This martial art originated as a fusion of the northern and southern styles of martial arts in China. The techniques employed use that of the five traditional animals that inspire Chinese Kung Fu- that of the tiger, dragon, crane, leopard, and the snake. Choy Li Fut was developed by Chan Heung in 1836 who whose martial arts training was through his uncle who was a famous and revered Shaolin boxer. He came up with the name for this martial arts after 20 years of training and education from the Kung Fu styles of his teachers, Choy Fuk and Li Yau-San. The word “fut” means Buddha in Cantonese to give credence to the Shaolin inspiration of his martial arts system.

            One of the most acknowledged uses of this style is being an effective form of self defense as it contains a wide variety of fighting techniques such as short and long range punching styles, kicks, sweeps, takedowns, locking the joints, lethal pressure, point attacks, and grappling. Choy Li Fut includes among others over 190 forms and styles and are categorized under 3 levels of training. First is the traditional fist and weaponry training, which is either done in solo or multiple person sparring sets. Second is the Shaolin wooden dummy forms used for techniques of the hands and other forms of weaponry. The third includes non-combatant uses such as sandbag techniques, qigong or internal forms of healing and traditional Chinese medicine, and that one used in lion dance sets. The first two levels obviously are external and physical and they are primarily harder and faster movements designed to benefit bone and muscle control as well as strengthen body stamina necessary for physical combats. The third level on the other hand are styles which promote internal organ harmony and are primarily meditative in purposed aimed at correcting breathing control and enhancing a healthier body.

            Choy Li Fut teaches fundamental principles such as power using both soft and hard techniques. Hand and body movements may seem soft but not stiff and are hard and strong enough to block and opponent’s attacks and at the same time employing counterattacks. Proper breathing is necessary and employs the yin and yang principles. Inhalation or yin conserves energy and exhalation or yang releases that conserved energy. This is the reason why during exhalation, shouting accompanies the leg and hand movements to add more power to the kicks and the punches. A strong shout that denotes so much power coming out also gives shock, as the opponent may get startled especially if the shout seems much stronger and fiercer. For body positioning, it is taught in Choy Li Fut that the body must be straight and erect but the limbs and the shoulders loose to achieve maximum reach. Leg techniques must be very quick and not noticeable along with equally fast hand movements. Along with quick leg movements are swift and almost unseen footwork that maintains the agility of the feet. Among the most important principles would be hand techniques since most attacks would be done using the hands. The shift from one hand technique to the other is smooth and any combination can be employed.

            Choy Li Fut although that highly popular as a distinct form of martial arts in mainland China as it is viewed to be just a simple combination of many different Kung Fu styles is generally popular in Hong Kong and other parts within Asia and is also now gaining widespread popularity in the US and Canada. It was featured as one of the fighting styles used by the ninja Ermac in the Mortal Combat video game series.

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This form of martial art is one of the most unique forms since it involves pseudo-fight moves. That is why it is more oftentimes referred to as game than a real fight. The “fight” is usually conducted within a circle of bystanders called roda. Involving dance-similar moves and stunts such as flips, cartwheels, head spins, jumps, and handstands, capoeira also feature different types of martial arts moves such as kicks, sweeps, punches, throws, and rolls.

            A very important part of capoeira is music. The bystanders or the roda that surround the fighters sing songs and play instruments that could either be slow or fast. There are three fundamental songs sung in the play. The first is called ladainha or a litany. This is a narrative solo, is started by the Mestre or the Master and it signals the start of the fight. It could be a previously written and performed song or it could also be an on-the-spot creation by the Mestre. It is the followed by the chula or the louvação, a pattern of call and response that is sounds like a thanksgiving to God, among other things. Responders from the crowd then repeat the words. The corridos are then sung during the game itself and intermittently followed by the call-and-response pattern. The instruments are played by part of the bystanders called the bateria. Several instruments one of which is something similar to a crossbow where a player strikes the string with a stone or a stick create the sounds. Instruments played also include the drums, gongs, and tambourines.

            Because of the evident non-showing of actual physical combat and intention to harm the opponent, capoeira is usually regarded as more of showing off the silks of the players. Owing to its Afro-Brazilian origins, this sport is seen as largely social and cultural. It has been observed to intend more bonding and socialization in communities in the countries in which it is played. This started and developed in Brazil tracing its roots from the slaves brought from Angola to Brazil sometime in the 16^th century. Some historians believe that this was exhibited by the slaves who brought it to Brazil as a recreational and cultural dance, an inconspicuous form of practicing their martial arts skills since masters appear to have prohibited any form of martial arts among slaves. Its dance moves and music are heavily influenced by African culture and traditions of spirituality, mysticism, and magic that is why more than a real combatant sports, it is a ritual, a form of meditation, entertainment, in the form of fight-like moves. Unlike other forms of martial arts, it is not designed for a player to advance into some form of a higher level after some time of experiences and plays.

            Capoeira in modern culture found its way in pop culture such as computer games. Street Fighter, Fatal Fury, World of Warcraft among others are popular computer games that incorporate the moves and philosophy of this form of martial art. In movies such as The Strong, The Rundown, Meet the Fockers, Ocean’s Twelve, Catwoman with Halley Berry reportedly training the moves with a Brazilian instructors, and several others featured moves of this sport. Tunes and beats used in capoeira have also found their way in the pop music industry with the likes of Soulfly and Sepultura. The popular breakdancing involves similar moves.

            Founded on the philosophy and principles of respect, responsibility, safety, cleverness and liberty, this unique form of martial art continues to attract so many admirers around the world incorporating its moves in so many different forms. The common elements of entertainment, music, and skills showmanship though are the elements that can never remove its Afro-Brazilian color whichever form it may take.

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I'm going to start a new series of posts on different styles of Martial Arts.  I might miss some, but over the next few months I'm going to hit 40 different styles to help build this site up as a reference.  Please comment with any additions you may have, or if I get something wrong, by all means, chime in.  Thanks.