Choy Li Fut

Original Name: 

Cai Li Fo (Mandarin) or Choy Li Fut (Cantonese) 蔡李佛

Founded By: 

Chan Heung 陳享 in 1836

Country of Origin: 

China

Introduction: 

Choy Li Fut is a form of Kung Fu developed by Chan Heung in 1836. Chan Heung named the new method of fighting after his instructors ‘Choy’ and ‘Li’ and the suffix ‘Fut’ was added as homage to Shaolin Temple. Word ‘Fut’ means Buddha and it is from Shaolin Temple that his predecessors came. This style of Kung fu is influenced by both Northern and Southern China. Unique character of this martial art form is that the techniques are different for students with different physique and Chan Heung has developed them from his own experience. All the fighting techniques in this form have been made into script by Chan Heung and were handed over to his close disciples.

Different forms used in this martial art are hand forms like (Small Cross Pattern Hand Form, level hand form), two man hand forms, staff forms, spear forms, broad sword forms, two edged sword forms, long handled weapon forms, fan forms, two part weapons, two persons combat weapon form, miscellaneous single weapons and dummy forms. Any person interested to learn Choy Li Fut has to begin with stance and movement training. It has got very different striking techniques and most of them are used in offence and in defense. Long fist and Buddhist palm are the two dynamic boxing types used here. Several traditional Chinese weapons are also used for fighting in this martial art form. The heaviest of all Chinese weapons ‘Nine-Dragon Trident’ is used in Choy Li Fut only. It has very realistic and practical methods of fighting, because the fighting technique developed during the period of war.

More information about style: 

Choy Li Fut aims to strengthen the student’s physique according to his ability and capability. After several steps and movements the student learns five wheel stance forms first. In this art, stances are combined with some kicks or sweeping steps. In the next step, students learn to fight multiple opponents and more hand techniques are taught. This is called five wheel fist forms and student learns to move swiftly, changing direction. It includes stance, block, grasp and strike combinations. Several individual techniques are taught in this stage. Last form is called Hung Sing Long fist form and also known as pulling or stretching out form. Here throwing techniques using twist of the hips and shoulders fully are taught. It is at this stage that the student studies to apply the techniques practically and to displace energy correctly. You can say that the student builds up at this stage.

Choy Li Fut uses powerful arm movements in circular motion for both attacking and defending. The circular movement is tricky to block and fist can curve over and around simply against the movement of opponent. There would not be much transfer of vibration. In this martial art form your shoulder as well as fist is having the position of a discuss thrower and the hits are more often than direct ones. Arms and fore arms rotate during each swing and this helps to knock away the opponents guard. Thus, your strikes are more effective and unblockable. Recovery time after each hit is less and hence the attacks are quicker.

Chen Heung has introduced more than 30 styles in Choy Li Fut. Among them 29 are advanced forms and ten are derived after animals like dragon, snake, tiger etc. All these techniques are incorporated from three Kung Fu styles and in this method your fists are like rocks attached to a rope in circular movement. Thus, the technique has gained much popularity as its power remains unquestioned through out South East Asia.