the characterisitcs of Bak Mei
So all this talk on this forum regarding WHite Eyebrow has been interesting but not very informative about the art itself. COuld someone explain or describe to someone who does not know much about this art some more details about Bak Mei? What are its fighting strategies/tactics? How is the training typically conducted? What are its internal works like? What are its key principles? And so on. I'm not really interested in the lineages, but just in the nuts and bolts of the art itself. Thanks.
Pak Mei (Bak Mei, Bai Mei)
Falcor,
Pak Mei has some similarities in stances and body shape to Chow Gar Tong Long (Chow Family [Southern] Preying Mantis).
However, Pak Mei is considered a soft and hard system, this means that the hands are soft until the moment upon impact.
The training, varies from school to school, though the way that I have been taught (as well as the way, that I teach) is quite traditional, with lots of emphasis made on Ha Ma (Stance and footwork) and Tun Tao Fao Chum (Breathing) and consitional the arms, body and legs, and not tomention basics, etc.
Without the fore mentioned, being trained properly, the Pak Mei stylist would not be able to use the Gang Jik Ging (Scared Power).
The style or forms are performed fast and powerfully, as if the Pak Mei stylist is actually in a fight. This helps to train the students mind, co-ordination, reflex, foundation, etc.
On the surface the style looks very basic, and quite external to the untrained eye. However anyone that practises the Hakka arts for example Loong Ying, Chow Gar Tong Long and Pak Mei, will be able to appreciate the soft - hard qualities that is used extensively thorughout the style, techniques, priinciples, etc
Hope that answers some of your questions about the Pak Mei style.