Why Karate?

I come to you with only Karate, Empty Hands.

I have no weapons, but should I be forced to defend myself, my principles, or my honor,

should it be a matter of life or death, of right or wrong, then here are my weapons, Karate, my Empty Hands.

 

Above All!

Karate is not an easy art. But it is an art. And like any art the more you put into it, the more it will repay you.

Karate enriches you physically, mentally and spiritually—developing your body, your mind and your character.

Especially at the JKA.

What isKarate-do?

Kara is the Japanese word for empty while temeans hand and dotranslates as the way, or path. So Karate-do is The Way of the Empty Hand. It is a martial art in which the ultimate purpose is not to seek to win, but to work towards perfection of character, self-control and self-discipline by the accumulation of experience through training. It is also a form of self-defence using all parts of the body which, by hard and systematic training, become effective and powerful weapons. Karate encompasses whole body movements which develop balance, flexibility, co-ordination, speed and power. This is achieved through the constant practice of the basic movements (Kihon) which, due to their variety and complexity, can be considered as a complete art form themselves.

What is Shotokan Karate?

Shotokan Karate originated in Okinawa, a small island south of Japan. It was popularized in Japan by Gichin Funakoshi in the 1950s.
Shotokan Karate is a traditional martial art. This means that improvements in character and mental discipline are as important as physical skill, if not more so. Shotokan Karate is meant to be accessible to all, including, women, children, and those without great athletic ability. JKA Kuwait Dojo offers a caring, safe environment where everyone can learn the art of karate. Its practice leads to:
• Muscular and Aerobic fitness
• Body alignment, balance and movement
• Increased perceptual awareness
• Stress management
• Concentration, confidence and discipline
Shotokan Karate is a traditional Japanese style of Karate. It combines both mental and physical training to refine the character of its students. Karate means "empty hand" as translated from its Chinese characters. As a result, Karate uses no weapons in its training, relying on the hands, feet, and body of its participants.
The founder of modern Karate,Gichin Funakoshifrom Okinawa, first demonstrated his powers to the Japanese public in 1922 in Tokyo. Funakoshi established his first Dojo in Japan in 1936. The Japan Karate Association (JKA) was created in 1955 with Funakoshi as the Chief Instructor. The name Shotokan is derived from Funakoshi'ss pen-name, Shoto and the Japanese word for hall, kan.

Why should I join a Karate club?

Master Funakoshi's precept says thatThe ultimate aim of karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character of its participants.Karate is beneficial both physically and mentally: you will improve your physical fitness and flexibility, you will have a better understanding of body dynamics, a greater awareness of your surroundings, a greater ability to defend yourself, and the ability to control your emotions in high pressure situations. Most of all, Karate will build your self-confidence in everyday life.

Why should I join this club in particular?

We are affiliated with Japan Karate Association/World Federation, all the grades and ranks you get, are recognized worldwide.

We are on a friendly environment, no stress no hates, speak up we hear you..
 

