“From the crane, we learn grace and self-control.”
Black Crane is an open, flowing style of Kung Fu. It’s a style of Kung Fu that seeks to frustrate its opponent by evading and
redirecting its attacks, which will ultimately leads to his defeat. Techniques that are used in this art do not usually cause permanent
damage to the body of the opponent, unless the opponent gives the Black Crane stylist no choice.
Roots of Black Crane traces back to the time of Dr. Hua To during the Han Dynasty. Dr. Hua To developed a series of exercises for
better health improvement by imitating animal motions. One of the animal motions he developed is the crane. Others believe that the
style was created when an old man witnessed a crane defeating a much larger ape. He meditated daily to the conflict he witnessed
and one day defeated a number of bandits using the movements of the crane, thus creating the new system.
One of the main techniques used in Black Crane is Chin Na. It uses wrist locking and redirecting. But its most popular technique is
the use of Crane’s Beak. This hand technique is usually used for distraction or blocking an opponent. It can also be used for striking
vital points of the body.
Black Crane requires great flexibility for its attacking and evading techniques. Most of its stances use only one leg. Practitioners of this
style are known for their excellent balance and swift movements.
|
