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    March 23

    OM or AUM

    As the cross is to Christians, the Om is to Hindus. It is made up of three Sanskrit letters, aa, au and ma which, when combined, make the sound Aum or Om. The most important symbol in Hinduism, it occurs in every prayer and invocation to most deities begins with it. As the symbol of piety, Om is often found at the head of letters, pendants, enshrined in every Hindu temple and family shrines.

    This symbol is actually a sacred syllable representing the Brahman or the Absolute -the source of all existence. Brahman, in itself, is incomprehensible so a symbol becomes mandatory to help us realize the Unknowable. The syllable Om occurs even in English words having a similar meaning, for instance, 'omniscience', 'omnipotent', 'omnipresent'. Thus Om is also used to signify divinity and authority. Its similarity with the Latin 'M' as also to the Greek letter 'Omega' is discernable. Even the word 'Amen' used by Christians to conclude a prayer seems to be akin to Om.

    February 26

    47 Ronin

    The story tells of a group of samurai who were left leaderless (became ronin) after their master was forced to commit seppuku (ritual suicide) for assaulting a court official named Kira, who had insulted him. They avenged him by killing the court official after patiently waiting and planning for over a year. In turn, they were themselves forced to commit seppuku for committing the crime of murder, as they had known they would be—the tale being about the honorable fulfillment of revenge, especially for an honorable leader.
    February 16

    Seppuku

    Seppuku (Japanese: 切腹|切腹, "stomach-cutting" or "belly slicing") is a form of Japanese ritual suicide by disembowelment. Seppuku is also known in English as hara-kiri (腹切り|腹切り) and is written with the same kanji as seppuku but in reverse order with an okurigana. In Japanese, hara-kiri is considered a colloquial and somewhat vulgar term. The practice of committing seppuku at the death of one's master is known as oibara (追腹 or 追い腹); the ritual is similar.
    February 14

    Bushido

    Bushido, literally translated "Way of the Warrior," developed in Japan between the Heian and Tokugawa Ages (9th-12th century). It was a code and way of life for Samurai, a class of warriors similar to the medieval knights of Europe. It was influenced by Zen and Confucianism, two different schools of thought of those periods. Bushido is not unlike the chivalry and codes of the European knights. "It puts emphasis on loyalty, self sacrifice, justice, sense of shame, refined manners, purity, modesty, frugality, martial spirit, honor and affection"
    February 06

    I Ching

    The I Ching is the oldest of the Chinese classic texts. It describes an ancient system of cosmology and philosophy which is at the heart of Chinese cultural beliefs. The philosophy centers on the ideas of the dynamic balance of opposites, the evolution of events as a process, and acceptance of the inevitability of change.
    January 30

    Kung Fu Hustle - Lion's roar

     

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    Kung Fu Hustle - Lion's roar
    A pathetic gangster wannabe must prove himself so he can join the notorious Axe Gang. He picks up more than a little kung fu technique along the way and soon he is the ultimate street fighter, ready to take on every challenger who comes his way.


    Courtesy of IFILM
    January 27

    Hero - Theatrical Trailer

     

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    Hero - Theatrical Trailer
    An assassins try to prevent the birth of China's Qin dynasty, but one loyal subject stands in their way.


    Courtesy of IFILM
    January 26

    Jow Ga Kung Fu

    The Jow Ga Kung Fu (aka Chow Gar, Chow Ka, Chau Ka, Zhou Jia, and Jow Gar) system precisely incorporates elements from 3 Kung Fu systems (Hung Ga, Choy Ga, Bak Siu Lum), creating just the right combination of fluidity, speed, and devastaing stopping power of which this unique fighting system is greatly renown. One of the most commonly recognized features of this style could be described as a "Windmill atop a Tornado!" which denotes our fast, fierce and powerful fist techniques combined with our equally swift and powerful footwork and stance work. Although Jow Ga specializes in hand, fist, elbow and arm techniques, also included are Kum La(close range grappling), kicks(and knees), sweeps, takedowns, throws and ground fighting tactics are also included in the Jow Ga system. Also, since Jow Ga is completely a Siu Lum (Shaolin) derivative, animal techniques and concepts are also interwoven all throughout training (such as Tiger, Cougar (Panther), Snake, Crane, Dragon, Eagle, Phoenix). Although to truly excel in the more advanced (and effective) techniques of the animals requires a more serious, experienced and dedicated student and much conditioning to reap any true benefits.

    Jow Ga Weapons training allows a student to explore the realm of "a weapon as an extension of the body." Once a student is proficient enough with hand techniques and demonstrates a certain amount of self-control, they may be encouraged to try out one of the many weapons known to Jow Ga. A weapon will allow a student to learn how to control an object and become more sensitive to the weapon and more aware of their surroundings. Through this, much respect is learned and self-control is always practiced. On a practical note, a lot of the basic defensive techniques of our weapons (like Broadsword for example) can translate to practical self-defense if a weapon is near (like a bat, umbrella, or short stick).

    Jow Ga Kung Fu students train not only physically but mentally as well. At Jow Ga Kung Fu, mental training is as important as physical training and therefore is a major part of your Kung Fu training. Students are made to think and given opportunities to make decisions. Unlike a lot of other "fighting systems", Jow Ga is combat-intensive and students are encouraged not only to understand what they do, but why they do something as well.

    Like any traditional Kung Fu school, Jow Ga teaches Lion and Dragon dancing. All the techniques and concepts are brought together through daily practice and use. Beyond the physical workout and development that takes place, as well as the practical benefits (such as swift footwork, strong stance work, powerful arms, coordination etc.), Lion and Dragon dancing(among other practices) allow students to get involved with a more recreational (although serious and revered) and important aspect of the Chinese culture. These types of events also allow students an opportunity to get involved with their community through interaction and entertainment. Regular community involvement is important to traditional kung fu schools as it's also a way to give back to the community.

