WHAT DIFFERENTIATES PAK MEI FROM THE REST

Some of Pak Mei's theories can be found in other systems; however it's the combination of these theories that is our foremost distinguishing aspect. Its power generation, or (ging 勁) is quite unique. These concepts and physical demands are difficult at first, but eventually become second nature.
Some of the key concepts (explained below) are known as Luk Ging, Geing Jak Ging, and Sei Noi Biu Ging. There is also the absolutely necessary execution of External and Internal power. There has long been a debate on how to define this relationship. Put simply; take the muscular strength used in external systems like Hung Gar or Karate and combine it with the fluidity and relaxed movements of the internal arts such as Tai Chi or Bagua. Our attacks are External. Our transition between attacks is Internal. "Internal propels the External".

A BRIEF SUMMARY

Below is a brief description of some key elements involved in Pak Mei power generation theory.
Without these elements...it's not Pak Mei.

GEING JAK GING 驚 扎 勁

SCARED POWER


This refers to the immediate, fast reaction that should intitiate every Pak Mei technique. It is similar to the fast, jerking reaction you'd have if someone pinched you, or if you burned yourself. Aside from slow-form and hei gong, this immediate, fast, "jumping" response should be evident in every technique. In western terms Geing Jak Ging relies heavily on the development and usage of fast-twitch muscle fibers. It is imperative that the immediate muscle contraction utilized in Geing Jak Ging becomes immediately relaxed in order to make the internal transition to the next technique. Many Pak Mei students have great difficulty overcoming this hurdle.

LUK GING 六 勁

SIX POWERS


Pak Mei's "Six Powers" refer to specific body mechanics associated with their corresponding body part(s). Each has their unique tasks and demands that need to be done in the correct sequence/coordination.
Below is a simplification of Luk Ging:

MAH 馬 STANCE;
- gives the practitioner a strong/solid, but mobile foundation. Mah encompasses everthing between the feet and hips. Toes need to grip the floor. Power generates from the rear heel. Feet and knees must be at the proper angles. Hips must remain firm.

YIU 腰 WAIST;
- through twisting and turning, the waist acts as the practitioner’s horizontal base of power. While the stance remains solid, the waist becomes like elastic; fluidly guiding the upper body, twisting left and right.

BUI 背 BACK;
- through rising and sinking, the back acts as the vertical axis of power. Coupled with this rising and sinking, the back also initiaties the pulling inward and pushing outward of the arms.

SAU 手 HANDS or ARMS;
- act as the focal-point/end-point of upper-body power exertion. Elbows are pointed down at all times, even when arms are extended; and they never move behind the body's flanks. In defense, arms primarily protect the center line. Most importantly, Mah, Yiu, and Bui need to be correct in order for the arms to execute techniques properly.

GENG 頸 NECK;

- stabilizes alignment of the [cervical] spine, thus guaranteeing proper form and pathway of the energy circuit.

NGA 齒 TEETH;
- stay clenched to close the opening of the mouth on exhalation, thus preventing unnecessary release of energy. This also safeguards against a broken jaw.

SEI NOI BIU GING 四 內 標 勁

FOUR INTERNAL ASPECTS OF POWER GENERATION


TUN 吞 Swallow:

Compression of the torso. Implode & bring inward. Tun is the counterpart of Tou.

TOU 吐 Spit:
Expansion of the torso. Explode upward and outward. Tou is the counterpart of Tun.
It is often a goal in Pak Mei theory to pull an opponent inward (Tun) in order to immediately follow with an outward attack (Tou).

FAU 浮 Float:
Lifting, floating power executed in an upward trajectory. Fau is the counterpart of Chaam.

CHAAM 沉 Sink:
Sinking, smothering power executed in a downward trajectory. Chaam is the counterpart of Fau.
It is often a goal in Pak Mei theory to drag an opponent down (Chaam) and off balance in order to attack upward (Fau).

Tun, Tou, Fau, and Chaam are extremely important and are often times very difficult for students to attain. As a result, there are foundational drills done in every single class to constantly improve and maintain these body mechanics.