Sparring

In the White Crane Kung fu Academies, new students learn a variety of techniques, situations, two-person exercises, etc. Eventually, each student is introduced to sparring. This introduction is made in a safe, progressive and methodical way. All sparring is done seriously with well-established security rules, always under the tutelage of experienced instructors. Several types of sparring are practiced. The main emphasis is on self-defense, being mindful of blows to important targets (i.e.: the genitals, eyes, throat, etc.), while purposely avoiding to directly strike those targets during practice. Thus we can practice real self-defense without injury.

There is also a sports version of kung fu called "Lei Tai". It is a form of full contact or kickboxing with kung fu techniques. Needless to say, this sport does not allow for attacks on the joints or deadly blows and instead focuses on fitness and strength. Our academies have trained several champions in this discipline. That said, it is necessary to acquire a little experience before embarking on this sporting journey.

Ancient or traditional martial arts were created to be devastating self-defense systems. As society has changed, many martial arts systems have changed their basic nature and changed their training regime. We can quite easily distinguish the arts that have remained true to their tradition of uncompromising self-defense from those who have become martial sports. Both have something to offer the public. On the other hand, there are big differences of approach and methodology between them.