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CHUN YUEN KUNG FU INFO

Most people have heard of the Shaolin Temple, with its legendary fighting monks. World tours in theatres and stadiums over the past few years have added to the almost mythical status of these superbly trained and conditioned martial artists, whose incredible athleticism and ability to withstand heavy blows and attacks with staffs and swords has impressed and inspired audiences of live and televised events.

Master Michael Tse & Students outside Shaolin Temple

But this boom in popularity is not without a price. The Shaolin Monastery, though still a working temple, receives more and more visitors each year, enforcing a growing commercialism. The entire area around the monastery is occupied by school after school of martial arts teachers, all cashing in on the Shaolin legend. Within the kung fu tradition itself, the ancient skills are getting harder to find, giving way to audience friendly acrobatic tumbling and staged fights. It's becoming a circus. The ancient skills are still being taught, but are in danger of becoming polluted.

The famous Beijing Opera has always included martial arts skills too, in its training and in performance. When the two streams of opera and Northern Shaolin meet, fascinating developments and opportunities occur. Such a fusion is Chun Yuen (elegant set).

Chun Yuen skills are named in honour of Grandmaster Wu Chun Yuen, who died in Beijing a few years ago. You probably saw his pic on the other website. He learned from Wang Ping, a famous opera star, and passed his knowledge on to one of his favourite students, Master Michael Tse. Julian Wilde, who teaches in the Norwich area, is a senior student of Michael Tse.

Chun Yuen is kung fu with an opera attitude! But the skill is authentic, the routines superb for health, fitness, suppleness, posture, balance, co-ordination and confidence. There are no meaningless leaps and splits, no mock aggression. There is no fighting, there are no gradings and the emphasis is on health and internal energy, or qi (chee). As each move in the Chun Yuen solo or weapon forms can be adapted to the individual, Chun Yuen can be learned and practiced by men and women of all ages and fitness levels. The practice is also great fun, challenging and rewarding. Anyone interested can watch a class and ask questions before they commence training.   

From the Wudang Sword Form

Chun.Yuen.Warm.Ups

Horse Stance training at Wensum County school

Green Dragon Sword

Five Tiger Knife