How to Self-Taught Traditional Chinese Martial Arts

Gong is a traditional Chinese martial art. If you are inspired to learn this martial art but don’t have a dojo in your area, don’t have the money to attend, or your work schedule doesn’t allow it, you can learn it yourself at home. As long as you have the determination and ambition, this will be possible. Learning martial arts is not easy but it is worth the effort.

Table of Contents

Start learning martial arts

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/5/53/Decorate-a-Small-Living-Room-Step-1-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Decorate- a-Small-Living-Room-Step-1-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/5/53/Decorate-a-Small-Living- Room-Step-1-Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Decorate-a-Small-Living-Room-Step-1-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,” bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Clear an empty space in the house. Since you will have to do a lot of jumping, kicking, punching, and basically tearing everything up in front of you (left, right, or back), you have to set aside an area in your home for your friends. martial arts session. You need a minimum area of 9 square meters.

If you don’t have a spare room in your home, tidy up a corner of the room and move items to avoid damage or injury when you accidentally bump into them.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/7/70/Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-2-Version-4.jpg/v4-460px-Learn-Kung- Fu-Yourself-Step-2-Version-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/7/70/Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-2- Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-2-Version-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Prepare the punching bag. This tool may not be needed temporarily, but you will need it later. Initially you only perform maneuvers in the air, but later you have to use resistance, which is the punching bag.

You can hang a punching bag from the ceiling (if the design of the room allows) or buy a self-standing punching bag at most sporting goods stores.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/4/44/Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-3-Version-3.jpg/v4-460px-Learn-Kung- Fu-Yourself-Step-3-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/4/44/Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-3- Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-3-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Find documentation. Simply put, the best way to learn martial arts is to find a teacher, or “master”. However, you can learn martial arts yourself if you are diligent and patient. Buy some DVDs, watch online videos, or look up materials on the school’s website. Many websites offer short videos to give you a feel for the martial arts curriculum, while also teaching you some of the moves.

It’s best to find a variety of sources. There are several different schools of martial arts and you have to make sure that you are learning the school of martial arts that you love the most. Also, some people always claim to be experts when in reality they are not. Getting information from multiple sources will help you know if you’re on the right track.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/f/f6/Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-4-Version-3.jpg/v4-460px-Learn-Kung- Fu-Yourself-Step-4-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/f6/Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-4- Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-4-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Initially, choose a certain area of focus. There’s a lot to learn when it comes to techniques – if you think you’ll learn it all, it’s a daunting task. When you’re just starting out, you should focus on one area. After learning a few strong stances, do you want to focus on learning to dance, kick, or punch?

This will make it easier for you to create a martial arts plan. Let’s say, Monday, Wednesday and Friday you will learn the stances and kicks. Tuesday and Thursday you’ll learn core skills, like balance and flexibility.

Practice basic skills

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/3/37/Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-5-Version-4.jpg/v4-460px-Learn-Kung- Fu-Yourself-Step-5-Version-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/3/37/Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-5- Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-5-Version-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Practice balance and flexibility. To maintain elaborate attacking stances, you must ensure the best balance. Is there a way to master this skill? Do yoga. This may seem unnecessary and make you feel like you are not really practicing martial arts, but it is actually creating the foundation for you to be really good at martial arts later.

In terms of flexibility, each training session should begin with a warm-up and stretching. You can warm up by jogging, jumping, and doing push-ups. You will then stretch the muscles. This not only helps you avoid injury, but also increases flexibility, making the kick higher and the bend more flexible.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/0/0c/Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-6-Version-4.jpg/v4-460px-Learn-Kung- Fu-Yourself-Step-6-Version-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/0/0c/Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-6- Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-6-Version-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Practice mastering a few stances. The core of the practice lies in the stances. You can’t do the movement right if you’re standing in the wrong position. However, these first three stances are not intended for combat – they are for traditional techniques and use with weapons. That said, they are an integral part of Chinese martial arts. Here are some stances you can practice:

Stand tons of horsemen . Bend knees about 30 degrees, extend feet slightly wider than shoulders, and clasp hands at sides, palms facing up. Keeping your back straight is like riding a horse.
Stand long tons in front . Bend your knee and bring your left leg back, as if you were standing with your legs slack. Then raise your right fist in front of you and hold your left fist in front of your chest. Switch legs by bringing your left foot forward. While switching legs, you also change the position of two fists.
Stand up ton cat paws . Pull your right leg back slightly and lean on it. Lift your left leg up and just touch your toes to the ground. Grip your hands like you’re protecting your face while playing boxing. If someone approaches you, the front leg can kick up in self-defense.
Combat stance . If you want to learn fighting martial arts, you need to learn the fighting stance. It’s basically the same thing as standing in boxing – put one foot a little in front of the other, grab your hands to protect your face, relax your knees.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/b/bd/Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-7-Version-4.jpg/v4-460px-Learn-Kung- Fu-Yourself-Step-7-Version-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/bd/Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-7- Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-7-Version-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Practice punching. When it comes to punching, you should remember that most of the punch’s power comes from the hips. Like boxing, elaborately uses movements such as straight punches, hook punches and horizontal hook punches. We will discuss these three moves.

