FREQUENTLY-ASKED QUESTIONS A) GENERAL QUESTIONS i) Who should learn Bak Mei and LHBF and who would you like to teach? Theoretically, everyone should learn either or preferably both because they are wonderfully enlightening bodies of knowledge that are at once profound yet practical. As matter of personal observation Bak Mei being the more vigorous, cardio-orientated, self defense style seems to have strong appeal to the young and those interested in weapons and self defense training. LHBF is usually practiced slowly especially the patterns and has heavy emphasis on meditation and has often attracted women and the more mature crowd. ii) You have produced and trained many champions across the sports and martial arts fraternity. Do you particularly enjoy teaching talented and strong students? Traditionally, both Bak Mei and LHBF were well kept secrets, the former usually regarded as too deadly and the latter as too intellectually profound for the masses. My sincere wish is to make Bak Mei as well as LHBF open and available to the public free of any discriminatory barriers. Personally as someone who enjoys all the blessings and benefits of Bak Mei and LHBF I see every reason to be all inclusive in my admittance of students. The weak deserve to be stronger, the sick deserve better health, the young should have a right to a future free of illness and disillusionment, the aged should enjoy retirement without restrictions of degeneration and despair. For the weak, the sick, the rejected, the restless and angry, I want to teach them so that they may be strong, focused, successful and at peace with themselves and others. For the strong, healthy, renewed, contented and happy. I want to teach them not just to achieve more thorough ancient secrets of good health, longevity and self defense. I want to share with them the joy and privilege of embracing and teaching the weak and sick … that they too can play their rightful role in society and take their place beside fortunate people. Bak Mei and LHBF whilst superficially seem divergent are in fact one and the same in the most important way i.e. that they represent "Ways of Life" that has at its core the perfection of man's mind, body and spirit. Each person can then go and be free of the shackles of negative health. They can then make a positive and valuable contribution to society. iii) How long has Luk Hup Batt Fatt (LHBF) and Bak Mei (BM) been around, and are they being practiced widely? LHBF has been around for over 1,000 years, while BM existed for around 350 years. Both are extremely rare forms of martial arts known only to elite practitioners as there were strict codes of ethical requirements in the past. iv) What principles are they founded upon, and how are they different from other Chinese Kung Fu styles? LHBF is founded by Chen Hsi Yi and based upon Taoist principles. The entire system is a way of life based on living in harmony with the universe. As such, all its philosophies, concepts, patterns, weapons and meditations are fluid, dynamic and effortless. LHBF is therefore softer, slower and more demanding to train and master than internal styles like Tai Chi as the concepts are highly intellectually rigorous. There are no directly comparable internal styles. It is also the oldest and most advanced of internal styles, being the predecessor to styles like Tai Chi, Ba Gua, and Xing Yi Fist. BM is Shaolin-based, derived by the greatest Shaolin Grandmaster of all time - Bak Mei. It is the most dynamic, direct and comprehensive practical combat style of martial arts ever devised. Every technique or movement with weapons or freehand is calculated to overwhelm and destroy the enemy. It differs from other styles by its total lack of frills and complete mastery of the body mechanism and energy system. Its pole patterns are considered the most advanced in Chinese Kung Fu. v) What are the major differences between LHBF and BM? LHBF is more oriented towards personal development and specialises in the sword, while BM is more focused on combat and uses a wide range of weapons, particularly famous for its pole patterns considered to be the best in Chinese martial arts. LHBF patterns are performed very slowly, while BM patterns can be performed either very slowly or quickly. vi) Is there any age barrier to learning them? Would it be too strenuous for the elderly or too complex for the young to comprehend? LHBF with its very slow and fluid movements require considerable patience and tends to appeal to a more matured audience (30+ years and above). BM on the other hand with its speed and dynamic movements, often appeal to the young (under 30 years), but there are often exceptions to the rule. vii) How long does it usually take for someone to achieve black belt in either discipline? It usually requires 5 to 6 years of consistent training, such as 3 to 4 days a week in the first 3 years and more in subsequent years. viii) What are the weapons taught in LHBF and BM? LHBF is renowned for its excellent sword skills, reputed to be the highest among all Chinese Kung Fu styles. BM teaches the 18 basic schools of weapons, as well as some additional ones. Its pole patterns are extremely powerful and considered as the most advanced among all styles. ix) Does it mean that learning these styles would be sufficient to replace gym sessions? Does it build muscular and cardiovascular strength? It is far more comprehensive than gym sessions. The training is physically, intellectually and spiritually much more demanding and technically advanced, as things like weapon and freehand training build more dynamic, supple and flexible muscles, tendons and joints compared to weight training. Also, it has the specific purpose of postural correction not found in normal gym sessions. The internal training involved, such as Qi Gong practices, is more therapeutic than mere cardiovascular exercises as it tonifies and develops the Qi and lymphatic system in addition to the cardiovascular system. Additionally, the neural, skeletal and immunity systems are targeted for enhanced performance and are also repaired and maintained. B) QI GONG QUESTIONS i) Is there really something called Qi? How would you define it in scientific terms? Yes. It is the life energy or life force, without which no living being can exist. Qi is what determines the level of vitality in your life, and the functions of your body. ii) What is Qi for? Is it just for health purposes or can it be applied in combat? Qi is required for survival. It determines the quality of health and lifestyle of a person. Aside from health, it can be used for combat as it provides a multiplier effect on the power generated. A technique devoid of Qi is an empty technique. Pure muscle and skeletal techniques without a correct understanding of Qi flow often generates negative results as the Qi cannot flow smoothly and