What is Lei Tai?
The definition of the Chinese term "Lei Tai" is a fighting plataform, the Chinese term for "free use of technique" in fighting is "San Shou". San Shou or sparring (refered to in here as Lei Tai) is truly the greatest and the ugliest way to demonstrate an understanding of the basic techniques learned in Kung Fu. Traditionally San Shou bouts take place on a Lei Tai (fighting platform). Lacking the outward beauty and gracefulness of forms training, it shows the devastating effects that occur when a trained fighter is capable of implementing the techniques. It allows a student to demonstrate understanding of the techniques, of movement, rooting, breathing, and of control as well as truly demonstrating the character of the fighters involved.
What do San Shou and Kuoshu mean?
The Chinese term San Shou (Free Hands) refers to free application of fighting techniques in combat. This term, however, is also used to refer to a sport fighting format developed in Mainland China (PRC) it is also known as San Da (Free Fighting), some will argue that San Shou is the amateur level of the sport and San Da is the professional level. The term Kuoshu translates literally as National Art and is an abbreviation of the term Chung Kuo Wu Shu (Martial Arts of China). Kuoshu also refers to the sport fighting format developed by Taiwan (ROC). The rules for each format are similar in which they are both full-contact sports. There are small differences in scoring, legal techniques/targets and equipment between the two formats. The ZYKFA concentrates on the Kuoshu format as it was developed in Taiwan and is closely related to our schools history.
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Reasons For Lei Tai:
We spar because it is a good way to measure instinct and timing. It gives us the opportunity to work on maintaining focus, a calm attitude and the proper spirit. Sparring develops an understanding of how this focus, relaxation, and a calm attitude can be used in our everyday lives. Lei Tai allows us to better understand the techniques we practice and to feel the practical applications of the movements of the form. Lei Tai can teach us to better understand a centered attitude and approach situations with true humility. Lei Tai is good for developing endurance, power, and accuracy of movement. Lei Tai allows us to develop camaraderie and school spirit. Done correctly, Lei Tai cultivates honor and respect for the school, your brothers and sisters, and for yourself. Lei Tai is for character development and not for the cultivation of egos. |
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Introduction to Lei Tai:
San Shou/Lei Tai is the freestyle fighting (Kuoshu rules) which we practice in the Guan under controlled conditions. We practice Lei Tai in the Guan, under the supervision of Shifu. Unlike street fighting, Lei Tai has rules to protect the participants from unneccessary and/or life threatening injuries. Lei Tai practice begins with the "Chinese chess" which allows slow moving fighting in order to learn some techniques and a degree of control. Protective gear used includes: helmet, mouth guard, gloves, groin protector, and shoes. Women are also required to use chest proctectors. Lei Tai is for intermediate and advanced students who have spent time studying the basic techniques in class. Lei Tai is not a requirement for general students, however it is required to become an Instructor. |
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International Competition Team:
Each year a team of students represents our school in international Kuoshu/Lei Tai competition. One of the integral parts of this team are the Lei Tai team members.
Here are some of the accomplishments of our team:
Four ZYKFA members (Doug, Matt, Joe and Seth) represented the US in the 1st Pan-American Kuoshu Championship in Brazil 2001 bringing back two silvers and two bronzes.
2nd Place as a team in the 2003 U.S. International Kuoshu Championship Tournament
Team Member Kimba Tieu 2003 National and International Champion
Two ZYKFA members (Seth and Kimba) represented the US in the 1st World Kuoshu Championship in Brazil 2003 bringing a silver and a bronze.
3rd Place as a team in the 2004 U.S. International Kuoshu Championship Tournament
2nd Place as a team in the 2005 U.S. International Kuoshu Championship Tournament
Team Member Robert Clark 2005 National and International Champion
2nd Place as a team in the 2006 U.S. International Kuoshu Championship Tournament
Team Member Kimba Tieu 2006 National and International Champion
Team Member Rachel Spahr 2006 National and International Champion
Team Member Tim Riordan 2006 National Champion
Three ZYKFA members (Kimba, Rachel and Tim) selected as US Team members for the 2nd World Kuoshu Championship held in Singapore 2006.
Team Member Kimba Tieu 2006 World Champion
Team Member Rachel Spahr 2006 Second Place in World Championships
1st Place - CHAMPIONS as a team in the 2007 U.S. International Kuoshu Championship Tournament
Team Member Kimba Tieu 2007 National and International Champion
Team Member Max Osterhaus 2007 National and International Champion
Team Member Andy Grinrod 2007 Second Place
Team Member Marcus McCain 2007 Second Place |
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Lei Tai Ettiquette:
"Show skill, not ego" Arrive early so that you my warm up before class begins.
Lei Tai is a contact event in the Guan. Failure to follow the rules of ettiquette may cause injury and insult. These rules are to be guidelines for your practice and development.
Be aware of your surroundings at all times. By paying attention, you show respect for yourself and the other participants.
No foul language will be tolerated.
You are not ready to participate unless you have all of the required protective equipment. Treat your equipement with respect.
The proper way to begin a match, is to stand at attention facing your opponent and await instruction patiently. The instructions will include pace, level of contact, and any other factors considered important by Shifu.
When the instructions have been given, you must bow to your opponent. Do not turn your back, even if the offical has called a halt to the match. This is doubly important because it shows that you are totally focused on the match and shows the proper respect to your opponent. Keep your guard up. If your opponent has not heard the command to halt, he/she may take advantage of the oppurtunity to strike.
Do not strike maliciously. San shou in the Guan is meant to be a learning environment. You are developing the ability to express Shaolin concepts with your brothers and sisters. A calm, focused, and relaxed attitude is the sign of a serious student.
There will be no sparring unless Shifu is present. Shifu will oversee all san shou and reffing of matches.
All the rules of the Guan apply at all times.
Legal Target Areas
Top, sides, and front of head
Midsection
Arms
Legs
Illegal Target Areas
Spine
Base of Skull
Groin
Throat
Eyes
Female Opponents: The chest area
Basic Conduct
No uncontrolled joint locks
No joint breaks (ie. targetting knee against the grain)
No sweeps or throws unless adequate padding has been provided
No grabbing of equipment
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