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Updated 7/7/04
If you are like most people you have probably always wanted to try martial arts training but for one reason or another you just never got to it. Perhaps you had lessons when you were younger but had to quit because of schedule changes or lack of time. Whatever the reason,it is never too late to start. The most common reasons for seeking martial arts training are Self Defense, Exercise, History and Philosophy behind the arts, and sometimes just for the fun of it. In the case of Tai Chi Chuan, relaxation,stress reduction, and improved health are often cited as the main reasons for study although Tai Chi Chuan is also one of the most effective systems of self defense.
SELF DEFENSE
Our self defense program is highly effective because it teaches how to use the opponent's energy against himself. Not competing with an opponent on a force against force basis allows a much smaller person to be effective in defeating an attacker. Students will come to understand the three levels of fighting and develop full power strikes. Because we only use full power punches and kicks there is no free sparring in our school. Self defense skills can be developed very effectively without striking another person. True self defense is not a game and we do not teach it as such.
EXERCISE
As an exercise form to lose weight, improve health, or just feel better physically, Kung Fu training approaches exercise differently from most western forms of exercise. Using a whole-body approach, the benefits of increased physical strength, greater muscular flexibility, improved blood circulation ,and physical coordination are experienced. Additionally, this form of exercise focuses on conditioning the joints, ligaments and tendons which are often ignored and sometimes damaged by other exercise forms. Maintaining healthy joints can reduce the development and effects of Arthritis as well as other joint associated conditions. Increasing the metabolism is highly recognized as a significant way to burn fat and lose inches. Kung fu training excites the metabolism and very often succeeds in helping practitioners lose and keep off excess weight.
HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY
The history of Kung Fu dates back thousands of years. Originally developed as an exercise to improve the health and physical condition of the monks at Shao Lin (the temple from which this style gets its' name), the style evolved into a form of self defense through necessity. Because the temple was in the mountains and unprotected from thieves that would roam the countryside, the monks found themselves constantly being victimized. The need to defend themselves is what gave birth to the martial arts we teach at the Kung Fu Academy today. The philosophy inherent in the forms teaches the practitioner that the training extends far beyond fighting. It is more an issue of being in control of ourselves, both mentally and physically. It is the development of this control that ultimately allows us to defend ourselves. In the words of Sifu Bender, "We must first be able to control ourselves before we can extend that control outward to others, such as, for the purpose of self defense."
ABOUT THE ACADEMY
Al Bender' s Kung Fu Academy of New Jersey was founded in May 1981. As owner and Chief Instructor, Sifu Bender offers training in Northern Shao Lin Chuan, Yang Style (Kuang Ping) Tai Chi Chuan, Hsing Yi Chuan, Pa Kua Chang and contemporary Wushu. Training in weapons such as Broadsword, Double Edge Sword, Long Staff, Cane(or umbrella), Spear, and 9 Section Steel Whip is also offered.
OTHER TRAINING:
Al Bender's Kung Fu Academy of New Jersey ™
260-262 LIBERTY STREET, BLOOMFIELD, NJ 07003
(973) 743-7544