Straight punch . In a fighting stance, place your left foot in front of your right, bend your knees, turn your hips toward your opponent, and release your left fist, then punch with your right hand. When throwing your right fist, you must also rotate your right hip.
Horizontal hook punch . Contrary to common sense, you should start off lightly with a side hook. In a fighting stance, place your right foot behind, grasp your right hand, rotate your right hip, and throw your punch to the left to form a hook. Remember that the force of the punch comes from the hips.
Punch hook up . In a combat stance, lower your fists and strike upwards, as if you were aiming for the chin of your opponent standing in front. With each hook-up, you should always rotate your hips slightly because this is where the power of the punch is generated.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/e/e0/Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-8-Version-4.jpg/v4-460px-Learn-Kung- Fu-Yourself-Step-8-Version-4.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/e/e0/Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-8- Version-4.jpg/v4-728px-Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-8-Version-4.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Defense practice. The way you defend depends on the position you are defending. But you always start with a fighting stance when someone rushes towards you. In this position, you can protect your face and neutralize the opponent’s attack.

The way to deal with straight punches and hook punches is very similar to boxing. Regardless of which side the opponent attacks from, bend the arm on that side to block their attack. You can use your other arm to attack them.
For kicks and elbows, you use both arms. Bend your arms in front of you, turning your hips in the direction of the attack. This position protects your face from being hit by your hands when taking the force of the blow, and also causes more pain to the opponent.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/4/4f/Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-9-Version-3.jpg/v4-460px-Learn-Kung- Fu-Yourself-Step-9-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/4/4f/Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-9- Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-9-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Give power to the kick. Kicking is one of the most attractive aspects of chi practice and one of the easiest skills to progress. Here are three basic rock styles to get you started.

Step kick . Standing in front of the punching bag. Step your left foot forward one step, then kick the right side of the bag with the inside of your foot. Then switch to the other side.
Stone stomp . Standing in front of the punching bag. Take your left foot up a step and bring your right foot out in front of you, knees bent. Then, “stomped hard” on the bag, knocking the punching bag away.
Horizontal rock . Stand in a fighting position, placing your left foot in front of your right. Shift your weight to your left foot, pop your right foot high in the air, and kick the bag with the side of your foot at shoulder height. Try to pull your leg back but still stand on your back leg to practice balance.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/c/cb/Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-10-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Learn-Kung- Fu-Yourself-Step-10-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/c/cb/Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-10- Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-10-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Practice hitting in the air and hitting with a holster. As a beginner, you should do the movements in the air. Once you’ve made the movement more stable, you will move on to training with the punching bag. When you start to get tired, you can rest for a while or change the movement.

When you feel really confident, you find someone to practice with. This means two people will practice punching and kicking each other while wearing protective gear, or if you have a support plate for one person to wear and the other to practice kicking.

Learn traditional movements

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/b/bc/Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-11-Version-3.jpg/v4-460px-Learn-Kung- Fu-Yourself-Step-11-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/b/bc/Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-11- Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-11-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Dragon moves. This move is only meant to intimidate the opponent – you will always be staring at your opponent. Here’s how to do it:

Get into a cavalry stance but extend your legs wider and bend your knees a little deeper.
Extend your wrists straight out but hands form a claw. You will use this hand to poke your opponent.
Get out of a squat and kick your opponent in the stomach.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/6/69/Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-12-Version-3.jpg/v4-460px-Learn-Kung- Fu-Yourself-Step-12-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/6/69/Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-12- Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-12-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Snake moves. With this move, you roll backwards and raise your head when attacking, looking like a snake. Here’s how to do it:

Extend your legs, right foot behind left leg, place body weight on back leg. Bend the knee slightly.
Flatten your hand as if you want to cut through your opponent. Hold your right hand out in front of you.
Block your opponent by grabbing their arm and delivering a stomping kick.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/8/8c/Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-13-Version-3.jpg/v4-460px-Learn-Kung- Fu-Yourself-Step-13-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/8/8c/Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-13- Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-13-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Leopard attack. This move is less direct – you have a chance to escape if needed.

