Minnesota Pak Mei

Why you should learn Pak Mei Kung Fu

Pak Mei Kung Fu is a type of internal kung fu style originating from Szechuan Province in Southern China. The style does not have many forms and focuses on projecting short range tremor-like power to attack the opponent. Hand techniques, especially the phoenix eye fist (the fist held with the second knuckle of the index finger protruding) are favored over kicking and other techniques.

Pak Mei has a high stance with small crisp motions. There is a clear distinction between the tensing and relaxing of muscles. Tensing only occurs at the moment of impact. The idea is to relax immediately upon tensing. By not carrying the tension, the Pak Mei practitioner is able to generate crisp and sharp hits.

There is a strong emphasis on remaining soft and relaxed until the instant of impact, whereby the entire body tenses with "scared power” to attack the weak points of the opponent (e.g. pressure points) with great force.

Offense is considered the best defense in Pak Mei. The idea is to defend the center line rigorously, while creating openings and attacking such relentlessly through the combination of highly aggressive hand techniques and offensive footwork that never stops until the opponent is down.

Pak Mei put a lot of emphasis on the training of breathing and the concepts of power generation Tun To Fao Chum (literally, Spit, Swallow, Float and Sink). Tun To Fao Chum is the key lesson to be learn in Jik Bo Kuen and relates to how the hand moves in coordination with breathing.

At the time Pak Mei had already passed away. At the time, his successor Jik Fat Wan had a pupil named Lin Sang. Through circumstances, Cheung challenged Lin Sang to a duel but was soundly defeated. So humbled by Lian’s skills, Cheung pleaded for Lian to introduce him to Jik Fat Wan as a pupil, which Lian finally agreed after some effort.

Cheung studied Pak Mei under Monk Jik, and eventually learn all the essence of Pak Mei. Prior to him, Pak Mei Kung Fu didn’t have a name, so Cheung named the system Pak Mei Kung Fu in homage of its creator the Priest Pak Mei.

Although Cheung was a dedicated proponent of the Pak Mei system, he did not forget his roots. He incorporated the sets taught by his former three masters into the Pak Mei system and these sets remain in the curriculum of many Pak Mei schools to date. Notable examples include Sam Moon Kuen, Sap Jee Kuen and Dei Sak.

The Pak Mei system is popular in Guangzhou, Fu Jian, Hong Kong and Macau. The techniques of the system resemble Southern Shaolin styles, and Pak Mei is therefore commonly categorized as a member of the Southern Kung Fu styles. Jackie Chan is thought to have trained extensively in Pak Mei prior to his rise to fame. 

About the Straight Step Form (Jik Bo Kuen) Known as Jik Bo Kuen in Chinese, the Straight Step Form is a fundamental training set of Pak Mei. It incorporates the four essential concepts of inhaling, exhaling, rising and sinking in its movements.

It also trains the correct body posture, the stances, body movements and the coordinated exertion of the power using the Six Sources. Traditionally the set has to be practiced over one year before pupils were allowed to move on to the next set. The hand techniques, stances and stepping methods of Pak Mei 

Three Points and Three Shapes Theories. The key combat theories of Pak Mei Reverse Breathing - Illustrated guide to the critical breathing method of Pak Mei Guide to the different types of power and the eight methods, including the critical concept of Inhaling, Exhaling, Floating and Sinking i.e. "Tun To Fo Chum” in Chinese Key target areas and the effects of hitting them  The Straight Step Form (Jik Bo Kuen), illustrated with step by step instructions Application