Question: I noticed your information on the Ba qua. It was very enlighting, could you please speak more about it.
Answer: First, the Bakwa was originally a Taoist theory which over time was intermingled and adopted into the Buddhist philosophy. Because the Taoist already used this theory to explain their Martial system, it was easily assimilated by the Buddhist monks as the two religions merged together.
Now for the Bakwa itself. To practice martial arts properly, you must have some knowledge of this system (the Bakwa) and its 8 trigrams. This is because, all martial theories (strikes, throws, take downs, leverages and etc) are based upon it. It is also used to explain different internal and external powers, as well as, to explain footwork theories, and different ways of emplying and recieving energy (when attacking and defending). Mind you, these are only the very basic idea's of the Bakwa. In fact the theories of the Bakwa are very involved, and includes the 5 directions and the 5 elements theories, which are contained within. Remember, every time you employ a technique, you are using the Bakwa.
12-12-2004
Question: Would you care to talk more about the Sun and Moon salute. I find this very interesting, and some people have never heard of it. Thanks...Jason
Answer:
Meaning Of The Sun And Moon Salute
The salute we use today is not the salute that was used in ancient times. The one we use today came from the Ching Dynasty, and was invented by the revolutionaries against this Dynasty. However, before this time, people still used sign language to speak to each other, and the kung fu salute was a greeting and a way to pay, or show respect to one another. The right closed fist stood for the individual, while the left open hand stood for peace, freedom, the nations of the four seas, and for China. This could be interpreted as; I and China salute you; or we are all one, as well as, other meanings that were brought about by slight changes of the hands.
Sun And Moon (Ming)
Then, during the Ching Dynasty, these meanings changed. The right hand was used represents the sun (yang) and the left hand the moon (yin). When the palm and fist were put together,
it meant (in sign language "Ming", (the Dynasty prior to the Manchu's (Ching)).
The entire salute of this version, including the hand gestures, the rolling of the fist to ones side and etc all meant (basically); overthrow the Ching, restore the Ming. Also when the fist and palm is put together and the salute is brought up to chin level, the hands will form the character "Ming" (to the onlooker) which again, identifies the saluting party to each other.
Lastly, we also use a twin backhand motion known as "sun and moon crosses the sky" .This is an opening move (introduction) prior to the actually "sun and moon" salute. This salute is also used to identify oneself as being loyal to the Ming Dynasty, and is a stronger way of saying "restore the Ming" because it is being used twice. This technique is done by crossing both wrist in front of the chest or throat with the palms facing to each side. The arms and hand then arc upward to an overhead position, separate out to the sides and then down ending with the arms extend at shoulder level with fingers point diagonally downward. This motion represents the sun and moon
moving across the heavens, symbolizing the Ming.
Take care Jason, Master Jim.
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Sept 1, 2004
Question: They call the yin yang symbol the tai chi symbol.
I know this history stuff is complicated and can be argued to death cause no one really knows for sure, that is there are so many opinions, BUT if the yin yang symbol is also known as the Tai Chi symbol, how does Choi li fut come before Tai Chi Chuan? Are you saying that what we know as "modern" Choi li fut is older than Tai Chi or are you saying the ancient roots of Choi li fut came before Tai Chi? Honestly, I am no expert on Tai Chi, so can you tell me how you see it. I thought I remembered Jimmy saying that Tai Chi was ancient like in thousands of years old.
Did you ever hear of a story that went something like this:
The Mongols (?) occupied China and the Chinese gave them the Tai Chi part of kung fu and hid the rest. The Idea being that they had to give them something and figures that the Tai Chi part would pacify there curiosity and mellow them out. The hand to hand stuff went underground.
Answer: Here's exactly how Jimmy (Chan Siu Duk) explained it to me. The art was over 4600 years old and started way before the monks began to refined it. Started as a mix of dance, sign language, hand, and foot strikes which were combined around wrestling techniques. Then, later, Buddhist Taoism and Confucianism all working together, blended and intergrated all three "isms" into a single martial art.
