Kung fu is a Chinese martial art with thousands of years of history. Although beginning techniques can seem relatively simple, kung fu tricks require strength, agility and practice. The essence of learning kung fu tricks is the same as learning any martial arts technique. You watch an expert do it, then practice until you can do it correctly. However, the advanced nature of kung fu tricks requires some special observations.
Step 1
Set up a safe practice area before beginning work on kung fu tricks. You need a clear area with at least 10 feet on a side and a safe landing surface.
Step 2
Wear loose-fitting workout clothes while practicing kung fu tricks. Inevitable falls and wipeouts will be hard on your wardrobe, and you don't want to ruin your formal training uniform.
Step 3
Bend mostly with the legs for sweeps and other low-line tricks. Although it's tempting to bend at the waist, this can throw off your balance and alignment and ruin the technique.
Step 4
Pay attention to your landings on aerial techniques. It's common to focus instead on the strike or motion at the top of your leap, but landing is where injuries are most likely to happen.
Step 5
Invite a spotter to help you practice flips and other advanced tricks. A skilled spotter can give you a strategic boost when you are learning a technique and he will be there to help if you hurt yourself with a rough landing.
Step 6
Focus on one trick at a time, rather than rotating through a variety of new tricks during practice. It's fun to incorporate new tricks, but maintaining focus is the best way to achieve rapid results.
Tips and Warnings
- If you don't have a coach or sifu, consider recording video of your tricks and posting it online. Although user video sites can be an invitation to get flamed, most martial arts forums include a "members in motion" section for the express purpose of posting video and soliciting feedback.
- Don't skimp on the landing pads when you practice aerial techniques. You will fall, sometimes hard, and the pad will have a lot to do with how quickly you get up again.
Things You'll Need
- Gymnastics or martial arts pad
References
- Dave Coffman; Martial Arts Instructor; Bushido Martial Arts; Hillsboro, Oregon
- "Gung Fu: The Natural Way"; Michael Schmitt; 1995
- "The Tao of Jeet Kun Do"; Bruce Lee; 1978
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