Is Karate Violent? There is no first attack in Karate. Every Karate move always begins with a defense. Karate is based onrespect,discipline,relaxation andcalm awareness. An aggressive, emotional attitude is contrary to the philosophical and practical nature of the martial art.Funakoshi said that "The spirit of Karate is lost without courtesy". In Karate one learns the values of kindness, sincerity and self-control. The students are taught to be bold and gentle, and to have confidence and humility. These contrasting combinations eventually lead to total harmony of body and mind. This is the true aim of Karate. Is Karate an Effective Self-Defense? Karate is theultimate inunarmed self-defense. It is designed to disable with one move; it has techniques against all forms of attack and has been developed through centuriesof harsh experience. Most importantly, ittrains the mental and emotional skills of combat, as well as the physical. Strength and size are not importantin Karate - it can be performed well with whatever strength you have, by relying on technique,speed and co-ordination. Karate teaches you how to avoid possible confrontations - it is far better to de-fuse or to avoid a dangerous situation than to confront it. What Happens in the Lessons? Karate consists of three aspects:Kata, Kihon(basics) andKumite(Fighting). Kihon involves the systematic training of various blocks, strikes, punches and kicks. Kumite is the application of the techniques learned in Kihon. The Fighting is all pre-determined and is non-contact, being carried out with great control. What is Kata? Kata are formal exercises consisting of pre-determined defensive and offensive movements, performed in a sequence. They are performed by oneself against a series of imaginary attacks by several opponents. The secrets of Karate are hidden in these beautiful compositions of lethal movement. They are the means by which the fundamental techniques of Karate are transferred to each generation. There are 27 kata in Shotokan - a new kata or series of kata are learnt after each grading. Who can Take Up Karate? Karate is for everyone - men, women and children; old or young; fit or not. Every girl or woman should know what to do if attacked. Women in the lesson get the same training as the men. Children can benefit from the self-discipline, and the skills acquired will improve their self-confidence and character. The training is non-competitive. Older people have gained their black belts after 60 and have practiced the art into their 80s. Older students receive the same training as younger people, although naturally the instructor will not demand the same level of endurance. Everyone's training is with oneself - the instructor only expects the best that you can achieve; there is no competition with anyone else in the lesson. You can adjust your training to suit your own stamina and abilities, but the harder you train the more you will benefit. What Do the Belt Colors Mean? Beginners wear a white belt. Students are then graded starting from 9th kyu (first white belt), to brown belt (1 kyu) then will be able to apply for black belts which starting from ShoDan (1st black belt). How Good is Karate for Fitness? Karate is one of the mostbalanced andcomplete ways of keeping in good physical condition. Karate incorporates the use of the entire body in which legs, hips, spine, shoulders and arms are co-ordinated to develop balance, flexibility, poise, speed, strength and stamina. No other form of training uses as many parts of the body to such an extent. Karate is not seasonal and so one's condition can be maintained throughout the year. Other forms of training, where exercise for the sake of exercise is done, become a chore after the first enthusiasm passes and are invariably dropped. However, Karate becomes more interesting and rewarding as you progress, without any limit. Even after decades of training, students will still be learning and improving their techniques - this is very rare in any sport. Is Karate good for my health? Yes. Because Karate involves both stretching and cardiovascular exercise, it is extremely good for your health. Furthermore, unlike many other activities, Karate uses almost all muscle groups. This means that your body becomes very well balanced rather than overworked in specific muscle groups. Are There any Other Benefits from Karate? Karate is a means of developing friendship. At its best it is also a means of gainingself-understandingand self-confidence. It is an art form through which one can express individuality. Karate is also a bridge to other cultures and times, and it establishes a contact with one's mind and body that is rare in Western education. The true rewards lie in the improvement of mind, body, and character. Without this threefold development, mastery of the techniques will be impossible. Great personal effort and mental concentration are needed to learn Karate, but the rewards are enormous. Will I be able to defend myself physically? Students of Shotokan Karate, knowing that they can handle themselves in a physical conflict, feel confident, and thus are able to avoid most confrontations without resorting to a physical fight. If there is no avoiding a fight, the student of Karate learns to disable his or her opponent in one blow.

 http://www.jka-kuwait.com/jka/index.htm

UNDERSTANDING KARATE SHOTOKAN KATA

Been learning Karate Shotokan kata for some time? Tired of practicing kata without understanding it's meaning or usefulness? How does practicing Karate kata makes you a powerful Karateka?

If you want to know more, welcome! This website will serve to make your Karate training an awesome journey of self-enlightenment.

This website focus on the meaning and bunkai (applications) of Karate kata, and the original purpose it was created for, ie. close quarter fighting, though you may call it self defense or self protection in modern day context.

Although there are at least 26 Karate Shotokan kata, this website will focus on only a chosen few, which have many of the most deadly Karate bunkai. Not many Karateka spend a lot of time actually "studying" Karate Shotokan kata, preferring to spend time on developing their physical presentation instead of discovering the cryptic meaning (bunkai) behind the complex arm and legs movements taught by these forms.

