STYLE PRINCIPLES & PHILOSOPHY
China has almost 3000 years of martial arts history. In that time, hundreds of different styles have developed for all different purposes. Up until the founding of the Republic of China in 1912, the vast majority of these arts shared a common purpose: To be used in warfare and for personal protection. Since that time, due to modernization and changing cultural priorities, many systems have lost their practicality in favor of stylized presentation.
With his Yinglong Kung Fu system, Sijo David sought to return to the roots of classical Kung Fu training. Drawing from his study of multiple dragon systems and extensive research into traditional arts, he found that while each system had strengths, none fully embodied the practical combat effectiveness of classical kung fu. Using practicality, efficiency, and effectiveness as his guiding criteria, he distilled the best elements from this comprehensive knowledge base to create a refined curriculum. Our physical training is guided by three specific principles that emerged from this foundation. First, we stress flowing and continuous motion. Second, we focus on creating maximum force through the use of motion and the body's core muscles. Third, we emphasize mixing motions that appear contrasting - specifically, hard and soft movements, and linear and circular techniques. These principles inform all of our training drills and applications.
Beyond physical training, we take a holistic approach to self-defense. We emphasize the non-physical aspects of personal safety through training in situational awareness, non-verbal communication, verbal de-escalation tactics, pre-assault indicators, and the legalities of using force in self-defense situations.
Our motto is "a good martial art should be life enhancing as well as life saving," and we live by this principle. In keeping with this value, we focus on a wide range of training areas that promote health and wellness, including stretching and strength building, anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, breath control, mind-body awareness, mindfulness, resilience, and improved focus and concentration. We believe that being strong in body, mind, and spirit benefits you most, and we're committed to helping you achieve that balanced state.
