Jiben Gong

When one begins the study of Kung-Fu, regardless of the style, one encounters what is called the Jiben Gong (基本功) or fundamental abilities of the style.  I say abilities because it is not simply techniques.  It is also the conditioning of the body or Gong(功) (so that it is able to properly present the techniques of the style. 

Most of the time Jiben Gong begins with strengthening the legs.  The legs are developed through training them in stances, Ma Gong (馬功), the coordination and speed of stepping, Buxing  Gong, (步型功) in jumping, Tiaoyue Gong (跳躍功) and balancing, Pingheng Gong (平衡功).  Along with this, the entire body overall is conditioned through striking the arms, legs, torso in a systematic fashion, Kao Da (靠打), or through learning falling techniques, tumbling and rolls, Die, Pu, Fangong  (跌 ,扑, 翻滚).   Finally, in the midst of this, the student learns to form the hand techniques of the system or Shou Xing (手形), and kicking techniques, Tui Fa, (腿法). But these last two are the minority in terms of Jiben Gong, even though it is by far the point of emphasis for new students.

One should know that, whenever a senior Kung-Fu practitioner evaluates a student, they are looking at the quality of that person’s Jiben Gong.  Regardless of that person’s speed, aggressiveness or command of certain techniques, if the Jiben Gong is not well-developed, they are considered lower-level students.

The Chinese value the Jiben Gong so much that they say, “If you develop skills, but not the Jiben Gong, when you get older you will find it was all for nothing”.  One’s Gong , the quality of the development of the tendons, ligaments, bones and joints, remains as one ages, making one effective even in one’s old age.  Without it, you age like everybody else and become weaker as time passes.  This preservation of ability through the Jiben Gong is where the legends of the old but still powerful masters came.

I remember years ago, I had the opportunity to attend a seminar hosted by the legendary master, Chung Hou-Yin. Chung Hou-Yin was the only person ever to be a master under both Wong Hon-Fun, the Mantis King of Hong Kong, and under Eagle Claw Master, Lau Fat-Man.  His fighting skill was without equal in the Hong Kong of his day.  He came to the U.S. late in life but continued to teach for many years.

On this occasion, Master Chung was teaching Dai Fan Che, the Large Turning Wheel form from the Praying Mantis system.  The set is considered one of the most Gang or Hard in the style. The majority of its techniques overwhelmingly aim to crash through an opponent’s defenses. It is, when properly done, a very physically demanding set.

The room was filled with practitioners of all levels.  I took my place and followed along, eager to see Master Chung’s perspective on the set.  The training took place without break; drilling technique after technique, holding the low stances of the set nearly the whole time.  After an hour or so, one could see students coming out of their stances from exhaustion; standing and watching to learn what was being taught but unable to physically continue.

After about two hours, Master Chung called everybody together to observe.  He called his son, Sifu Henry Chung, to the middle of the gathering.  Then, surprising to me, he called me to join them.  He was lecturing about the importance of conditioning.  He then directed Sifu Henry and me to begin Kao Da on the arms.  Sifu Henry Chung had begun conditioning with this exercise as a child under the tutelage of his father. His arms were hard as they hit against mine and we flowed from impact to impact.  However, although I did not have a great teacher like Master Chung to instruct me, I also had begun training in this exercise in my youth.  We exchanged techniques vigorously until his father called for us to stop. 

After that, we resumed learning the set.  As we went, more and more people ceased holding the stances.  I did not look around but, eventually, Master Chung was standing right beside me while he taught the group and then took moments to instruct me in details of the techniques.   I was honored beyond words.  Finally, the seminar concluded. I went to Master Chung and Sifu Henry Chung expressing my gratitude.  Master Chung turned to some of the more advanced practitioners in the room and said to them, “You should work out with this guy”.  I was surprised as these were very knowledgeable individuals whom I considered equals.

Weeks later, I got the audacious idea that I might go visit Master Chung and Sifu Henry Chung to train.  I called, and Sifu Henry Chung answered the phone.  I said that I would like to come visit but at that moment I simply wondered if Master Chung remembered me.  Sifu Chung said, “One moment”.  He then came back on the line laughing and saying, “Yes, he remembers you.  He refers to you as “Strong-Stance, Hard-Arm Guy”.”  I was delighted when he said I could come visit.  It was the beginning of a relationship that led to the place I am now in Tanglang Quan, the Praying Mantis System.

Years later, I was invited to participate with an exclusive group of Chinese practitioners. I was the only non-Chinese present.  There, among these masters, I learned a great deal.  As we talked, I asked what had set me apart. I have won Gold Medals in international competition, including against the Chinese. I have written many articles in international magazines on Kung-Fu. I thought that level of achievement might have had a role.  To my surprise they said simply, “You have good Jiben Gong”.