This website will provide historically accurate kata interpretation and bunkai, linking kata to effective Karate techniques, including pressure points strikes or the art of kyusho jutsu. I hope the information here will reaffirm the usefulness of Karate Shotokan kata for a Karateka to learn deadly fighting techniques.

Please visit the page on Karate kata videos to download free Karate kata videos for your training and understanding. I have an extensive collection of Karate video clips, street fighting video clips and self defense video clips for you.

View the Karate Shotokan kata videos and see if you can recognize any of the kata movements in my collection of Karate video clips. Since the original purpose of Karate is for fighting or self defense, there is also a page on Karate women and Street Karate, because Karate give women the skills and confidence to overcome dangers from those with criminal intention.

Karate, like any other form of martial arts, should evolve with times. And you should always have a few layers of self protection capability, eg. primary, secondary and backup.

So, there is a page on choosing a self defense product which you can use to augment your self protection capability. Knowing a powerful empty hand combat skill like Karate will definitely give you the extra edge should you decide to carry a weapon for self protection, with both complementing each other quite well.

KARATE KATA REMIND US WHY WE ARE HERE. TO LEARN EFFECTIVE FIGHTING SKILLS.

This website will introduce Kissaki-Kai Karate and provide detail explanation on how and why we are different from the typical JKA or SKIF style Shotokan Karate.

I would like to urge all Karateka to honestly examine why you are learning Karate and are you reaching your goals with your current training regimen or style. Do you want to acquire deadly street fighting techniques from practicing Karate Shotokan kata?

If you want to learn classical Karate for close quarter fighting or self defense as shown in this website, you are most welcome to train with us or attend one of our skill path seminars. Just email me your area of interest and I'm sure you'll have a challenging and enlightening experience learning and training with us.

Finally, please join our self defense forum in Karate Facebook Page and share your views freely. I will also show you the results of few interesting special polls on Karate or other martial arts every now and then. So bookmark this site and come back often.

A powerful Karateka is a complete all-rounded fighter, skillful in atemi-waza (striking), nage-waza (throwing or takedowns), kansetsu-waza (joint-locks & manipulation), shime-waza (choking), ne-waza (ground fighting & submission) and usage of human pressure points (esp pressure points strikes). Learning and understanding the true meaning of Karate Shotokan kata will teach you all that.

http://www.karate-shotokan-kata.com/

Many people are interested in knowing what is karate. Actually, karate is a means of self protection without utilizing any weapons and consists of dynamic defensive and offensive techniques that use various body elements to strike at sensitive areas of one’s body for maximum advantage. This martial art came from in Japan.

Many people are interested in knowing what is karate. Actually, karate is a means of self protection without utilizing any weapons and consists of dynamic defensive and offensive techniques that use various body elements to strike at sensitive areas of one’s body for maximum advantage. This martial art came from in Japan.

Actually, the word karate is a combination of two japanese characters Kara and Te, where “Kara” means empty, and “Te” means hand.

kung fu as self-defense

In the past few decades, as the peopel became informed of what is taekwondo and its usefullness, martial arts has gained widespread popularity, and has become one of the most dynamic martial arts. Any trained martial artka can very easily coordinate both body and mind in a perfect way, which helps in unleashing great physical power anytime at will. Actually, a kung fuka does not become great just because of great physical strength, rather it is their potential to coordinate both body and mind that makes them great. Once this capacity is created, even a smallest or weakest person feels as if he/she has great power within their body and can deliver devastating blow to any attacker.

taekwondo practice

It is divided into three components: Kata (simulating combat positions, and certain pre-arranged forms)Kihon (blocks, drilling of stances, punches, kicks, and strikes)Kumite (sparring)
In every category, the beginner gets detailed instructions from the master until these methods become spontaneous. The progress in karate techniques take time, and progressd practice requires greater stamina. Then, pupil learns more intricate taekwondo approachs and dynamic forms of “kumite”. As one reaches black belt level, stamina, approach, coordination, and pace become spontaneous. At this stage, students feel that their study of this interesting art of self defense has just begun.