correctly. iii) How is Qi trained and enhanced in LHBF and BM? Qi is trained through various techniques and philosophical applications, such as lying and standing exercises, technique work, weapons training, coordinated and free sparring, and freehand forms. These processes involve: a) Alignment of body structure b) Relaxation of body and mind c) Correct diet d) Consumption of universal Qi e) Expulsion of stale Qi iv) Is Qi Gong unique to Chinese Kung Fu and medicine, or is it found and applied in non-Chinese disciplines as well? Similar bodies of knowledge exist in Korea and Japan, but they are based on Chinese principles. Indians have a similar concept called "prahna" - defined as life force. C) PERSONAL / CLUB i) How long have you been practicing and teaching Kung Fu? I have been practising martial arts virtually all my life, since the age of 5, and begun teaching since my teenage days. ii) Which countries have you taught in, and what people or organisations have benefitted from it? I have taught in Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, United Kingdom, United States, Australia, New Zealand, and now in Malaysia. Students of all ages, men and women, from 6 to 80+ years of age have all benefitted from it, be it for health or self defense purposes. My students also cover novices to senior instructors of various martial arts, including Tai Chi, Taekwondo, Karate, Kickboxing, Boxing, Ninjutsu, Judo, and Muay Thai. iii) Is this your primary career or a past-time? It is my way of life, and I am dedicating myself full time to spreading the knowledge. iv) Is this purely a class for physical development, or is there more to it? It is really a way of life, to teach people the virtuous path, the way in which we should all conduct our lives, and to instill discipline and pursue of excellence in every sphere of life. I hope to assist everyone in realising their full potential and have the wisdom and compassion like Chen Hsi Yi, to have the indomitable fighting spirit like the ultimate warrior Bak Mei, and use this spirit to overcome all difficulties in life, defeat sickness, counter depression, and achieve success. Virtuous values should be practiced in life so that we can become super achievers in a total sense - not just self-enlightenment, but community enlightenment. I am willing to unreservedly teach my students the most advanced skills, on the basis that they understand that progress is directly proportionate to their desire to serve the world in a compassionate way. v) What titles, awards or achievements have you or your club received? I have personally received various titles throughout the course of my practice, including the Undefeated Full Contact World Champion in Traditional Chinese Kung Fu. My Australian club was also crowned the Champion Club, winning multiple titles in Kung Fu, Kickboxing, Taekwondo and other championships. Some students I have taught include Trevor Hendy, the 5 times World Iron Man Champion and Olympic gold medallist; Mitch O'Halo, the Asia-Pacific Commonwealth Heavyweight Kickboxing Champion; Arthur Spiropoulos, the light heavyweight Kickboxing and Kung Fu champion in Australia, Asia Pacific and Commonwealth; Tony Wood, Asia Pacific and Australia Weapon Form Champion in traditional Chinese Kung Fu and Freestyle Martial Arts; Domenic Lamacchia, Australian Taekwondo Full Contact Champion; and Fadi Kaddour, Australian Free Style Martial Arts Grand Champion. vi) Why did you select Malaysia as your new teaching destination? Currently, I believe Malaysia's educational curriculum does not place heavy emphasis on comprehensive intellectual, spiritual and physical development, with much of its focus on academic pursues. As Malaysia progresses to a more mature society, people tend to emphasise more on material benefits to the detriment of their health. I bring it upon myself to guide them on the virtuous way and to benefit from ancient philosophies and wisdom. I believe Malaysia is a fertile place for the revival and renaissance of traditional Chinese martial arts. vii) What are your upcoming plans for the club? I will concentrate fully on growing the Malaysian club and try to reach as many people as possible, irrespective of culture, age, gender, or race. I hope to involve them actively in competitions and demonstrations, and make Malaysia THE international centre for learning traditional Chinese martial arts at the highest level. D) MISCELLANEOUS i) Sifu, I have an uncle who is 65 years old, has not exercised since his school days and is overweight. Should he learn Kung Fu or just practice some simple Qi Gong exercises that his friends practice once in a while at the park. Your question raises a number of interesting issues which I need to address separately. I have a student who is 80 years old, fit and teaches kung fu for a living and is likely to be in much better shape than a 65 years old who does not exercise. The good news for a 65 years old who is unfit is that in kung fu years he is still relatively young. I would recommend that he learns LHBF from me because the slow moves, moving and stationary meditation are ideally suited for beginners and will build up his base for further development. Qi Gong practice is very good and is an integral part of LHBF and Bak Mei both of which I teach. However, passive Qi Gong practice alone is somewhat tailored towards spiritual and mental development and needs to be augmented by other training viz impact training (muscular-skeletal development), reflex training (alertness), aerobic training (cardio-vascular maintenance) and weapons training (strength and flexibility) to mention a few. All the above and more are found in my classes on LHBF and Bak Mei courses. ii) That's great Sifu but from the perspective of your club, a new club in Malaysia, should you not concentrate your resources on teaching the young as they can help the club grow, do performances, win tournaments and be the future instructors of your club. The young have much to offer, of that there is no doubt. On the other hand, the 50 plus (+) age group are a valuable group of people. Unfortunately, they are not usually the focus of society because most societies tend to emphasis and value youth. This 50 plus (+) group have experience, wisdom and generally a more balanced perspective of life. In short, they are very valuable resources. It is my personal view that too many people in this group unwittingly lead their lives as if they were "over the hill" Nothing is further from the truth… I intend to target this group for special attention and to teach them methods of health and longevity in order that they may continue to progress, develop, perform and serve to their hearts' content. I want to help them to turn from the conventionally accepted "autumn of their lives" into "a beautiful springtime" with "radiant summers" to follow.