    Jow Ga techniques are simplistic in nature so the techniques can be as practical and effective as possible without having to expel a great deal of energy. Jow Ga Kung Fu also harnesses the principles of Yam and Yeurng by deflecting and redirecting an opponent's power away from oneself and using that power against that opponent.

    January 23

    Taoism

    The English word "Taoism" translates the Chinese terms Daojiao (道教) and Daojia (道家). The character Dao 道 (or Tao, depending on the transliteration scheme one prefers) literally means "path" or "way", but in Chinese religion or philosophy has taken on more abstract meanings. The compound Daojiao refers to "Daoism" as a "religion" (i.e., people worshipping at altars); Daojia refers to the activity of scholars in their studies. (It must be noted that this distinction is itself controversial and fraught with hermeneutic difficulty.)

    Much uncertainty exists over the meaning of "Taoism." In some countries and contexts (for example, the national "Taoism" organizations of China and Taiwan), the label has come to be applied to the Chinese folk religion, which would otherwise not have a readily-recognizable English name. However many, if not most, of its practitioners would not recognize "Taoism" (in any language) as the name of their religion. Moreover, the several forms of what we might call "elite" or "organized" Taoism often distinguish their ritual activities from those of the folk religion, which professional "Taoists" (Daoshi) tend to view as debased.

    January 19

    Bak Mei Kung Fu

    Bak Mei is characterized by its emphasis on powerful close range hand strikes. Within Bak Mei can be found the four principles of Fou (Float), Chum (Sink), Tun (Swallow), and Tou (Spit) common in the Southern Chinese martial arts and also found in Karate. Unique to Bak Mei is its classification of the following 6 powers: biu (thrusting), chum (sinking), tan (springing), fa (neutralizing), tung, and chuk. Bak Mei emphasizes the movements of the tiger.

    The traditions of Bak Mei Kung Fu trace its origins to Mount Emei, where Bak Mei is said to have transmitted the art to the Chan (Zen) master Gwong Wai,[4] who transmitted the art to the Chan master Juk Faat Wan[5] and the Taoist Fung Fo.

    White Lotus

    Hu Ah-Piao, one of the two heroes who beat Pai Mei, is scheduled for release, much to the delight of his pregnant wife Mei-Hsiao , his best friend in arms (who for some reason isn't in jail) Hung Wei-Ting , and his lovely sister Ching-Ching . Of course, those loyal to Pai Mei are angered by the emperor's show of mercy, but none are more outraged than the evil White Lotus , chieftain of the White Lotus Clan and the identical twin CLASSMATE of Pai Mei. Thirsting for bloody retribution, White Lotus leads an all-out attack on our heroes, which leaves both Ah-Piao and Ching-Ching dead. Barely making it out with their lives, Mei-Hsiao and Wei-Ting escape to another village where they gain employment at a paper dummy shop.
         Seeking to avenge the death of both his sworn brother and his fiancée (he and Ching-Ching were hoping to get married), Wei-Ting tries to combine Tiger and Crane boxing into one style, practicing every evening after work. Not used to practicing alone, Wei-Ting tries to recruit Ah Piao's pale-faced brother Ah-Chang to help him train, a move that results in some fine comedic moments. The obvious contrast between the skilled Wei-Ting and his weak, uncoordinated, and comically unwilling helper makes for some hilarious sight gags.
         Wei-Ting loses his bout with White Lotus on the first try, so he trains for a few more years, but sadly he ends up failing yet again. After learning that his technique is too forceful to strike the ethereal White Lotus Chief, Wei-Ting looks to Mei-Hsiao to teach him a softer, more feminine style of kung fu. She agrees and makes him do "women's work" to begin his training—caring for the baby, sewing, etc. Eventually Wei-Ting learns the slinky, graceful techniques of his sworn sister and sets off to face White Lotus. He's gonna win, right? Wrong. He LOSES. AGAIN. I think I'm beginning to see a pattern here.
         This time around, however, Wei-Ting almost loses his life in the process, nearly succumbing to White Lotus's 100-Pace Punch, a deadly maneuver which kills the victim one hundred steps after the blow is delivered. Thanks to some acupuncture from an unlikely ally, Wei-Ting is back in action. Eagerly, he learns the secrets of acupressure points and incorporates this new knowledge into his own eclectic mix of Tiger, Crane, and Women's kung fu to create a whole new style of fighting: embroidery kung fu! With acupuncture needles in hand, Wei-Ting heads off for the final showdown with White Lotus.

    Once Upon a Time in China


    Once upon a time in China
    Some believe around the year, one-double aught-three.
    Head priest of The White Lotus Clan Pai Mei
    Was walking down the road
    Contemplating whatever a man with Pai Mei's infinite power would contemplate
    Which is another way of saying, who knows.
    When, a Shaolin monk appeared on the road traveling in the opposite direction.

    As the monk and the priest crossed paths...
    Pai Mei in a practically unfathomable display of generosity
    Gave the monk the slightest of nods.
    The nod, was not returned.

    Now was it the intention of the Shaolin monk to insult Pai Mei ?
    Or, did he just fail to see the generous social gesture?
    The motives of the monk, remain unknown.
    What is known, were the consequences.

    The next morning Pai Mei appeared at the Shaolin Temple,
    And demanded that the temple's head Abbot offer Pai Mei his neck to repay the insult.
    The Abbot, at first, tried to console Pai Mei, only to find, Pai Mei was inconsolable.

    So began, the massacre of the Shaolin Temple,
    And all sixty of the monks inside,
    At the fists of the White Lotus.
    And so began, the legend of Pai Mei's Five-Point Palm
    Exploding Heart Technique.