The black belt system is one of the most important aspects of the this martial arts. This ranking system indicates the progression of any individual to the next level. particular person has to meet certain requirements to move to the next level. This is done with the help of grading exam that also considers the time that has elapsed considering last grading. Aside from that, when the teacher is satisfied that trainee has progressmented, and has become proficient in certain kung fu processs, and has been consistent in training, the trainee is give the next belt immediately after consent from teacher.

The biggest advantage of belt method is that it actions the progress, development, and provides rewards and incentives for learning and making efforts to become proficient in this martial art.

several advantages of kung fu

In our day-to-day lives we usually overlook the importance of exercise to both our psychological and physical wellness. Once you know what is martial art, its continuous practice improves both psychological and physical wellbeing. It builds up coordination, tones up body, builds stamina, and quickens your reflexes.

Aside from that, serious practice of this martial art helps in developing deeper insight, clearer thought process, sharp mind and much more self confidence. Actually, karate is not an end, but just a means to an end. Best of all, advance age is not at all any hindrance in learning this martial art. rather it boosts proficiency in the keen coordination of body and mind.

http://summercampinhouston.com/218/many-people-are-interested-in-knowing-what-is-karate-actually-karate-is-a-means-of-self-protection-without-utilizing-any-weapons-and-consists-of-dynamic-defensive-and-offensive-techniques-that-use-v/

What is Traditional Karate

In the late 1950s, worldwide interest in Karate prompted many countries to invite instructors from Japan. Since there were a limited number of available Japanese instructors, many areas of the world developed their own forms of "new" karate.

In the public mind, original karate as practiced in Japan became known as Traditional Karate while the variations later developed in different parts of the world became known as new karate.

Traditional Karate, as an art of self-defense, evolved in Japan over many years. Its technical base is founded on the Okinawan principle of "Tode", which itself is based an "Chonfa", the fighting art of China, a weaponless form of self-defense. Its philosophical base is Japanese "Budo" which is common to many Japanese martial arts. The combination of Okinawan fighting forms and Japanese Budo philosophy eventually became Traditional Karate. Central to the technical structure of Traditional Karate is the concept of "Todome-waza" or finishing blow whereby a single technique totally disables an opponent. This high technical proficiency makes Traditional Karate a form of high art.

Since Traditional Karate training involves the dynamic use af the total body, the physical benefits are of the highest quality. While Traditional Karate strives to develop the whole person, it also benefits the mental and emotional states, providing for overall equilibrium and stability of emotions. The ultimate goal of training in Traditional Karate is not merely the perfection of fighting skills, but rather the total development of the human character where fighting is no longer necessary.

In 1993, the 101st IOC Session (General Meeting) specified that Traditional Karate is the discipline which is practiced by the ITKF and governed by its rules. At this time "Traditional Karate" was differentiated from other "karate" disciplines. Therefore, that form of karate which is practiced and governed by the rules and regulations of the ITKF is the only officially recognized "Traditional Karate" much the same way that IOC recognized swimming as practiced under international swimming rules is distinguished from general forms of swimming.

ITKF Competition Rules are based on the "Shiai" of "Budo". Shiai directly translates to "testing each other" which means that the purpose of two individuals competing against each other is to mutually develop their skills and not merely to see who defeats the other. Mutual Respect for each other is a fundamental principle of such Traditional Karate competitions. Technical development is gained through continuous Dojo (martial arts gym) training in "Traditional Karate" fundamentals which are then incorporated into competition. The categories of "Traditional Karate" competitions are as follows:

• Kumite (Free Sparring) Men's and Women's Individual and Men's Team
• Kata (Forms)
  Men's and Women's Individual and Team
• En-bu (Offense - Defense Technique Demonstration) Man/Woman & Man/Man
• Fuku-go (Composed of Kumite & Kata) Men's & Women's

http://www.itkf.org/traditional-karate/what-is-traditional-karate/

Evolution of Kuntao Jiu-Jitsu

The creation of Kuntao Jiu-Jitsu was set into motion by Richard Petronelli in 1999, as a tribute to his instructor Florendo Visitacion (Prof. Vee) who had recently passed. Professor Vee taught Petronelli his art of Vee Arnis Jitsu, which focused on self-defense for real life altercations. With the passing of Professor Vee, Petronelli visualized forming his own system based on the teachings of Professor Vee and incorporating his prior knowledge from his thirty years of martial arts training.