Tai Chi: The Yin/Yang symbol as it applies to Tai Chi, refers to embracing a balanced life style (the most simple explaination, although it really is an extremely complicated subject). Next, Tai Chi is a combination if you will, of Taoism and Buddhism although Taoist seem to have claim it exclusively. In addition, in the beginning, the monks (Taoist and Buddhist) first developed the physical exercises, the form came next, followed by the fighting techniques. So, looking at in that way, it sounds like (Tai Chi) or the form part came first. However, the art of Tai Chi itself, was develop later as a way to keep the older monks fit, and came from our Ch'an Buddhist fighting form (Ch'an Buddhist is a mixture of Buddhism and Taoism which was developed around 660 A.D.). But because the fighting form was so powerful, it had to be modified and designed in a much shorter manner (length) then the original fighting form, with emphasis placed on slower and softer movements so as not to damage the older monks muscles and tendons, while at the same time, keeping them toned. Hence, Tai Chi.
Lastly, all fighting techniques came from the form, not the other way around. If you don't understand the form correctly, you can't properly executed, or even teach a fighting technique. So, everything reverts back to the form.
Symbol: As for the Tai Chi sign, the Yin/Yang symbol is very old, and developed by the Taoist long before the Buddhist were around, Buddhism adopted the theory and symbol when they merged with Taoism (Ch'an Buddhism), thus applying its circular theories, and other philosophies into the art.
Mongols: As for the Mongols and Tai Chi, can't say I've every heard that story...but your guess is as good as mine. Thought Jimmy did say that the Ching allowed the monks to practice Tai Chi in the Peking Palace.
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Oct 20, 2004
Choy Ga
Question: I saw something you posted a while back in which you said the first part of the arts name was "Choy ga kung cow". What does this mean?.
Answer: This is the first part of the 5 family name "Choy Ga, Ka or Gar" and refers to, or means "Choy Family" This can be said in all kinds of different dialects such as; tsai, cai, tsoi, and etc. The second part is "kun tao" and means "way of the fist", "fist way" or hand way and etc. This too can be said and spelled in many different ways as you have noted above. In addition, each name is used for a particular reason. That is, to point out what it is your learning or teaching to others, and where this particular part of the art came from, but because there are so many different dialects and ways to write these names, it has caused mass confusion.
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Sept 21, 2004
Rules And Regulations Of The Art
Question: Can you give me your view point on something. First, are there precise rules governing everything we do in our practice. My main line of questioning is this, some times I'm taught lessons or forms that do not seem to setup right, or when shown again, change. That is, many times my Sifu teaches a lesson by stepping in with a half horse, then when he shows it again, steps in with a twist horse. I know its a small thing, but when I ask him the "how" and "why's" of these things, I'm told, "it doesn't really matter".
Answer: Well, I receive similar questions on this subject all the time from Masters, Black Belts, and Lower Belts. The truth is, everything we do is done for a reason. Every step, turn, motion and etc, is for a reason. Everything matters!.. distance, timing, fighting sounds, angles of attack, weapon area and etc. Every lesson, every form has to setup exactly right or it will not work in a fight situation. Its kinda like going to school and learning how to spell half your words incorrectly. When it comes time to getting a job as an English teacher, you will flunk out. So, it is extremely important to know exactly what and why your doing something. However, I do not feel like the internet is the place for me to make all this info available so I'm somewhat limited in what I can say here.
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Sept 1, 2004
Salute
Question: Have you ever heard of a salute used in the art that steps back while the arms spread like wings with the fingers pointing down, then stepping forward in a kick stance with a salute. Thanks, Jason.
Answer: Yes, its another version of the "sun and moon" salute. That is, it is a sign langauge gesture representing the sun and moon moving across the sky, and symbolized the "Ming" dynasty. The art is load with such secret hand motions.
