Orthodox Pak Mei Curriculum
Pak Mei Kung Fu is a dynamic and powerful system that blends internal energy principles with explosive techniques. Rooted in both soft and hard approaches, it develops speed, precision, and adaptability in combat. Below is an overview of the structured progression in Pak Mei training.
Foundations of Pak Mei
The Four Internal Methods
• Tou (Spitting): Release force explosively outward, the yang to Tun’s yin—“use his knife to kill him.”
• Fou (Floating): Uproot and destabilize the opponent, shaking their foundation and breaking their balance.
• Chum (Sinking): Control your opponent by pressing them into stillness, making them susceptible to your next move.
Core Forms (Kuens)
These sequences develop coordination, power, and combat efficiency.
The Four Doors Route: A foundational form mapping out key attack and defense angles.
Three Little Questions & Three Big Questions: Essential drills reinforcing Pak Mei’s internal concepts.
Four Chained Horses: Strengthens stance, movement, and force distribution.
The Excellent Horse (108 Horse Movements): An advanced sequence refining agility and adaptability.
Sircy (Stone Master): Focuses on power generation and iron body training.
The Turtle Hides Under the Lotus Leaf: A defensive form emphasizing evasion and counter-striking.
Fight on the Ground (72 Ground Movements): Grappling and counterattacks in low stances.
Simple Force: A fundamental form for refining direct and efficient strikes.
Animal Forms:
Dragon (9 Dragon Pushes)
Harnessing coiling power for forceful attacks.
Snake (18 Rubbing Techniques)
Fluid, elusive, and unpredictable movement.
Crane (3 Attacks)
Sharp, precise, and controlled strikes.
Tiger (The Mighty Tiger Comes Out of the Mountain)
Aggressive, overpowering offense.
Leopard
Speed and explosiveness in striking combinations.
The Oppressive Attack on the Dragon Gate: Focuses on unrelenting offensive pressure.
The Friction of the Five Elements: Integrates elemental energy principles into combat.
Weapons Training
Weapons enhance precision, coordination, and power application. Pak Mei includes:
Double Sabers – Dual-wielding techniques for speed and control.
Staff (Three Forms) – Covers long-range offense, defense, and sweeps.
Double Knives – Agile, close-quarters techniques.
Sword – Precision-based thrusting and slashing movements.
Tonfas – Hard impact techniques for deflection and striking.
Force Development & Conditioning
Six Origins of Force
Rooster & Horse Movements
Focuses on footwork and stance transitions for stability and mobility.
Eight Hand Techniques
Essential striking and defensive methods: Whip, Cut, Hold, Smash, Bounce, Break, Wrap, and Crush.
Iron Body & Internal Training
Iron Bridge
Conditioning exercises to withstand and redirect force effectively.
Lay King / Absorbing Force
Advanced power absorption and redirection techniques.
7 Tamo Chi Kung Movements
Internal breathing and energy cultivation drills:
Yin / Yang Surges – Balancing internal power.
Kiss the Moon – Receiving and guiding energy smoothly.
The Tiger Bends Its Back – Strengthening the spine and core.
The Girl Looks at Herself in the Mirror – Refining focus and precision.
Hands Protect Feet – Defensive coordination drills.
The Fingers Pierce the Sky – Strengthening upward striking techniques.
Reverse Yin/Yang – Controlling energy flow for explosive power.
Combat & Strategic Application
Iron Bridge Applications
“Without a bridge, we create the bridge and cross it.” Pak Mei emphasizes creating openings where none exist.
Signature Technique: "Explosive Hands" (Grenade Hands)
The hallmark of Pak Mei’s devastating power—sudden, compact bursts of force capable of overwhelming an opponent in an instant.
