Yi (Intention), Qi (Vital Energy), Jin (Power), Xing (Shape), Yuan (circle), Tong (Connect), Jing (Calmness)

To support the principles, the use of the elasticity and spring force of the joints and tendons is important. As per the six parts powers, the most critical powers include Zhi Jin (Straight Power), Chen Suo Jin (Sinking Power) and Sheng Jin (Ascending Power), whilst an auxillary result of mastering the six powers and harmonizing the 8 Skills and 6 parts, culminates in Zheng Jin (Complete Power), sometimes also referred to as Jing Jin (Shock power). Mastery of the breathing cycles in the Tun Tu Fou Chun methods that include expansions and compressions, ensures that there is no collapse to the power development and that harmony between body, technique and intention are obtained.

The harmony and cordination of the body parts and use of the Zhi (Fingers), Wan (Wrist), Zhou (Elbows), Jian (Shoulder), Yao (waist), Zu (Feet) as well as clenching of the Ya (Teeth) are also key points. Since the co-ordination of the various sections can lead to differentiation of power or force, as an example the shoulder could generate throught the shoulder, elbow, wrist and then fingers in a Biao (Darting) movement. Thus, the coordination or opening and closing of the joints (liu Jie) the three of the upper limbs and three lower limbs, combined with the waist and neck needs to be done in micro links that can lead to more focused power. Spiraling (Xuan) power allows manifestation of energy throughout the body so that when part strikes all parts played a role and the force is greater than simply localised muscle or strength. In essence of the principles are understood by practice and the culmination is obtained by continued quest for mastery.

Some of the basic hand techniques include Chuan (Pierce), Suo (lock), Feng (Seal), Gou (Hook), Chou (Draw), Sui (Break), Zuan (Drill), Pao (Fling), Bian (Whip), Liu (Slip) and Xi (Absorb).

In terms of drills there are focuses on striking combinations and bridge skill development of which there are many types of practices. In all practices the coordination of the footwork, body and limbs are always essential and emphasised. The techniques which are practiced usually would coincide with the fist methods that being learnt do that the learning of technique is coupled with applications, drilling and combat methods.

SYSTEM

Fundamental

• Zhi Bu (直步，Straight Steps)

• Shi Zi Quan (十字拳，Cross Fist)

• San Men Chui (三门槌, 3 Doors Strikes)

Intermediate

• San Men Ba Gua (三门八卦，3 Gates 8 Trigrams)

• Si Men Ba Gua (四门八卦，4 Gates 8 Trigrams)

• Ying Zhao Nian Qiao (鹰爪黏桥，Eagle Claw Adhering Bridges)

Advanced

• Jiu Bu Tui (九步推，9 Step Push)

• Shi Ba Mo Qiao (十八摩桥，18 Rubbing Bridges)

• Meng Hu Chu Lin (猛虎出林，Fierce Tiger Exits Forest)

Weapons

• Da Chun Gun (Double Ended Staff)

• Wu Xing Gun (5 Elements Staff)

• Shuang Hu Die Dao (Double Butterfly Knives)

• Fei Feng Dao (flying Phoenix Broadsword)

• Da Pa (Tiger Fork)

• Shuang Guai (Double Tonfa)