Monkey Style Kung Fu
AKA: Tai Sing Pek Kwar
Monkey Style Kung Fu, sometimes referred to as Tai Sing Pek Kwar, is based on the movement of apes and monkeys. Each position imitates the clown-like flips, acrobatics, and loose body of the creatures. To best understand the whys and wherefores of the Monkey form just pay a visit to the Monkey House of the nearest zoo and spent some time watching. They have the ability to be completely relaxed yet constantly alert, they always roll smoothly away from attacks, yet they can turn and leap attack instantly. They have the patience to watch and wait for an indefinite period, waiting to catch someone else off guard. Some of the monkey-imitation strikes include double-knuckle punches, slaps, arcing fingers and devious overhead raps. A Monkey Style master will bare his teeth, make "ook" noises and roll on the ground before entering combat. Responding to attacks he'll roll and whimper and pantomime imaginary wounds, eventually appearing completely helpless. Eventually, when the enemy has been lulled into carelessness, or enraged, the master will leap or roll into a full-scale attack. Instruction is available in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and along the West Coast of the U.S. Many students work as street performers and acrobats while they take their training. Of the special Monkey Katas, usually only one set is taught to a student, the one which the instructor feels best suits the student's personality, body type and abilities. Costume: No special outfit, some schools prefer Kung Fu outfits, others like loose karate outfits, and still others use cut-offs and tshirts. Stance: The monkey stance is a low, bowlegged and offcenter one, with the body slumped over and ready to roll forward or back at any time. Arms are held monkey-style with elbows out and hands inward and loosely hanging down.
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