Kuen-Do

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Kuen-Do (拳道) literally means the way of the fist. However, in the intended Chinese term, the character "fist" is also synonymous with "style of martial art" and "martial art" itself. The hyphenated term specifically refers to the system founded by Randy Tay, a Singaporean and one of the foremost authorities on the Cho Ga lineage of Wing Chun, a version more popular in South East Asia.

Kuen-Do requires understanding through experience and guidance in a dynamic process, as oppose to the usual transmission of knowledge found in most other systems. Of course, effectiveness in combat is essential, however Sifu Randy Tay also believes that martial arts is a lifelong discipline that ascends beyond physical combat. For this reason, Kuen-Do stresses the development of physical efficiency, mindfulness, and insight through challenging training sessions.

Often mistaken as a hybrid martial art, Kuen-Do is based on some concepts of wing chun, while other influences include Kyokushin Karate, Goju-Ryu Karate, muay Thai (or Thai-style boxing), hapkido, aikido, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, and Daito-ryu aiki-jujutsu, as well as the Theravada school of Buddhism, which stresses critical thinking and personal cultivation.

Today, Kuen-Do is practised in Singapore (where it was founded), Australia, Japan, Canada, and recently in the USA (2003).