sep 8th 2008

History of Southern Shaolin Gung Fu Loong Ying Jing Chung Dragon Sign Chinese Cultural Arts Association Introduction The Dragon Sign Chinese Cultural Arts Association has been operating in the UK since 1990. However its origins can be clearly traced to the Southern Shaolin "Wah So Toi" temple on Lau Fou Shen mountain in the Canton province. The Association works closely with Chinese communities in the UK and provides opportunities to learn a range of traditional Chinese Cultural Arts. The Association is chaired by Alan Chung, a 4th generation Hong Kong Trained Grand Master. The Association is registered with the British Council for Chinese Martial Arts (BCCMA). The Association has received substantial grants from the Arts Council and has been commissioned by a number of local authorities, museums, schools and community-based groups to provide training and perform demonstrations. The Association has appeared on television numerous times and has been the feature of a BBC Wales documentary. Traditional Southern Shaolin Gung Fu Loong Ying Jing Chung Loong Ying (Dragon Style) is the only martial arts system modeled after a mythical animal. Dragon style is based on the Chinese conception of a Dragon's dynamic explosive power, agility and speed. Loong Ying was taught both for self-defense and to enhance the internal development of the monks in the Wah So Toi" temple. The style was only taught to the highest ranked and skilled monks, who had developed peacefulness and self-control. The style was a kept as a secret limited to monks inside the temple until the late 18th century. The style was brought from the temple by the founder of our system, Lam Yuk Kwai. Each martial arts system has a particular strength for which it is known: internal, external, defensive or offensive. The Southern Dragon system is a predatory style, noted for its use of forearms, palm strikes and internal power. It is a short-range fighting system that harmonizes internal and external energy in its movements. The spirit of the Dragon is manifested in its use of rapid movement and a constantly changing chain of attack. The techniques are executed with speed and strength, but the practitioner always remains calm and focused. The traditional motto of the system states: "Control yourself, let others do what they will. This does not mean that you are weak. Control your heart; obey the principles of life. This does not mean that others are stronger." The Dragon Dance The nature of the Dragon In Chinese thought, the dragon is one of the four divine animals (the others being the phoenix, unicorn and tortoise), and master of the rains, rivers and seas. Unlike the winged reptile of European legends, the Chinese credit dragons with supernatural powers and deep wisdom. Since the Han dynasty (206 BC- AD220), the dragon had been an emblem of imperial power, and the emperor was considered a living embodiment of the dragon. Legends say that dragons could ride the wind and waves, lend their strength to heroes and bring destruction to the irreverent. In Chinese belief, dragons could be both play-full and benevolent when properly respected, or violent and destructive when aroused. There are stories, which describe them causing storms, floods and earthquakes. In Chinese culture, the dragon is viewed as being a majestic and magical animal. It is believed to have the characteristics of a number of animals, for example, the body of a snake and the talons of an eagle. The Chinese dragon is seen to have the ability to move between the physical and spiritual worlds. The power of the dragon is immense and unstoppable. They appear frequently in Chinese art, often juggling a "dragon pearl," or paired with a phoenix as twin symbols of strength and immortality. The Dragon Dance Since at least the Song Dynasty (A.D. 960 -1279), ceremonial dragon dances have been performed in China to call upon dragons for rain, good fortune and protection. The performance of the dance is seen to bring good luck to a region and therefore is highly valued. Elaborate dragons are constructed for the dance. Traditionally bamboo and vividly coloured cloth is used. Depending upon the size of the dragon, between 10 and 100 performers are required. By moving poles attached to the body of the dragon, the performers bring the dragon to life. Following a "pearl", the dragons body undulates up and down and sweeps from side to side. In more complex moves, the dragon spins into a tight coil then suddenly unravels itself. In other moves the dragon double backs on itself and the performers pass under or jump over the body of the dragon. Musicians playing cymbals, a gong and drum bring additional excitement to the performance. The Lion Dance The Chinese lion dance is an exciting and explosive dance often performed by martial artists. The dance celebrates key events and is believed to bring good fortune and chase away negative energy. The dance is performed at festivals such as Chinese New Year, weddings and the opening of new ventures. There are many stories relating to the origin of the lion. One of the most popular is that an Emperor had a vision of a "beast" whilst meditating. The Emperor believed that if this beast danced, it would bring prosperity to the land. The Emperor ordered the construction of a representation of the animal in his vision and the lion dance was created. There are different styles of lion dance. Northern Lion mimics the movements of an animal whilst Southern Lion is closely linked to kung fu movements. The lion dance typically involves a number of formalized movements performed to the accompaniment of musical instruments. Movements include waking up, bowing, plucking the green, eating the green and sleeping. During the dance the lion expresses a range of emotions. The musical instruments establish a rhythm that can be traced back to the Shaolin Temples of ancient China. The beat serves as a musical guide for the lion, it directs him through each task. The dance often begins with the lion bowing and then playing with firecrackers. The noise is believed to remove negative energies and bring prosperity. Amidst all of this confusion and red paper from the fireworks, the kung-fu practitioners act out the role of the lucky lion by moving quickly from one kung fu stance to another. The custom of "plucking the green" (Choi Chen) began as a means of welcoming "San Choy"-god of prosperity. Houses and businesses would hang up lettuce or green vegetables carefully prepared with an offering or gift inside a red envelope. It is believed that if the lion were to eat the greens, a lucky star would shine brightly upon the premises for the whole year. Many variations of Choi Chen have been developed. Some people watching a performance will put money inside a red envelope hoping that the lion will accept and eat the red envelope and in return give good luck back them. Other variations involve a range of traditional challenges and obstacles that test the skills of the performers.