FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ):
Choy Lai Fut Forms

Forms are basically choreographed hand and leg movements that are put together in a specific pattern, designed to teach students how to use various techniques and move their feet around an opponent. They build strength and stamina, and since most of them are also quite artistic in form, they are very often used in public demonstrations.

Generally most kungfu schools teach forms in a specific order, starting with basic forms that use only punches and kicks. As the student improves in coordination and technique, more advanced forms involving weapons and fists are taught. Our school also teaches students various two-person forms using bare hands or weapons.

The following is our response to an e-mail we received from someone inquiring about Choy Lai Fut forms.

THE QUESTION:

I have noticed some kwoons (schools) teach different forms than other schools listed in the Choy Lee Fut system.

Are there certain families that have different forms? I have looked over and over on the internet for a handset form list and I can't find one that is exactly the same as the other.

OUR RESPONSE:

I would actually expect each school to teach different forms than others, especially since it's Choy Lee Fut as opposed to other systems. Chan Heung the founder was rather prolific (as were some of his descendants) at creating different fist and weapon forms -- there are an incredible number of them. For example, for the staff alone I know of 5 different forms. It would take a lifetime to learn them all, and I would wager that no one except the founder's direct familial descendants have them all. Different students are taught different forms depending on their ability and personality. They are also taught more of the advanced forms if they prove their loyalty to the school. One of the reasons for creating so many different forms is to explore different patterns of footwork and different 'attitudes' of attack and defence. One form may focus more on aggressive, sweeping movements, while another may be more refined and evasive.

Over the years, students have branched out with their own particular limited repertoire of forms, and taught their own students in the same manner. That is why I fully expect there to be different forms amongst the schools. There are also some that I suspect have created their own and tried to pass them off as authentic forms -- taking advantage of the fact that there are just so many forms out there and very few people would know what the entire list contained.

Very few of the generation of students that were taught directly by Chan Yiu Chi (founder's grandson) are still alive today, they are a precious 'live' link to the history of our system, and that is where we have gained most of our knowledge.

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