At the heart of Choy Lay Fut Kung Fu lies a brilliant system of movement, rooted in practicality, strategy, and explosive power. One of the most distinctive aspects of this art is the concept of the 10 Elements—a framework of directional energy and motion that gives structure and intention to every strike, block, or step.
Whether you’re a beginner just getting into your stance, or a seasoned martial artist refining your forms, the 10 Elements are your guide to deeper understanding and more effective movement.
What Are the 10 Elements?
The 10 Elements are directional motions used throughout Choy Lay Fut techniques. Each one represents a unique movement principle—downward, pulling, circular, linear, explosive, and more. They are:
Chum 沈 – Downward Movement
Lah 撸 – Pulling / Seizing
Gwa 掛 – Hanging Strike (Backfist)
Sau 收 – Circular Inward Motion
Chop 插 – Linear Piercing Strike
Pow 抽 – Upward Throwing Force (Long-Range)
Kup 扣 – Circular Downward Force
Biu 標 – 45-Degree Diagonal Motion
Jong 撞 – Vertical Force / Close-Range Uppercut
Dang 蹤 – Kicking / Nail-Like Penetration
Each element is more than a direction—it’s a tactic. In Tat Wong Kung Fu, we teach students to apply these motions not only in forms, but also in practical self-defense. They’re combined, layered, and repeated in drills, shaping instinctive responses that are fast, powerful, and precise.
Why They Matter
When you train the 10 Elements, you begin to move with intention and clarity. Your strikes become sharper, your transitions smoother, and your defense more responsive. It’s like learning the grammar of movement—you stop “imitating” the motions and start “speaking” them fluently.
Mastering the elements helps you:
– Deliver force efficiently from any angle
– Control your opponent’s movement and balance
– Transition between offense and defense fluidly
– Understand how to apply techniques beyond choreography
They also form the DNA of Tat Wong Kung Fu’s forms and self-defense sets. You’ll see them in foundational hand combinations like gwa-chop, in weapons training, and even in advanced two-person sets.
What to Expect From This Series
Over the next 10 blog posts, we’ll dive into each element—what it means, how it’s used, and how to train it. Each post will include:
– A clear definition in everyday terms
– Practical examples and key techniques
– Tips from Tat Wong Kung Fu training
– Citations or references where relevant
Whether you’re part of our school or just exploring Choy Lay Fut, this series will give you insights into how these timeless principles create one of the most dynamic systems in Chinese martial arts.
Ready to begin?
Our next post will explore the first element: Chum 沈 – the power of downward motion.
Citation:
Tat Wong Kung Fu Academy – 10 Elements of Choy Lay Fut (internal curriculum guide).
https://tatwong.com