As the creator of a new martial arts system, Petronelli became the Soke (Japanese word for “the head family” – in the martial arts it can be translated to the leader of a style) and named his longest and most dedicated student, Marc Bochner, as the Soke-Dai (one who teaches in place of Soke). Bochner, sixteen at the time, had been a student of Soke Petronelli since the age of eight.

As the system continued to evolve, Bochner took the initiative and with the permission of Soke Petronelli, created the first Kuntao Jiu-Jitsu curriculum for the system with the help of Gary DiPauda, a Black Belt under Petronelli. Prior to this, the techniques and concepts taught were not written in a systematic form. As Bochner was teaching the majority of classes, he refined and adapted the curriculum in attempt to create a complete system of self-defense.

Bochner expanded the system of Kuntao Jiu-Jitsu by creating a youth program that focused on teaching children from as early as age seven to defend themselves from peer and adult adversaries. Bochner continued with developing a curriculum for realistic self-defense seminars that would teach participants important self-defense concepts and techniques that they could use to defend themselves. As Bochner entered college, he and Sensei Matthew Mendillo (Black Belt under Bochner), established the URI Kuntao Jiu-Jitsu Club which ran for five years and taught hundreds of students how to defend themselves. In addition, Bochner and Mendillo taught self-defense and rape prevention seminars at the majority of dormitories and sororities on campus. The seminars expanded to Salve Regina University (Newport, RI), Rhode Island College (Providence, RI) and Bentley University (Waltham, MA).

Soke-Dai Bochner continued to teach classes at the dojo (training hall) with the help of Professor Bruce DiTraglia (Black Belt under Petronelli) and Sensei Brian Baccaire (Black Belt under Bochner).

Over the 12 years of teaching and running the Academy of Kuntao Jiu-Jitsu, Bochner has updated the curriculum based on his study of the martial arts. In essence, Bochner has followed in the footsteps of Professor Vee and Soke Petronelli in creating a system based on his training in the martial arts. Kuntao Jiu-Jitsu, as it is taught today, is the reflection of Soke-Dai Bochner’s study of the martial arts. As of 2011, Bochner has published three books based on self-defense, been published in Black Belt Magazine and has produced, edited, and instructed the official Kuntao Jiu-Jitsu DVDs.

http://kuntaojiujitsu.com/evolution.html

Filipino Martial Arts

 Kun Tao Dumpag

847 Hamilton Ave (Rt 69).
Waterbury, CT 06706
203-596-9073 or 203-802-8533
info@psdtc.com
 

Kun Tao/Kuntao Dumpag as taught by Ron Kosakowski

News Flash - Newest Kuntao Dumpag Black Belts created at the PSDTC

         

 

 

  Kun Tao Dumpag is an ancient Filipino warrior system considered to be indigenous to the Philippines that consists of a very vicious approach to engaging in a conflict. This of course, makes Kun Tao extremely realistic, together with being a tremendously practical and efficient fighting martial art for modern time self-defense use. With various open hand striking methods and low line kicks combined with tearing at the

eyes, groin, lips and throat along with nerve attacks and joint destruction’s. These are  followed up with a variety of grabbing methods to a choice of take downs and off balancing methods that make this martial art very unique and lately, in big demand!

