traditional kung fu curriculum

This style includes a ton of content, including the following categories which you will cover completely in our belt system:

基本功 Basics

1. Conditioning 硬功

2. Stretching 拉筋

3. Tumbling 翻腾滚爬

4. Strikes 手法

5. Stances 步法

6. 36 Kicks 三十六路腿法

套路 Forms

1. Basic Fist 基本拳

2. Dark Fist (1,2,3) 玄功拳一路, 二路, 三路

3. Dark Perfection Fist 玄真拳

4. Dragon Fist 龙华拳

5. Subduing Dragon Taming Tiger Fist 降龙伏虎拳

6. Dark Broadsword 玄功刀

7. Dragon Straight Sword 龙华剑

散手 Partner Training

1. 基本散手 Basic Hand Drills

2. 擒拿 Joint Manipulation

3. 摔跤 Throws

4. 玄功拳散手（12) Dark Fist Applications

5. 玄真拳散手（3）Dark Perfection Fist Applications

6. 玄华拳散手（5）Dragon Fist Applications

7. 玄功刀六法 Dark Broadsword Six Methods

8. 龙华剑六法 Dragon Sword Six Methods

be cool

So we’ve been open about a year now and in that time we have cultivated a really cool atmosphere. Our school runs pretty mellow and everyone there is there for his or her own reasons. We try to tailor the classes to everyone’s abilities, no matter what your level of coordination or mobility, there’s always a way to do Kung Fu. Brandi and I learned this stuff in a really intense context in China over a very intimate six-year discipleship with master Yuan and we recognize it’s impossible to recreate that dynamic here, so our school here runs on curiosity, openness, humor, and an exploratory attitude. So whatever your vibe, whether you’re just looking for a slightly more interesting workout regime, want to explore a different fighting style, or you are interested in complete personal transformation, you’ll fit right in.

Four parts of class

A typical class is divided into the following four sections:

1. Stretching

2. Basics

3. Forms

4. Partner Training

We do mix this up. As you can see above the curriculum is expansive, and as you progress through the belts you’ll need to focus on different things, whether that is striking the heavy bag, break falls and rolls, striking vital points, weapons training, or sparring.

eva

Having no martial arts experience, I was initially intimidated about trying Kung fu. For medical reasons, I had just joined the qi gong class (pronounced "chee-gong"). Everyone seemed to be recommending mindfulness, yet I found traditional seated meditation physically uncomfortable and mentally challenging. So I added tai chi the following month as a form of moving meditation (pronounced "tye-jee"). I found it just the right amount of movement and learning to keep my “monkey mind” engaged...almost like tricking myself into slowing down, breathing and over time, becoming more comfortable with my inner landscape.

Right away I loved both classes and immediately started noticing all sorts of benefits that I could not have achieved on my own through home yoga or meditation. Further, the manner in which the classes were taught gave me the courage to take the plunge and sign up for the adult Kung fu class; I couldn’t be happier about my decision!

While there are really strong students who have trained in various disciplines like Taekwondo, Karate, Jiu jitsu etc, I found that it was “more than okay” to be a total beginner because:

a) everyone in the class is progressing at their own pace anyway (based on overall physical fitness, prior knowledge, natural abilities, motivation, effort and time put in, etc); 

b) the diversity of students creates a collaborative community where everyone has something different to contribute; and 

c) Simon and Brandi create such a positive, welcoming learning environment that one can’t help but fall in love with all things Kung fu!

Both Brandi’s and Simon’s Kung fu skill levels are incredibly inspiring - and, remarkably - matched by outstanding teaching skills. With seemingly unending patience, humour, and a well balanced curriculum, together they both foster community, with slow and steady student progress as an inevitable outcome! 

As lifelong students themselves, Simon and Brandi have honed and continue to deepen their own kung fu, tai chi and qi gong practices, which speaks to their high level of commitment and embodiment of an ancient lineage. Yet that in itself doesn’t always lead to the ability to teach others. And yet both Brandi and Simon know how to slow things right down for absolute beginners, while also expertly mentoring those wishing to refine advanced techniques. 

The 90 min kung fu classes go by so fast; who knew exercise could be so fun :) I look forward to the class each week and the diversity of forms, exercises, partner drills, etc keeps me eager to learn more.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention one other critical component as to why I am so grateful for finding Okanagan Wudang. As soon as I walk in the studio, I feel an instant ease - like I have permission to be myself. I can show up sad, hyper, distracted, exhausted, motivated or focused and Simon and Brandi will always greet with me their casual vibe and disarming charm. Their own inner balance and ability to hold space for others - without prying, enabling or pitying - speaks volumes to the incredible amount of inner work they both must have done in China and beyond. It takes a rare human being to be able to show such equanimity to “all shades of Eva”* and be at peace with expressions of both human joy and suffering. They let me be me as I am each time - without encouraging self-indulgence, yet inviting curiosity and personal growth. That physical and energetic space has truly opened up room for me to progress on multiple levels (physical strength, flexibility, balance, focus, mental health), while gently opening a door to a more fulfilling way of being & initial step on the Taoist path. 

I tell all my friends when they ask:

 “Wherever you are at - wanting to get in shape, or working on your physical or mental health, there are so many entry points into this huge, graceful and fun world of Wudang kung fu, there is sure to be something to pique anyone’s interests and support their personal goals.”

Stop in for a visit! You’ll be sure to see Okanagan Wudang community members - sweaty and smiling, with wide open hearts.

madison

We are so lucky to have Okanagan Valley Wudang in Penticton. Simon and Brandi not only are fun and welcoming, they are so incredibly knowledgeable. Like, truly wise. I’ve learned so much in such a short period!! We had so much one on one time and they made it feel so natural, I wasn’t a beginner for long! Also, the classes are filled with such great people. Things that I’ve learned in my classes I know will carry through the rest of my life. I feel noticeably more relaxed and happier daily and I cannot imagine my life without a tai chi practice. Thanks Brandi and Simon!!!!!!!!!!!!