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Aug 1, 04
Salute
Question: Master James, Could you go into more detail about revolving the salute. Particularly the position of the right hand...I've seen variations...I've seen right fist facing left palm with left fingers over closed fist...I've seen right fist facing out with left hand sort of making a "C" around the right fist, fingers out and sort of over top of the fist. Which way is exactly correct for the position of the right fist. Towards left hand or facing forward? thanks, Jason.
Answer: Ok, well the way Jimmy is doing it on my webpage is the correct way. The left palm cups the right fist. Both the fist and palm meet each other diagonally. That is to say, the front of the right first is not flat against the left palm (they do not face directly to the right or left side, but angle outward slightly in a varrow "V"). If the fist and palm meet each other flush, then the shoulders, elbows, and wrist cannot relax, but will instead, lock up in an unnatural state breaking off ones chi (energy) and destroying ones triangles. In addition, the elbow must always be held low. This relaxes the shoulder and concentrates the mind.
Also, the left hand is stretched open widely so that the web of the hand can be placed on the thumb side of the right fist as follows; left web plaed between and across the 1st and 2nd thumb joint, and between the 2nd and 3rd joints of the index finger. This allows the left index finger to cut diagonally upward across the front of the fist while laying the left little finger on top of the right (fist) little finger.
Making The Bow
When making the bow with a salute, always lean forward very gracefully making only a slight 1/4 nod of the head (bring your head no lower than your breast level). If you make a full bow (leaning forward to waist level), you will be unable to see your opponent, or the person in front of you. This in turn will make the practitioner very vulnerable to an attack such as a kick to the face, or a hammer to the back of the neck. In addition, the hands make the salute no higher than nose level for the same reasons. That is, if the hands are higher then the your eyes, you will be unable to see. Note: There are overhead salute.
Wrist or Back Of Hand Salutes
Those that place the left web of the hand at the right wrist, or at the back of the right hand are doing the salute incorrectly. I have seen this method, but it is not a Chinese salute. It is an American slag salute.
Meaning Of The Salute
The salute we use today is not the salute that was used in ancient times. The one we use today came from the Ching Dynasty, and was invented by the revolutionaries (monks) that were against that Dynasty. The left hand represents the sun, and the right hand the moon. When the palm and fist were put together, it meant (in sign language) "Ming" (the dynasty prior to the Manchu's). The entire salute including the hand gestures, the rolling of the fist to the sides and etc all meant basically, "overthrow the Ching, restore the Ming."
Take care, Master Jim.
Note; I have gotten many questions on the salute this month and will post more info later.
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July 12, 04
Buddhism
Well of all the e mail I get each month, I just recently received one from Eamon M. Wentzel. In it, he accused me of everything but starting World War 3. However, in his e mail one thing struck me particularly funny. He makes the accusation that I'm making up the fact that Jimmy taught Buddhism. The fact is, Jimmy was born in China, and raised as a Buddhist. His entire family were of the Buddhist faith. His Great grandfather was a monk from a Buddhist Temple in Kwangtung. Also, anyone that knows Jimmy has heard the story of how his Mother burnt both sides of his face went he was young with a cigar so that the Buddhist Devil would not recognize him at his death. Jimmy also use to tell stories of how he would go to the Temples, visiting with the monks and showing off his kung fu to them. In addition, the Fut Ga part of the art contains Buddhist psychological information on how to live and conduct oneself, as well as how to practice the art. When Jimmy gave you a talk on what and what not to do in your life, it came from the Buddhist psychology of the art. In fact, you cannot speak of the art without speaking of Buddhism. When the monks create the art, the Buddhist or Zen point of view of how to use was incorperated. This is where the use of Karma comes into play. That is, what you do always comes back to you. That is why Jimmy use to say,
"If you can get out of a fight, go, walk or even run away it doesn't matter. What he thinks (your adversary) of me is his business, I know I'm not a afraid. Maybe I saved his life and mine."
Lastly, Jimmy only converted over to the Christian religion in the later years of his life, and this was only for Bernie, it was not some thing he want to do. So, there you have it. Peace!