Fu Jow Pai
From Karate, Kungfu, Wrestling, Mixed Fighting Information Source
Image: Grand Master Wai Hong Lineage[1][2]
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Fu Jow Pai (Chinese: 虎爪派, literally "Tiger Claw System"), originally named "Hark Fu Moon" (Black Tiger System), has its origins in Hoy Hong Temple.[3]
Fu Jow Pai is a Chinese martial art that is renowned for its powerful claw and great external strength combined with the practitioner's agility. This external style is known to be very deadly, and unlike other styles of Kung Fu, the Tiger Claw technique draws its power from the bones, tendons, and joints. Fu Jow Pai students commonly use the bow, arrow and horse stances. The system "was modeled after the demeanor and fighting strategy of an attacking tiger. The striking movements are lightning fast, agile and powerful. Techniques unique to Fu-Jow Pai are ripping, tearing, clawing and grasping applications."[1][4]
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Techniques
The most distinctive feature of Fu Jow Pai is the hand form known as the "Tiger Claw," used for both grasping and tearing in imitation of a tiger's attack. Strikes are both fast and powerful. Fu Jow Pai's strenuous exercises are designed to build physical strength and power. There is also a heavy spiritual element. Training methods include Iron Hand and the "18 Tiger Claws" and also staff and saber forms.
Fu Jow Pai's exercises are designed to strengthen the back muscles and spine as well as the upper arms and forearms. Forms are also part of Fu Jow Pai training and different defensive and offensive techniques are learned through the practice of these forms.
Influences
Fu Jow Pai Grand Masters trained in the following additional styles:
- Wong Bil Hong mastered Hung Gar under Wong Kei-Ying and his son, Wong Fei-Hung.
- Wong Moon Toy mastered Hung Gar under Lam Sai Wing and Mizongyi under Lau Chook Fung and Doon Yuk Ching before training in Hark Fu Moon with his uncle, Wong Bil Hong.
- Wai Hong also learned (most notably) Hung Gar, Mizongyi, Choy Lee Fut, and Tai Chi Chuan.[2][5]
Contributions
In 1971, Wai Hong sponsored the first full-contact kung fu tournament in the US and which became the model for future US full-contact tournaments.[5] He also founded the Eastern United States Kung-Fu Federation, which he led for eight years.[6] Fu-Jow Pai has appeared in multiple movies, documentaries, and tournaments.[7][2]
References
- Ng, Wai Hong (1979). The Heritage of FU-JOW PAI Tiger Claw. Fu-Jow Pai Federation.
- San Chuan, Hou Sheng (2006). "Synopsis of Tiger claws clan and Master NG Wai Hong (TRANSLATED)". New Martial Hero Magazine (15): 19-21.
- the Fu-Jow Pai - Tiger Claw Kung Fu System. Fu Jow Pai Federation. Retrieved on 2007-05-21.
- Francisco, Carlos (2006). "Following the Tiger's Path". Inside Kung-Fu 34 (7): 62-66.
- Ye, Yongkang. "风靡世界 (Shaolin kung-fu taking the world by storm)", Qiao Bao, 2006-08-26. Retrieved on 2007-05-21.
- Chow bio -- Eastern U.S. Kung Fu Federation. Integrative Wing Chun. Retrieved on 2007-05-30.
- Cater, Dave (1995). "Inside Kung-Fu Hall of Fame: Man of the Year". Inside Kung-Fu 22 (2): 42-44.
Further reading
- Ng, Wai Hong (1978). The Secret Iron Hands of Fu-Jow Pai. Fu-Jow Pai Federation.
- Ng, Wai Hong (1979). The Heritage of FU-JOW PAI Tiger Claw. Fu-Jow Pai Federation.
- Ng, Wai Hong (2007). Fu Jow Pai 50th Anniversary. Fu-Jow Pai Federation.
Notes
The original name for this style was Black Tiger Kung Fu, which is a separate style from Northern Black Tiger (Shaolin Shantung Black Tiger) and the two should not be conflated.
