Relaxing In The Shadow of the Water Willow Tree Lai Tong Pai students train diligently on the basics prevalent in all kung fu styles. They learn the Kuen Jong I (Basic Form) form and practice it for a couple of
years. It is a form that requires that kind of slow training to learn. After a couple of years, the student is told that he is ready to learn about the form in depth. Things now may begin to make more sense
to the student. The moves in Kuen Jong I are very intricate. Being that this form is filled with inside fighting techniques as seen in the Luk Sao, it is essential that one be precise. To be
precise, one must practice diligently on each move of the form. One must not rush this form. It takes at least 2 full years of training to be ready to understand the form. These two years are used to train
the body to perform the movements without thinking…only doing. 
Once a student has proven that he has somewhat digested the Kuen Jong I, he is permitted to learn the Lao Ying (shadow of the water willow tree) form. This form, unlike Kuen Jong's linear footwork, uses more
circular stance movements. Hand techniques are said to mimic the dragon; fighting with the willow tree at the waters edge during a cool spring breeze. Techniques learned in Kuen Jong I are present in the Lao
Ying. These moves, however, are combined in a more advanced way giving the student a different perspective of their uses.
Even with the faster and more versatile leopard footwork, relaxing is still the key to performing this form correctly. Many things are hidden within this form, as is the case in most kung fu forms. It is
up to the student to learn and then "digest"
the form in order to understand the full meaning and potential of Lao Ying.Now go and rest, young dragons, underneath the shadow of the water willow tree….if you can. |
