KUNG FU TAI CHI OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 1996
Kung Fu is far more than just a fighting technique—it is a lifelong discipline that nurtures both the body and the mind. Rooted in centuries of wisdom, traditional Kung Fu emphasizes balance, breathing, strength, and flow. Each movement is designed not only for defense or performance, but also for developing core strength, joint mobility, and overall physical health. Practicing Kung Fu regularly helps improve posture, flexibility, and coordination. It strengthens the cardiovascular system and enhances muscle tone, while the controlled breathing techniques can lower stress levels and promote better mental focus. For older adults, Kung Fu provides a low-impact yet highly effective way to stay active, improve balance, and reduce the risk of injury. Beyond the physical benefits, Kung Fu teaches discipline, patience, and inner calm. Whether you're young or old, a beginner or an experienced martial artist, Kung Fu can be a powerful tool to improve your quality of life—one mindful movement at a time.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Cover Story
Empress of the Eagles
Unrivaled in majesty, the eagle soars even above the clouds. Intrepid in battle, the eagle fears no enemy. What must it be to reign as sovereign of such noble creatures? To be empress of the eagles?
Is Traditional Practical?
How Tibetan Chinese Lama Kung-Fu Creates the Complete Fighter
What Hands Can Do, Legs Should Too
Master Bob Lee has spent a lifetime perfecting his surprising kicking style
The Living Legacy of Grandmaster Chang Dung Sheng
In the annals of martial arts history, many tai chi styles have been created, but only one, Chang Shih Tai Chi Chuan, was specifically designed for self-defense purposes
Omei Mountain Kungfu
In southwest China lies Sichuan province, the birthplace of leaders and fighters throughout the country's turbulent history. Four major rivers, including the Yangtze flow through the province, for its name, from "Si'Chuan," means "four streams."
Memories of a Master
My teacher, Lum Dai Yung, was educated in the Sil Lum Monastery and was one of the youngest among the five who came out. Two came to Hawaii-one, a lady monk, resided in Kauai-and the other three went to South America, Canada, and Okinawa
Contradicting a Legend Part II
Though tradition says that the Shaolin fighting arts were brought to China by the Indian Da Mo, other sources indicate that the monks' style is uniquely Chinese
Qigong:
Putting the Chi Back into Chi Sau
The sticky hands exercise, or chi sau, is an intricate and essential part of any Wing Chun training. However, many people misunderstand this exercise and may be missing the true purpose of chi sau. Chi sau is an evolving process where two practitioners learn to move with each other as if stuck together
The Healing Ways of FaXiang Hou
At the age of thirteen, FaXiang Hou began the study of qigong under the tutelage of his father, Zhang Hin Hou, in a small town in Gan Su Province, China. FaXiang is the fifth generation heir to his family's unbroken lineage of qigong masters
Five Elements Qigong, Part 5-Earth-Spleen Qigong
Earth-Spleen Qigong is one of the five forms that make up Mi Zong Zhou Yi Wu Shing Ling Gan Gong, or Chinese Medicine Yi Ching Five Elements Qigong. A combination of Chinese martial arts and traditional medicine, it aims to improve the flow of qi in the stomach area, which strengthens your spleen and stomach
Internal Iron Palm Chi Development
In all of the martial arts, even in the kung fu community, not one instructor has been able to teach someone how to break a coconut on a string. Some people may be able to break it on the ground, but very few, if any, could break it on the palm
Tiger's Tale