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The Daoist symbol of Yin and Yang

All Yau Kung Mun fighting movements and techniques follow the universal idea of yin and yang (yum yerng).  Each soft (yau) and hard (kung) power is used at all times, both in defending and attacking - always emerging like the symbol itself.  It uses subtle force and turns it into explosive force, the two opposites merge into each other perfectly, the dots in the symbol signify that not all opposites are absolute and that they can change in an instant. The YKM practitioner can move from soft to hard techniques, and hard to soft, never stopping the flow of energy.  The opponents force can be redirected and used against himself, with minimum energy from the YKM practitioner.

YKM is primarily an internal kung fu system that uses four fighting ranges, kicking, punching, trapping and grappling. Yau Kung Mun usually prefers to use the hands because the techniques employed in YKM are delivered fast and usually at a close range.  Punches, elbows and knees are delivered with explosive power (ging) from using proper breathing and correct body mechanics.  This system also develops luk ging, six body parts working as one unit for maximum force. 

The main fist trained in Yau Kung Mun is the phoenix eye fist, which is used for soft parts of the body including organs and nerves.  Chi and blood are also attacked, disrupting the vital energy in the opponent.  Many other fist techniques are used such as hammerfist, tiger and eagle claws, and a vast range of palm strikes.  Conditioning of all striking weapons is done gradually (using Dit Dar Medicine) until the practitioner is able to use them without fear of breaking or damaging any part of their body.

YKM also uses principles of the five main Shaolin animals - tiger, leopard, dragon, snake and crane. The focus of Yau Kung Mun is on the qualities of the tiger and leopard for the fast footwork and power of these animals. The basic posture in YKM shows the characteristics of the animals; leopard head for the vision, tiger back for power, monkey chest for the protection of the centerline and strike penetration, dragon waist for its flexibility, power and health. The name of the posture is hum hung bart boy - concave/swallow the chest and rounding of the back (not hunching).  The movements follow the rising and falling, swallow and spitting of the body known as Fau Chum Tung Tou. These movements are the key to the power source, geng jak ging (shock power), in YKM kung fu.

Yau Kung Mun uses the centerline theory.  The body is positioned in such a way as to protect all vital organs and vulnerable pressure points.  The elbows are drawn in towards the centerline, and the stances are protective. 

Copyright © 2001 - 2005 Shaolin Yau Kung Mun Kung Fu Academy.  All rights reserved.
 

Sifu Garry performing a trap and seize sequence on Sifu Sam.

Sifu Garry performing the monk disrobes technique.

Tiger fork vs. gwando - two man weapon form.

Sifu Garry using the three star technique to condition the arms.