How do you learn Pak Mei?

NOTE: the study of any martial art is a risky pastime and involves strenuous exercise. Any individual undertaking such a study should be aware of the risks and assume responsibility and liability for any injury that may occur.

Pak Mei can be broadly classified short armed Southern Chinese style with low deep stances. It is a rare "internal and external" style that offers students a lifetime of pursuit, promoting overall fitness and longevity.

The study of our style is suitable for large and small body types. Much of our techniques are not based upon brute strength, but precision execution and attacks to sensitive pressure points. One learns to use the 6 external powers in combination with the 4 internal powers and the proper mental perspective to issue strength in many ways.

All training is done on a one-to-one basis within our group. Students are given a kernel of technique, and then have the responsibility of learning it before they receive the next kernel. Individual responsibility is an important characteristic of a Pak Mei student. "Brothers" of roughly equal training work together.

Each student is trained at their own pace. A medium level of fitness is required, however more athletic individuals will be able to learn more quickly. There is no grading system, just an informal "family" of older and younger brothers and sisters.

Our patterns (or exercises consisting of numerous moves linked together in a form of extended practice combat) focus on hand technique attacking vulnerable targets, movement, body positioning and foremost, power generation. We use grasping, tangling and pulling as well as crashing blows, barging, whip-like strikes and focused attacks, often in combination. It is common to use both hands at once. Kicking is kept to below the waist for the most part. Learning our style has been likened to learning little pearls, then learning to string them together, then learning to change the string.

More advanced students practice "crossing hands" together, but this is high level training as opposed to free sparring, and based upon individual training objectives, done without gloves or protective gear.

Traditional weapons also have a place in our school. We use the staff (Kwan), single and double swords (Do) and halberd (Kwan Do). The staff is the first weapon a student must learn.

We teach 10 empty hand patterns and 5 weapons patterns plus several training exercises.

A study of Pak Mei brings a student into one of the most traditional and respected martial arts styles in the world today.

.Who Would Be Interested in Learning Pak Mei?

Anybody interested in starting the study of a traditional and effective Chinese style of martial arts taught in a traditional manner.
A mature black belt level student from a kicking school looking for a new style with inspirational hand technique.
People of slight build looking for physical confidence and security through a style of self-defence not based upon brute strength.
Parents interested in teaching their children traditional Chinese Lion Dancing and martial arts as a responsible form of athletics and a foundation for physical accomplishment. Our lion dancing team is coordinated by one of our older brothers and involves many members of the Scout Troop he supervises.

But with this I would also caution the potential student that this style doesn't come easily, and requires serious training and commitment to the school. Only individuals demonstrating good character, committment to their training and committment to our Sifu will be allowed to continue training with the school.