Glossary of terms

Bi Jong - To take an attacking stance

Bu Shih - No

Chan Shih - Warrior

Chi (Qi) - (also known as KI in many Japanese based styles) Chi is in effect an electro-magnetic energy force that is contained within all living things. Chi's primary store is housed in the Dan Tien (lower abdomen - about 3 fingers below the navel). Chi is mainly controlled through the breath - drawing in the energy on the inward breath and redirecting /expelling the energy on the outward breath. Chi has practical applications to both Martial arts principles as well as healing. From a martial arts perspective, only the lightest touch is required to transfer energy to strike an opponent and still apply a devastating blow.

Chi Kung (Chi Gung)- Breathing and meditation exercises to promote growth and stimulation of Chi. Chi kung practice provides longevity, better circulation and more energy.

Chin - Please

Chin Na (Qin Na) - Seize and control techniques. Chin Na techniques make use of how the body works and uses these principles against an opponent to restrain them. Some common examples are wrist locks, arm bars, and the use of pressure points.

Chuan (Quan) - Both Chuan and Quan mean fist or boxing.

Dan Tian - The storage point for Chi. (also known as ones root) Located 3 fingers below the navel it is the centre of gravity of someone's stance and all actions are required to move through this point (both physical and Chi movements)

Dao (Tao)- The "Way" by implication of the natural way.

External style (Wei Jia) - A style which relies on physical strength for most of its techniques. Power is generated from muscle strength rather than internal energy (CHI)

Fen Kwan - A small wooden dowel that fits in the palm of your hand. It is a smaller sibling of the baton.

Gau Jai - Sash level (one before black and one more than Toe Jai).

Gi - The Japanese word for uniform. Although Black Crane Kung Fu is a Chinese style, Due to the durability and cost of the Japanese Gi this has been the designated uniform of our style. We also have a traditional Chinese uniform for ceremonial purposes.

Go Ti - One of the first martial arts styles developed by Chi Yu was a wrestling art called "Horn Gore". It involved two contestants wearing ox horns on their heads that would gore each other to death. Later became adapted without the use of horns and is now known as Sumo

Gung Shee - Congratulations

Hsing I(Xingyi) - Mind form

Internal style (Nei Jia)- A style in which does not use external (physical force) but rather relies more on technique and internal energy (Chi) for its power.

Jing (Jin) - Chinese Martial power. A combination of Li and Chi.

Jing - Essence.

Kung Fu - Literally translates to skilled man. It is a common term for Chinese Martial Arts by westerners however strictly speaking someone can have good Kung Fu in any skill.

Kwoon - Location of training / training school

Li - The power generated by muscular strength

Nei Dan - Internal Elixir.

Noy Sing - The schools motto. Comprised of patience (Jen), perseverence(Nai), Kindness(Shan), Understanding (Tung) and Humility (Chien)

Pa Gua Chuan (Ba Gua Chang) - Eight Trigram Boxing

Shay Ni - Thank You

Shih - Yes

SiBak - A fifth level black sash.

SiDai - A second level black sash.

SiHing - A third level black sash.

SiFu - A sixth level black sash.

SiSheng - A first level black sash.

SiSuk - A fourth level black sash.

Tai Chi Chuan - Grand Ultimate Boxing

Ta Jen Kwoon - Principle School.

Ting Ju - Stop Immediately

Toe Jai - Brown belt level.

T'Sow - Good Day

Wahn Ahn - Good Evening

Wai Dan - External Elixir.

Wu Hsing- Five Elements. The 5 elements of Chinese Alchemy are Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood.

Wushu - Martial Techniques.

Yang - The active, male cosmic principle in Chinese dualistic philosophy

Yi (I) - Mind.

Yin - The passive, female cosmic principle in Chinese dualistic philosophy