Friday, January 30, 2009

Mok Yee Pai (wooden ear plates) are an exercise tool specific to the Hop Gar system of kung fu. This ear plate is used to develop the entire body and puts intense concentration on tendon strength. If used properly the mok yee pai is an excellent way to help rehab shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand injuries. In addition, the core strength that is gained from the mok yee pai gong is incredible. Mok yee pai gong can be beneficial to any martial system. It will not only benefit those who practice long fist systems, it will benefit anyone interested in developing the unity of body. Unlike the key locks and kettle bells that many people use, practitioners can execute techniques of the system just as they would empty handed. Though people can try to do this with these other tools, the length and shape of the mok yee pai change the way the weight works on the body. Because of this design difference, the mok yee pai works much more affectively for the martial artist. If you are looking for a way to dynamically increase strength, stamina, balance, and body unity, the mok yee pai may be exactly what you are looking for.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Many Systems - One Mind

1/28/09
The martial artist must use the martial arts and not rely on the martial art to bail himself out of a situation. Many people fall prey to the idea that their art of choice is so good that it will save them in a time of need. This is simply not the case. The individual is the operator and the kung fu system or martial system of any kind is the bike. Like Sifu Chin likes to say, "it doesn't matter if the bike is red or blue, you have to ride it just the same." This means that the individual is responsible and not the bike. This is not to say that a certain tool from a certain martial art might work better in one situation more than another. Not at all. It simply means that at one moment I might be Tai Chi Chris Heintzman and another moment I might be Hop Gar Chris Heintzman. In the end, it is best to use whatever is necessary to survive the situation most efficiently.