Speed and accuracy combined with big powerful strikes and long stretching movements; low stances, kicks and leaps that look strong yet graceful. These are typical characteristics of the Shaolin Lohan system. Shaolin Lohan Quan or Shaolin Lohan Fist is probably the quintessential form associated with the Shaolin Temple.

Part of the Ngo Chor system mentioned in a previous post, Shaolin Lohan was traditionally a northern Chinese style of Kung Fu. Originally, it consisted of 18 Lohan or Immortal forms, believed to be fashioned after each of China’s legendary Chap Puay Lohan or 18 Immortals. It involves long-range techniques with quick advances and aggressive attacks. It is said to be best suited for the larger body build because it uses the advantages of size and strength.

The early Shaolin Temple was a refuge for retired soldiers who had seen enough of war during China’s tumultuous past. Many of these were Kung Fu experts seeking spiritual reprieve from a life of bloodshed and war. Their fighting skills were honed and battlefield-tested. And it is most likely that they helped perfect the Lohan style. It is believed that battlefield techniques using lethal weapons like spears were modified to become stick techniques in Lohan Kung Fu. The original 18 Lohan forms have also been expanded to over 100 movements that are divided into five animal forms, namely the dragon, tiger, snake, leopard and crane.

But we don’t want to get into historical details and discussion here. These have been subject to much discussion and debate amongst experts for many years and we’re quite happy to let others continue the debate in other forums. We are more interested in doing Shaolin Lohan forms and spreading that knowledge to all of you out there. So if you want to know more about this very special style of Kung Fu or see it in action, come to Arena Sukan and take a look for yourself.

Adult classes are now on: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays

Time: 7:30pm to 9:00pm

Youth classes (9-15years old) are on: Saturdays

Time: 4:30pm to 6:00pm

Call Arena Sukan for more information: 082-363577/0178087017

By Pearl A.Y.

Now, something more about my son, Jason.  Taekwondo was part of his school extra-curricular activities.  He still does taekwondo once a week at a gym, but it is more for fitness rather than self-defense.  Ever since he attended the Wing Chun Seminar, his concepts of martial arts have been totally changed. For example, the entry, breaching, centerline and so forth.  I have no qualms in encouraging him to go all out and learn all he can from the best because contrary to some people’s perception, learning Kung Fu does not necessarily encourage learners to be aggressive and fight. In fact, I have observed just the opposite in Jason. He knows more now than he did before, yet he exercises greater restraint. This self-confidence within himself acts as a guard or deterrent. When you know what you are capable of, that knowledge removes any need to show off or prove one’s point. The power of provocation is thus nullified.  At least, this is very much so in Jason’s case.  His learning experience at MYMA has added depth and maturity to his character.

My advice to other women about taking up Wing Chun?  Sign up ASAP, less you become the next crime statistic.  What’s great about Wing Chun is that it was created by a woman for efficient self-defense against a larger assailant. You get to learn how to defend yourself without brute force.  Techniques acquired will not become obsolete and not doable with age as they are the kind that have no physical limitations.  Personally, I would not want to invest time and effort on something that I cannot use to protect myself when I get old one day.  And if you have a child, especially a daughter, it is a great way to bond.  Kill two birds with one stone.  Empower your child to fend off would-be molesters.

My answer to the frequently asked question of how it feels to be a woman who knows how to defend herself is that I feel more confident and have a more optimistic outlook on life.  There is less restriction in terms of the time of the day and the places that I need to visit to do the things that I feel passionate about.  No more hesitancy in responding to those early hours of the morning emergency calls for help.  Life is not always that neat and tidy. When unlooked-for trouble comes knocking, it pays to know what to do.  Knowing what to do is not enough.  It is crucial to know how to do it right. This is where MYMA comes in.

“Challenge your fear”, Sifu once said.  That is exactly what I do weekly.  I used to fear having my personal space being violently taken over.  Wing Chun techniques requires one to be “up close and personal” with the assailant.  This aspect of the training is invaluable as it prepares one for the reality of a real life encounter should one be unfortunate enough to be attacked.  Training at the centre teaches me to respond intelligently rather than react mindlessly.  My favorite move, of course, is to move in and take over the other person’s centerline. Once I do that, I can do anything I like. Anything I like?  Wow!  How empowering.

The truism “Health is Wealth” holds true. The ideal for me is Qigong in the morning  for health and wealth and Wing Chun in the evening  to safeguard that very same health and wealth.