Get into a fighting position with your legs wide open, leaning on your back leg.
As you prepare to strike, shift your body weight forward, flex your fingers, and hit your opponent with your palms and fingertips instead of fists. However, you must do this move carefully to avoid injury.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/f/ff/Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-14-Version-3.jpg/v4-460px-Learn-Kung- Fu-Yourself-Step-14-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/f/ff/Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-14- Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-14-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Crane movement. This move is very passive. With the crane move, you will wait for the opponent to come towards you. Here’s how to do it:

Get into a cat-legged stance but with your feet close together. This pose helps to “hide” your feet.
Raise your arms up to distract your opponent.
When he approaches, you raise your front foot (this time the front foot is only in contact with the ground at the toes) and perform your favorite kick.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/2/27/Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-15-Version-3.jpg/v4-460px-Learn-Kung- Fu-Yourself-Step-15-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/2/27/Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-15- Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-15-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Pounce like a tiger. This move is fast, powerful, and effective. Here’s how:

Get into a fighting position with your legs wider apart, almost in a squatting position.
Bring your hands in front of your shoulders and create a claw shape, palms facing out.
Combine two hands to attack continuously, then launch a horizontal kick at the opponent’s throat level.

The philosophy of elaboration

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/4/4b/Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-16-Version-2.jpg/v4-460px-Learn-Kung- Fu-Yourself-Step-16-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/4/4b/Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-16- Version-2.jpg/v4-728px-Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-16-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Learn the two main schools of chi. On days when you don’t practice martial arts, you should read classic documents about martial arts and fighting, such as Ton Vu, Bruce Lee, Lam The Vinh. They will teach you about two schools of elaboration: ^{[1] X Research Sources}

Shaolin . This is the oldest school of elaboration. This type of martial arts is famous for its “extroverted” movements and practices, which help keep muscles, ligaments and tendons supple. That’s what most people think about elaboration.
Vo Dang . This school is newer and interprets the original concept of elaboration. The Wudang style is more about “introspective” movements and practices, which strengthen and coordinate chi or life force. This martial art focuses on concentration, meditation, and inner work.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/4/4a/Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-17-Version-3.jpg/v4-460px-Learn-Kung- Fu-Yourself-Step-17-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/4/4a/Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-17- Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-17-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Associate movements with animals. You can better understand the movements if you associate them with animals, because after all, this is the origin of this martial art. This will help you have the right mindset and harness your hidden potential.

One story goes that there was a man from New Zealand who dug a hole 1 meter deep and practiced jumping in and out. The hole was dug deeper over time and he eventually became a human-like kangaroo. You don’t just think about animals when fighting, but also in training.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/4/4c/Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-18-Version-3.jpg/v4-460px-Learn-Kung- Fu-Yourself-Step-18-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/4/4c/Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-18- Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-18-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Meditation. Japanese samurai warriors used meditation to improve their fighting skills. They believe (which it is) meditation helps them to think clearly and realize how to attack. Meditation brings clarity to your mind and slows things down in your eyes. This is still true to this day. Meditating for 15 minutes a day can help you find inner balance and strength.

Imagine a traffic accident is happening, then everything seems to be going slower. This is a meditative state, a state of stillness that can be useful in combat, because things move more slowly so you have faster reflexes.

{“smallUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images_en/thumb/9/9d/Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-19-Version-3.jpg/v4-460px-Learn-Kung- Fu-Yourself-Step-19-Version-3.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb/9/9d/Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-19- Version-3.jpg/v4-728px-Learn-Kung-Fu-Yourself-Step-19-Version-3.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight” :546,”licensing”:”<div class=”mw-parser-output”></div>”}

Practice, practice and practice! The only way to read a fighter’s mind is to practice continuously. Maybe you feel silly when you practice alone, and it seems that this way of training can’t help you improve. But if you practice every day, meditate and read martial arts materials, this habit will gradually become an integral part of your life.

Practice in the air, practice with a punching bag and with friends. Find new challenges as your level gets higher and higher.
Always correct yourself as soon as you find out. Review the material to make sure you are following the correct technique, otherwise what you are learning is not really elaborate.

Advice

When fighting, you should try to use your legs and arms evenly. Maximize the potential of your legs and arms.
Practice each movement over and over again so that the mind and body work in sync, making the movements fast and accurate.
Try to find step-by-step instructions for the different movements.
Buy the best quality exercise equipment.
Remember a golden rule. Don’t practice until you get it right, and practice until you can’t do it wrong anymore.
Don’t rely on rigid postures and repetitive movements. Let’s combine them and be more creative.

Warning

Do not fight with others after learning the technique. You should only use it to defend yourself.
Not ostentatious. If the main goal of learning the technique is to show off to others, then you better not study.
Be careful when starting to practice any movement. Always be aware of the risks and hazards before starting.

Steps