Chang Chuan is considered one of the best Kung Fu styles for promoting physical fitness.  It is the expressive and inspiring nature of Chang Chuan that drew Calasanz to this art which eventually became a great influence on his own martial arts style known as The Calasanz System™.

Chang Chuan is a style rich in empty hand and weapons forms, and self-defense, as well as throwing and locking techniques known as Chin Na. Chang Chuan includes high spinning and jumping kicks as well as fluid, circular arm movements. While high kicks are never recommended for self-defense, the purpose of these movements is to promote leg strength and flexibility.

Chang Chuan is also characterized by fluid and extended movements. For this reason, it is called a long range fighting system as opposed to styles like Wing Chun for example, that focus on close quarter or short range fighting.

Wing Chun Ground Fighting

Any experienced fighter will tell you that most fights end up on the ground. It is for this reason that a well rounded martial artist must learn how to fight once he or she has fallen. The ability to fight if thrown on your back or on your side is essential to street survival. Wing Chun Groundfighting focuses on breakfalls, entering, takedowns, holds, pins, chokes and other techniques that prepare a student for fighting in this vulnerable position.

Calasanz’s unique approach to ground fighting involves application of Wing Chun equipment and techniques.

Wing Chun Tai Chi

Wing Chun includes three forms or preset patterns of movements utilizing the techniques of the system. These forms are performed in slow motion and in an environment conducive to relaxation.

The first form of the Wing Chun System is known as Siu Nim Tao, which translated means little idea form. Siu Nim Tao includes the basic elements of Wing Chun, such as developing a good, strong stance, basic hand movements, introduction of the center line theory, concepts of Yin and Yang, and breathing techniques. The second form is called Chum Kiu, or as translated, searching for the bridge. The emphasis in Chum Kiu is footwork, as students learn to shift and charge in a grounded Chin stance and make contact with the opponent. Bil Jee, the third and final form of the Wing Chun System means thrusting fingers. This form teaches the Wing Chun practitioner how to regain his or her center once its lost in the course of combat. It also teaches foot sweeps, finger attacks, and elbow strikes.

The wooden dummy is also practiced, in a very slow, deliberate manner, as well as the long pole, butterfly knives and many other tools that are unique to The Calasanz System and Calasanz’s approach to making martial arts available to all who desire to learn.

20 Arm Wooden Dummy

In the early 80’s, Calasanz was in search of a training device that would help get a group of students ready for tournament fighting within a very short period of time.  What emerged was the 20 Arm Dummy.  Calasanz got the idea from his training in the art of Wing Chun. Wing Chun master, Yip Man, created the traditional wooden dummy or mook jong as a training tool for practitioners. A staple in any Wing Chun class, the wooden dummy is basically a post with protruding “arms” and “legs” so you can simulate fighting a real opponent.

The main difference between the 20 Arm Wooden Dummy and the traditional mook jong is that you train to fight in four directions on five opponents.  The 20 Arm Wooden Dummy frames consist of four corner posts plus a traditional dummy that is mounted to the floor. In addition to including the traditional wooden dummy, the four corner posts have several “arms” and “legs” attached to each post so you can attack or defend.  This allows you to fight at different angles, heights and directions and work on adjusting distance.

The 20 Arm Wooden Dummy is a great training aid not just for Wing Chun students, but any martial artist who wants to practice different combinations of punches, strikes and kicks. It also develops blocking skills, close quarter fighting techniques and builds up your arms and legs as you absorb the shock of striking the various parts of the dummy.  Calasanz has also designed a 20 Arm Wooden Dummy form that promotes cardiovascular fitness by requiring you to execute these techniques while moving from one post to another.