Lam Tang's 23rd Anniversary and Birthday celebration is set to take place Saturday, October 18th. There will be demonstrations of open hand forms, weopons forms, and brick breaking using the Iron Palm technique. Stay tuned for location and time.

Si Hing Rob

We learn many fighting movements put to a pattern via a form. These remain to be only movement until we begin to understand the usages of them. There are 2 main ways that I know of to obtain that understanding. One is to be taught the concept or idea of the movement and the other is to be taught specific techiques for each particular move. I prefer to learn the concept of the movement then apply it to several different situations. This of course can have its draw backs, because it can lead away from the repitition that is important to learning. However it can give you several options if applied correctly.

We've been doing the Iron Palm class for a month now, how is your progression going? I have a couple bruises here and there, but there is no tenderness or aches. I've gotten myself up to a continuous 15 minute routine (if I keep a good pace) without stopping. Most days I rub my hands with a little jow, and go some more. I'm still having a little trouble leading with my palm and neglecting my fingers. My best strike surprisingly is with the back hand. The dust is beginning to fly so I think I'm going pretty well. How are your experiences?

Si Hing Rob
www.myspace.com/hunggarrob

Lau Gar is not an original Hung Gar form. It is of the Lau Gar system and was added to preserve the art. Lau Gar seems to be a very short form and is classified as a "beginner" form in our school. When you look at the form in dept though, it is a very complex form in deed. There are a lot of good fighting techniques in the form. When aligned properly, the positions are strong and durable. The very opening of the form "kick the dust" is a great technique that can be applied as a first move or follow-up. It seems that some fighting techniques require what we like to call "a set-up" move, but most of the ones in Lau Gar are great without them. It requires great concentration to perform Lau Gar at full speed and correct positioning. There is a great tendency to bounce while doing the form, but it is mainly done at a consistent level. To maintain that stance level requires a significant amount of leg strength, especially when executed at full speed because of the cardio demands. We try to complete the form correctly in 35 seconds or less, and that is very difficult but possible. If studied properly the Lau Gar form can be a great start to becoming a proficient fighter in Hung Gar, what are your thoughts on the form.

When I hold stances for extended periods of time, the bottom of my feet begin to cramp and ache. Do you have the same experiences or did you have to overcome that obstacle? Any tips?

Si Hing Rob

During one of our recent classes, Sifu discussed the importance of making and striving for attainable goals during our Martial Arts training and refreshing as needed. I have set many goals for myself in my training. At the current, I’m working on my goal to get a better understanding of the usage of applications in my forms. Once I understand the forms, I will be able to use them more effectively during a fight. While fighting now, I can pull some of the techniques in from different forms but it is sporadic at best. I would like to be able to use nothing but techniques from any form of choice whenever I wanted to with very little deviation. To get to this point, I must understand several different aspects of the form. I don’t feel that I am very far from this goal, but a lot more hard work is required. What kind of goal have you set for yourself in your training? Or what are you striving for in your Martial training?