Mo Woye Fat Kung Fu

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Mo Woye Fat Kung Fu

Mo Woye Fat Kung Fu is a mixed Martial Arts style brought back China to be taught exclusively at Martial Arts Fitness Centres International by Sifu - Sensei Christopher Gerlitz and his staff of martial Arts professionals.^[1]

Mo Woye Fat Kung Fu utilizes many of the powerful methods of traditional Martial Arts while incorporating many western fighting style techniques. Many principles behind Mo Woye Fat are quite similar to Jeet Kune Do, the Martial Art fighting style developed by Bruce Lee.

1 History
2 Technique
3 Related Articles
4 References

[edit] History

Christopher Gerlitz, born in Calgary, Alberta spent many years overseas in China, Korea, and Japan to learn various forms of Martial arts training. After being certified in China to teach Mo Woye Fat in North America, he returned to Calgary to begin his teachings. In 1994 the first Mo Woye Fat studio or Dojo. Among the very first students were James Black, Sonja Gosteli, James Gosteli, and a small handful of others. Due to overwhelming response, the club relocated 3 times before coming to its current location on 12th Avenue and 12th Street SW in Calgary, Alberta. The facility features a main level boxing ring, fitness studio and weight training area along with an upper level Martial Arts studio.^[2]

[edit] Technique

Hands Hand movements are generally utilized for close range confined situations. Many blocks, counters, and offensive moves derive from Wing Chung Kung Fu. These techniques often use an opponent's energy or force against them, enabling more speed and energy to be directed into a counter or attack. General hand movements and punches are executed while keeping the muscles relaxed to ensure the fastest speed possible. The muscle strength is only utilized during the last instance, just before contacting or striking an opponent.

Feet and Kicks Foot placement is non-stationary and comparable to many western sport stances such as tennis or boxing. Feet are usually positioned with the lead foot pointed directly toward the opponent and the rear foot at a 45 degree angle. This placement allows for free movement and agility allowing the fighter to quickly change momentum and direction.

Kicks are typically used for long range attacks or "stop hitting". While the majority are long range, there are instances of a Crescent kick being used to strike an opponent to the head at close range. "Stop hitting" techniques are typically used to disable an attacking opponent with an attack of your own.

Take-Downs Many of the Take-down or throwing techniques are incorporated from Shorinji Kempo which is based upon Shaolin Kung Fu. These self defense moves are quite successful in removing a fighter from a hold and bringing their opponent to the ground.

Health and Physical Wellness Mo Woye Fat also stresses the importance of maintaining a healthy body. This is through eating a proper diet of healthy foods and staying in excellent physical shape. During warm-up sessions, students use hand weights to strengthen the upper body and shoulders. Various sit ups are performed to keep the abdominal cavity strong while squats and lunges are utilized for leg muscles .