Tag: wellness

Randall Fung: A Lifetime of Fitness and the Legacy of Northern Shaolin

Every year, as the calendar turns to his birthday, Randall Fung shares a deeply personal video chronicling his extraordinary, decades-long commitment to fitness and vitality as he embraces older age. These annual video updates have become an inspiration to many, serving as a testament to the power of consistent dedication and the wisdom of ancient martial arts disciplines.

This year’s feature is an expansive, two-part presentation offering an intimate look at the practices that have maintained his remarkable physical condition.

The first part meticulously details his current training routine. This segment goes beyond a simple list of exercises, delving into the philosophy behind his regimen—the balance of strength, endurance, and recuperative practices tailored to his age. Viewers are guided through a typical week of training, showcasing his modern, functional fitness exercises, which include dynamic stretching, calibrated weight training for muscle maintenance, and cardiovascular work designed to ensure optimal heart health and stamina. The emphasis is placed not just on the intensity, but on the intelligence and longevity built into every session.

The second, and arguably most crucial, portion of the video documents the profound, sustaining role that Master Kuo Lien Ying’s Northern Shaolin kung fu has played in his life. Fung credits this specific, demanding lineage of martial arts for his enduring agility, flexibility, and robust health. He explains that Northern Shaolin, renowned for its wide stances, high kicks, and complex, continuous movements, demands a stringent level of physical output and full-body coordination. It is this inherent stringency, the relentless pursuit of precision and power in every form, that has acted as a perpetual, high-bar benchmark for his physical capabilities. Fung illustrates how the core requirements of Northern Shaolin—the deep knee bends, the explosive jumping techniques, and the complex sequencing of blocks and strikes—have consistently challenged and preserved his joint health, balance, and overall physical competence throughout his life, far surpassing what conventional exercise alone might achieve. This segment serves as both a demonstration of his continued mastery and a powerful tribute to the enduring principles of traditional Chinese martial arts.

GUYS… BE RANDALL FUNG.

“There are not more than five musical notes, yet the combinations of these five give rise to more melodies than can ever be heard. There are not more than five primary colours, yet in combination, they produce more hues than can ever been seen. There are not more than five cardinal tastes, yet combinations of
them yield more flavours than can ever be tasted.”
― Sun Tzu, The Art of War“

The meia lua de frente is a fundamental movement in capoeira, recognized for its graceful yet powerful execution. This circular kick begins from a grounded position, travels fluidly along the side of the body, and ultimately returns to the ground, showcasing both balance and agility. It is widely regarded as one of the first kicks aspiring capoeiristas are taught, as it not only serves as a foundational movement but also enhances coordination and body awareness essential for performing more complex techniques.

Similarly, the front crescent kick (okupayeka) is considered one of the essential kicks in engolo, an Angolan martial art that is often viewed as the precursor to capoeira. Engolo boasts a rich tradition with a variety of movements, including numerous variations of the crescent kick, each serving specific purposes in both offensive and defensive scenarios. These variations are not only practical but also reflect the cultural heritage imbued in these martial practices, connecting practitioners to their roots while allowing for personal expression and creativity within the art form. The significance of the meia lua de frente and its relatives in engolo illustrates the intertwined evolution of African martial arts and their impact on contemporary practices.

In engolo, the kicking leg can be extended fully or partially bent (which is considered incorrect in capoeira). According to Desch-Obi, some engolo kicks were likely developed by Bantu shamans in Angola, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of these practices. Among the Pende shamans, the most important movement was the front crescent kick, the same as in engolo, reflecting a deep connection between martial arts and spiritual beliefs. During the ritual, masked shaman kicked over sacred medicine to activate it and over the kneeling people to heal them, showcasing the intertwining of physical movement and healing powers within their customs. This practice illustrates the significance of intentionality and the power of ritual in their culture.

When doing the crescent kick in capoeira, the kicking leg is straight and the hips are pushed forward, allowing for greater force and accuracy. This kick, fundamental to the style, uses the hips to generate force and propel the leg forward, emphasizing the importance of hip movement in achieving effective strikes. The technique is similar to extending the leg over a chair, requiring balance, precision, and a deep understanding of body mechanics, and embodies the essence of capoeira as a fluid dance-like martial art that demands both athleticism and creativity.
The execution of the crescent kick is not merely about strength; it also requires a rhythmic coordination of the body, where the arms may swing to aid in balance and momentum. Depending on the opponent’s position, this kick can be delivered to various regions of the body, often from knee height to face height, making it a versatile tool in a practitioner’s arsenal. The kick should be finished when it reaches a point directly in front of the kicker, ensuring that the trajectory remains controlled and targeted. While it can be used as an attack itself, it is also often utilized as a setup for another strike, allowing the practitioner to remain unpredictable while keeping the flow of combat dynamic. Meia lua is a good kick to feel out the opponent’s style, as its application can serve as a test of readiness and positioning. Because it is usually low and frontal, it doesn’t open the player to sweeps or counterattacks, maintaining the practitioner’s defensive integrity while providing opportunities for further offensive maneuvers. This blend of strategy and artistry is what makes the crescent kick a cherished technique in capoeira, highlighting the deep connection between movement and intention in this captivating martial art.

Other uses for meia lua can be as a combination with cartwheels and other acrobatic moves, working as an escape. Defense fron this kick can be applied in various ways, usually by moving away and quickly lowering the body. From that position it is possible to deliver a rabo de arraia to the partner by swiftly rotating the body, or even use chapa de costas.The defender could also move away and, quickly descending, tried to take down the attacker with a sweep (rasteira).