         

 The name "Kun Tao Dumpag"  was given to Ron Kosakowski by Grand Tuhon Leo T. Gaje Jr. in the Philippines to personalize his own system. Kun Tao, as it is taught at the Practical Self Defense Training Center is definitely a style that has to be seen to be believed. Kun Tao Dumpag is the ONLY style of Kun Tao in the United States recognized by the Grand Kuntaoist Ali Sharief and

the Kuntao council of Grand Masters of the Maranaw and Maguindanao tribes in Mindanao, Philippines.

 

Everyone who has looked at this Kun Tao style usually wants to learn the whole system due to the fact that it is a great science and you definitely reach those stages where you can feel the progression within yourself as time goes on. It is a feeling you can easily get addicted to because it feels good to have that feeling of accomplishment. After every rank advancement test, that is especially a time where everyone feels better in both mind and body about their skills in Kun Tao; a progression is very noticeable. Each test is very stressful requiring some good endurance and mental stability. It is very mentally and physically demanding but worth while achieving due to the gains!

         

Kun Tao Dumpag is a grappling range fighting style, but not a wrestling art, due to the fact that all joint manipulation and off balancing your opponents body is usually accomplished with pain compliance to help gain leverage advantage over an opponent. In other words, it is most effective in the clench. People at a higher level of skill can control an individual rather easily without pain compliance. Of course, that depends on the situation at the time.

         

Kun Tao has a major influence of many of the empty hand combat methods throughout the Southeast Asian area including Malaysian and Indonesian Silat in addition to the empty hands like Pangkamut, Panantukan. You can see some the resemblances in the empty hand aspects of Kali/Dumog, though you can definitely see what gives Kun Tao its individualistic distinctiveness. Due to the many levels of extremes this system can be brought to, it is found to be a favorite among military personnel, police, correctional officers. This style of Kun Tao is especially useful for women looking for a self-defense system to train in that doesn't just give them a false sense of security and will work in all possible street oriented confrontations. It is hard to find a martial art style that preserves ancient fighting methods that can fit in modern time altercations now a days! Kun Tao Dumpag is without a doubt that style!

http://www.psdtc.com/kuntao/

Introduction To KunTao

By IMDL On January 11, 2011

Kun Tao -Kung Fu is one of the oldest self-defense Martial Arts in the world. It has been developed and used widely in China since approximately 2700 B.C. It’s purposes are primarily two fold:

1. Self-defense
2. Physical fitnessIts techniques include body conditioning, breathing exercises, Chinese arts of exercises which teach various methods of fighting by striking, grabbing, kicking etc. as well as ground fighting with or without different types of weapons such as staffs, spear, knives and swords.

There are many different systems of Kung Fu in China. The Shao-lin is one of the most well known. Kun Tao teaches both Soft and Hard techniques with emphasis on kicking (Shantung) (Northern Mountains) or Hand movements (Hokkien) (Southern low lands).

Kun Tao – Chuan Fa

As time evolved, and as man dominated nature and animals, he became his own enemy. This is so because man is a competitive animal; and in this complex social, political and economic civilization, man, having conquered nature and animal, turns toward each other.
This does not mean that the history of defense techniques is all offense, but that the survival instinct promotes better and more self-preserving physical practices each day. The word Kung Fu was not always identified with the martial art we know today. Before King Fu meant “great skill”, the ability to do something well. “Wu Su” is generally understood now to refer to the martial arts, and “Kung Fu” is a mastery of an art.
During the T’ang Dynasty (600-900 A.D.) Kung Gu was given a great emphasis by the heroic fighting of the “fighting monks”, most important of whom was T’an Tsung. He and the Shaolin Temple monks won the emperor’s favor and support. As a result the name of the Shaolin Temple School of boxing became well known.
Under the Sung Dynasty the first emperor Sung T’ai Tsu learned boxing system of his own called T’ai Tsu “ch’ang ch’uan” he was the first to use the two and three sectional staffs (nunchaku).
In the Ming Dynasty (1300-1600 A.D.) there was a Shaolin Buddhist monk named Ch’eng Sam Fung(1417-1459 A.D.) who changed his beliefs in Buddhism to Taoism. Leaving the Shaolin Temple and having learned its school of boxing, he went to the Shantung mountains. There he developed a “soft” system which stressed:

