All classes will be held at 3934 NE MLK Blvd throughout the month of January. The workout studio is downstairs in Rm 002.
Location is north of Fremont, next to Rhythm traders between NE Failing and NE Shaver.
Gregory Fong was born in Canton, China and raised in Hong Kong. He began training of the martial arts in the mid-60's and has studied under many respected teachers. He is a dynamic teacher and currently runs his own classes in Portland, Oregon. Please look below for class descriptions and view the class schedules here.
Gregory Fong has also penned several articles that share his extensive experience
on improving your training, health and overall fitness levels.
View articles
Class Focus
1. Alignment - A student must build a proper connection with the earth and not try to "cheat" by using upper body strength to achieve a faster result. Fluid motion through the proper range is essential for good health as well as efficient movement. Chronic tightness or inflexibility can result in injury as well as limiting the potential for speed and efficient delivery of power. My teaching addresses efficient alignment that is applicable to any martial arts activity, regardless of style, school or philosophy.
2. Chi/energy - An understanding of the concepts of storing and releasing energy must be achieved to avoid "empty" motion and injury. Simply mimicking movements from a form without a grasp of energy management can result in wasted effort, or worse. From the outset I begin to lead the student toward discovery of the principles involved.
3. Mind/body connection - Vigorous physical activity without mental/emotional commitment does not result in a unified spirit; in order to achieve the full benefit of training a student must learn to engage their mind at all times in their martial efforts, so that the mind leads the body and the spirit is present in every action. In all of my classes students are introduced to mindfulness in practice and how to stay in that state during their training.
4. Individuality - Every student is different. Many martial arts schools overlook individual needs related to age, condition or other considerations and offer the same regimented movements to all, regardless of suitability. There is no set time for an individual to develop a certain level of skill; I strive to offer each individual a combination of activities and attention to optimize their progress toward the goal of good health, energetic and economical movement, and a personally rewarding and therefore successful practice of martial arts.
News
Gregory Fong's article entitled "Taoist Five Organs Qigong" is currently featured in T'ai Chi Magazine Spring 2010 Issue.
The image below is a featured exercise from the article.
Sifu Fong is
also featured
in March 2009
T'ai Chi Magazine.
Gregory Fong: Yang Taijiquan
Class Descriptions:
Wang Xiangzhai created Yiquan, or “mind boxing,” in early 20th century China. After learning from famous Xingyi master Guo Yunshen, Wang spent years of study with masters throughout China. He distilled the most practical elements of these martial arts in to a system without forms or standardized techniques. Yiquan is focused on the connection between mind and body...
Yang Luchan, after learning the Chen style of Taijiquan (Grand Ultimate Boxing), traveled to Beijing where, in the early 1800s, he created his own style which has today become the most popular and best-known form of the art. Yang style Taijiquan, with its slow and graceful movements, is focused on the benefits of training for health and longevity...
As the original version of Taijiquan, the Chen style has been practiced in the Chen village of Henan province in China for hundreds of years. And, although the basic principles of most versions of Taijiquan are similar, the Chen style is a more obviously “martial” form of practice than the Yang style. It incorporates both rapid and slow movements and includes weapons as well as hand forms...
Northern Praying Mantis Gongfu was created in Song dynasty (960-1129 CE) China by martial artist Wang Lang who was inspired by watching a praying mantis defeat a much larger insect in combat. Wang developed a complex system combining rapid “monkey” footwork with relentless attacks, trapping, blocking, and joint locks, and the distinctive hooked hand style. Sifu Fong teaches the 7 star version, said to be the hardest of the Praying Mantis styles. Fong also teaches Xingyi...
Contact Sifu Fong at: gregorysfong@gmail.com
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