Welcome to Blue Ridge Kung Fu Headquarters
We are the pilot school of the Blue Ridge Kung Fu chain of schools.
The school is located in the western mountains of North Carolina
in a college town called Boone. This is a well organized school
that has been around for over 20 years and has dedicated itself
to teaching quality martial arts with quality instructors that produce
quality students. Tuhon Rick Ward and his instructors welcomes anyone
to visit and check out the studio.
Our beginning Kung-Fu students learn basic stances, kicks, blocks,
punches, chin-na, and basic animal and weapon forms. These provide
the student with a proper foundation for effective combat skills.
Intermediate students learn knife attack defenses, more weapons
training, sweeps, takedowns, animal forms, and light sparring. Advanced
students learn advanced applications of many animal and weapon forms,
pressure point fighting, advanced chi kung, multiple opponent strategy,
etc. Long-term learning possibilities are endless. The dedicated
student will learn confidence, self-discipline, and build strength
of body and character.
The styles we teach are Sil-Lum (Shaolin) Kung-Fu, Chin-Na, Sasamba,
and Emperor's Long Fist (Ba Gua Chuan " Tai Chi Chuan "
Hsing-I). Go here for more on Tuhon Rick Ward.
What is Sil-Lum Kung-Fu?
Sil-Lum (or Shaolin) Kung-Fu originated in Shao-Lin Temples hundreds
of years ago. Although the exact origins are difficult to trace,
the birth of Sil-Lum is usually accredited to the Buddhist monk
Bodhidharma who introduced the 18 Lohan movements to Shao-Lin monks
as a form of exercise. The Lohan eventually gave rise to the five
basic animal styles that Kung-Fu is famous for: Crane, Leopard,
Tiger, Snake, and Dragon. Practitioners of any of these styles mimic
the movements and assume the fighting spirit of the animal. For
example, the Tiger teaches clawing techniques and courage. Additional
styles such as Praying Mantis and Monkey were subsequently developed.
Kung-Fu was originally taught only to Shao-Lin monks who could not
leave the temple until they passed a life or death test. Graduates
were well known for their fighting prowess. The modern Kung-Fu student
is no longer put to such extremes, but nonetheless has inherited
a powerful fighting art laced with a philosophy emphasizing peace
and respect for life. Go here for more.
What is Chin-na?
Chin-Na is the facet of Kung-Fu which involves grappling, joint
locks, pressure points, takedowns, and throws for immobilizing an
attacker. These techniques are derived from animal attributes such
as the praying mantis hooking or eagle claw.
What is Sasamba-Arnis-Kali?
Sasamba is a Filipino Kali Arnis System that includes Preying Mantis
techniques and movements but maintains the true Kali Arnis Warrior
ethos. It was developed by Tuhan Rick Ward and is his system and
he is one of four Grandmasters in North America in the Kali system.
The orgins of Arnis, or Filipino stick fighting, are also uncertain.
There are nearly as many styles of stick fighting as there are islands
in the Phillipine archipeligo-over 7,000! Arnis traditionally employed
sharp swords, daggers, and fire-hardened sticks in combat. Go
here for more.
What is Emperor's Long Fist (Ba Gua Chan
"Tai Chi Chuan" Hsing-I)?
The internal arts Tai Chi, Ba Gua, and Hsing-I are taught collectively
at our school as the Emperor's Long Fist system. Emperor's Long
Fist (Tai Tzu Chang Chuan) was created in Sung dynasty China by
Emperor Chao Kuang Yin in 960 A.D., and is the root of all other
Tai Chi styles. Ba Gua and Hsing-I, the sister arts to Tai Chi,
were also incorporated. These internal arts emphasize the cultivation
of Qi (a.k.a. Chi, Ki, life energy, etc.) for use in combat rather
than external muscular force. Thousands of Chinese and a growing
number of Westerners practice internal arts (especially Tai Chi)
for health and longevity. Go here for more.
Can be Used For Self-Defense and Health
The Blue Ridge Kung-Fu Arnis Academy teaches many facets of self-defense.
Beginners learn basic control moves (Chin-Na: grappling and joint
locking) designed to defend oneself against certain grabs, holds,
and threatening manuevers. Students are also taught basic kicks,
how to do them properly and effectively, and how to block and punch
an attacker.
Intermediate students learn knife attack defenses, weapons training,
sweeps, takedowns and light sparring to train in using the above techniques
in a fighting situation.
Long term learning possibilities are endless. The Dedicated Student
will learn confidence, self-discipline, and build strength of body
and character. Advanced Students may be eligible to join Warriors
class; these are the elite within our system.
Who Can Do Kung-Fu?
Anyone! Kung-Fu students come in all shapes and sizes. Our only
restriction is that you must be at least six years old or older.
Kung-Fu is fun for kids!
Kung-Fu does not require brute strength. In fact, women and children
often learn good technique quicker than men who are accustomed to
relying on muscle. Proper technique includes circular redirection
of an attacker's motion and economy of one's own movement. Kung-Fu
and Arnis to suit your needs!
Class Times for One on One Questions Here
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