Chi Lin Boxing
Chi Lin Chuan is a traditional Chinese martial art that includes boxing (striking, kicking, blocking), locking, throwing and weapons training. In self defense, the use of restraint is emphazised. Once forced to protect oneself, however, the use of a weapon is preferred; empty hand self-defense is seen as a secondary choice. This philosophy reflects Chi Lin's military background. Chi Lin training de-emphasizes the study and discussion of "chi", meditation or religion. Practical ethics, proper deportment, and a philosophy of self-discipline and self-restraint is emphasized. Chi Lin is a military art that was taught to privileged family members until the last thirty years when the last surviving master of the system decided to teach the art to the public since he would have no successor within his own family. for this reason, Chi Lin has remained closer to its martial origins than many other forms of modern Chinese martial arts. (One could make a similar comparison between judo and traditional forms of jujitsu.)
The art itself is composed of ten hand movements, five foot techniques, basic footwork patterns, sticking/pushing hands, eight basic body movements, five animal fighting sets and free fighting (with and without weapons). Students are not encouraged to study a large number of forms until after senior student (black belt) level.
Chi Lin encourages students to avoid specializing in one particular animal style or fighting range. The Chi Lin philosophy is to try to prepare for any eventuality, assume that you will be at a disadvantage in a self defense encounter, and use whatever weapon may be at hand. The first concern of the instructor is to create solid footwork and a strong bridge (use of center line theory) within the student. Students begin to study weapons (usually some type of stick) in the beginning stages of training. As the student advances, he studies basic body movement as it relates to self defense, and five fighting sets, each depicting the attributes of a particular animal. Fighting sets teach fighting tactics and strategies, as well as strengthening the student's body. Advanced students strive to combine these strategies and techniques in order to confuse and surprise a skilled opponent, or to survive attack by multiple opponents.
Instruction in Chi Lin Chuan usually follows three major stages: First the student learns to defend himself in a variety of situations with and without weapons. Second, the student begins to explore the "artistic" side of the system (being now well past the black sash level). Finally, the student learns to teach the art. Senior student level may be achieved between two to three years (black belt). At this level, the student understands and can apply the basic techniques in a freeform self defense situation. It may, however, take as long as ten years for a student to become a senior instructor.
Chi Lin remains a small and closely knit group that, to this day, still resembles an extended family more than it does a large impersonal organization. Personal integrity, flexibility and tolerance of others, self discipline and perseverance remain the guiding principles for our organization's members. Chi Lin exponent is always gentle and always defends the just. Back to > Kempo / Chi Lin > Chi Lin Fist Way
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