1. Centripetal force
2. Intense concentration
3. Chi-kung (breathing method)

This system was different from the “hard way” of the Shaolin. In examining the history of Kun Tao one is inevitably examining the history of Chinese boxing, weaponry and exercises (Tai-chi). In order to become a Kung Fu master, one must be a complete expert who is able to accept any challengers specific method of fighting (empty hand or weapons). Kun Tao (Kung Fu) originates from the military and at the same time, relates to the philosophies of Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. From this three teachings Kun Tao takes and emphasizes their positive aspects of meditation, breathing (Chi kung), enlightment, and the search for good, all of this contributes to the development of a higher sense of awareness (character) for the mind and the body.
Chinese boxing can be traced back to the Chou Dinasty (1066 B.C.-403 B.C.). Around 500 B.C. a famous surgeon named Hua To originated 5 health exercises named after animals which were imitated:

1. Tiger
2. Deer
3. Bear
4. Monkey
5. Bird

These exercises copied the 5 animals’ methods of fighting and were later adopted by the Shaolin Temple school of boxing.
With the arrival of Buddhist monks from India, Chinese boxing was modified. One of these monks named Bodhilharma (or Dar Mon, 481-557 A.D.) lived in a cave in the Qu Mountains in Honan Province for 9 years. From him, new ideas of health based on the equilibrium of the four elements composing the body: earth, water, fire, and wind, were borrowed. These ideas are carried into modern chinese boxing and in the integral to the internal system.
The importance of Bodhilharma (Dar Mon) lies in the fact that he was the first to teach the martial arts to the monks. Towards the end of the Ming Dynasty (1522-1566 A.D.) the influence of the “soft system extended as the prestige of the shaolin declined. This caused a shaolin priest named Goh Yu Sang Yuen to travel throughout China, hoping to find great boxers who can rebuild the fame of Shaolin boxing. He was successful in meeting 2 great boxers; Boh Yohe Fung and Lei Sui, who revised the shaolin system and gave us Kung Fu as what we know today.
5 animal forms of boxing was invented:

1. Dragon
2. Tiger (leopard)
3. Snake
4. Crane
5. Horse

With the introduction of these new forms, the Shaolin Temple School of Boxing reached its height of influence.
During the Ming and Ch’ing Dynasty (1600-1911 A.D.)boxing became very popular and many of the systems of today were born, for example, Tai Chi, Wing Chun, Hun Gar, Kun Tao, etc.
This growth in the martial arts was caused, in part, by the conquest of China led by the Manchu, which in turn caused many boxers to join up with secret societies and teach the new members the boxing skills (Pai-chi). Hoping to return the Ming Dinasty to its supreme power. The Shaolin fighters were the main force in the rebellion against the Manchu and the Shaolin Temple was burnt as a result. Although unsuccessful in restoring the Ming Dynasty, the Shaolin fighters were instrumental in bringing the boxing doctrine to all corners of China.
Today the present government of Mainland China as well as the one in Taiwan, still promote mass participation in Kung Fu, which is regarded as a precious heritage aside from its defensive purposes, Kun Tao’s esthetic worth then as now is clear, for it enables one to use the body as a tool of expression and to channel aggression without injury to others.
Kun Tao schools were established not only throughout China, but also in Singapore, Japan, Australia, Europe and the United States.
A Kun Tao course involves the following:

1. History and philosophy of Kun Tao
2. Internal and external physical exercises in preparation for fighting techniques.
3. Empty hand techniques, small tiger forms, stepping stances, breathing methods, body movements.
4. Weaponry- involving the use of the sword, staff, chains, ax, hooks, lances, etc. While the student who pursues Kun Tao can learn the fundamentals within one year, the art and practice of Kun Tao is a lifelong learning process- A way of life which must be followed daily for physical fitness and mental health.

By Tai Sifu Otto R. VanDerGroen

http://www.imuakuntao.org/introduction-to-kuntao/