concepts/theory

The Choy Lay Fut System is based on a series of conceptual ideas. These concepts maximize the systems ability to adapt to the constant changes that are presented during combat situations. The ten elements comprise the basis for all the offensive and defensive movements found in the system. In essence the 10 elements comprise the alphabet in which the entire Choy Lay Fut language is written. The ten elements are

Kum- Slapping or pressing palm deflection
Na- Shooting arm bridge
Gwa- back fist
Sau- roundhouse punch
Chop- yin/yang fore knuckle strike
Pow- upward power shot
Kup- fist slap
Biu- outward, inside forearm strike
Ding- elbow or “joint” strike
Jong- snall upward power shot

In addition to these ten elements the choy lay fut practitioner learns the gate theory. The Gate theory is the division of the body into sections for offense or defense. In Choy lay Fut the body is divided into 12 gates consisting of left/right gates, upper/middle/lower gates, and interior/exterior gates. Opening a gate refers to drawing the opponent’s attention to a certain gate and then attacking it’s opposite gate. Destroying a gate refers to continuously attacking (Lin Wan Kuen) a specific gate until the opponent can no longer defend it.The ten element and gate theories are then combined with asterisk footwork drills so the practitioner will learn the proper body positioning to maximize efficient delivery of offensive maneuvers.