Canberra Kung Fu Academy

We are passionate about passing on the health & martial benefits of Wu Dao Gong to you! This art is from a long gone ancient age and is quickly disappearing.

The main martial arts system that we teach is Wu Dao Gong which is a synthesis of the great martial art styles of China. This art is an integration of philosophy, meditation, martial arts and traditional Chinese medicine. It embodies qualities of well being, power, transcendence, beauty, inspiration and wisdom. Chief Instructor Brett Wagland has dedicated 40 years to the practice and research of t

he best methods available. Brett remarked, "I have been fortunate enough to have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn these practices from a traditional teacher of these arts. Since meeting Fei Wang 30 years ago, I have only missed a few days of training. It has been and still is an amazing journey into the depths of my being – my body, mind and spirit. I still see my teacher twice a week with a group of a dozen or so dedicated students. Training is hard and challenging on many levels but it is also immensely rewarding. This ancient knowledge transforms those who pursue it. It is deeply steeped in Taoist and Buddhist traditions of knowledge and wisdom in self development. Truly, in the training methods and wisdom can be found a treasure that can elevate the consciousness and well being of humankind." Fei Wang is a traditional Chinese medical practitioner and is an heir to this highly developed system. He was taught in a traditional way by his teacher who himself was a scholar, a traditional Chinese medical practitioner and a very accomplished kung fu master. At first, Fei Wang studied medicine for two years with his teacher. He was twelve years old at the time. One day, his teacher asked if he would like to learn kung fu. Fei was surprised at first because his bespectacled teacher was a slightly built learned gentleman. To Fei`s surprise, he performed a one handed stand on a rope fence. Amazing for a seventy-two year old! The word Wu refers to the inspiration we need to find in order to do well at any task in life. Dao means the way. In the context of the training, it means the methods and procedures we follow to change and develop the mind and body. Gong is the result of consistent quality effort over a period of time. What do we train? The Wu Dao Gong system is based on the principle that stability and growth need to be supported by a deep, strong foundation. As an old Chinese adage states, “The top is the basics and the basics are the top.’’ Training starts with loosening tension from muscles, joints and sinews. Various practices are taught to calm the mind and improve concentration and relaxation. Methods using punching and kicking develop balance, coordination, concentration and power. The legs form the physical roots of the body. According to Chinese medicine, the legs also influence the energetic roots of the body’s health and vitality. This stage of the training process teaches and develops an integrative strength, that is, we are taught to use the whole body – tendons, joints, muscles and mind – in a synergistic way.

18/08/2023

The Hidden Power in Santi Standing (martial qigong)
Brett Wagland shows the importance of Santi posture in developing good alignment and whole body power, an essential aspect of all internal martial arts (xingyi, tai chi, bagua and yiquan). Learn about this very effective, time-proven way to develop fa jin (explosive power), https://www.canberrakungfuacademy.com.au/online-courses

29/07/2023

What to Look for in Push Hands?
Push Hands is important in all internal martial arts, such as xingyi, tai chi, bagua and yiquan. It is especially recognised in Tai Chi as an essential training tool. Push Hands gives feedback to one's form practice in terms of posture, relaxation, co-ordination, sensitivity, etc. Now that one is being pushed, is one still able to embody all the principles? Push Hands helps one to become familiar with contact in combat. Brett Wagland shows what to look for in the first stage of Push Hands. Learn about our online Module 1 course which teaches you the ingredients necessary to develop martial power, https://www.canberrakungfuacademy.com.au/online-courses

16/07/2023

How to Apply Ward-Off Martial Power?
The ward-off springy force is important in all internal martial arts, such as tai chi, xingyi and bagua. Without ward-off, one will find it difficult when faced with an opponent in combat. Brett Wagland, 64 years of age, shows how to apply ward-off in different situations. Learn about our online Module 1 course which teaches you the ingredients necessary to develop ward-off power, https://www.canberrakungfuacademy.com.au/online-courses

15/07/2023

The Importance of Co-ordination in Fa Jin, explosive power
Whole body co-ordination is essential in internal martial arts. Brett Wagland, 64 years of age & Fontane Ip, 63 years of age, demonstrate the ingredients necessary. Learn about our online Module 1 course which teaches you the co-ordination required to generate martial power (crucial for tai chi, xingyi and bagua), https://www.canberrakungfuacademy.com.au/online-courses

14/07/2023

Fa Jin, explosive martial power, on Punching Pad:
Brett Wagland, 64 years of age, demonstrates fa jin, the release of explosive martial power with the use of a punching pad. Learn about our online Module 1 course to strengthen the body, calm the mind and develop penetrating martial power (an important ingredient in tai chi, xingyi and bagua for combat), https://www.canberrakungfuacademy.com.au/online-courses

13/07/2023

Brett Wagland, 64 years of age, demonstrates fa jin, the release of explosive martial power, an essential aspect of all internal martial arts (tai chi, xingyi, bagua). The sound you hear is produced from the release of power through the body. Find out more about this very effective, time-proven way to develop fa jin, https://www.canberrakungfuacademy.com.au/online-courses

30/01/2021

Help us by sending in suggestions for the name of the comic and the names of the characters: young man in red, bearded guy, the one with mohawk and the guy with face tattoo!

Authentic XingYi quan by 70 Yrs old Grandmaster Yang tong

04/10/2019

He moves like floating clouds and flowing water. This was recommended by my teacher as an illustration of high level Xingyi, a truly inspiring example of the ART level of accomplishment. His fajin is natural and short, his body is soft and fluid yet full of power. His movements are simple, elegant and refined. This is high level inspirational Xingyi – enjoy! - Brett Wagland

Authentic XingYi quan by 70 Yrs old Grandmaster Yang tong

25/04/2019

Why we do we practise the 6 directional punch?
• to develop power
• as a tool to change the body
• to strengthen joints and tendons
• to improve coordination
• to train the legs to coordinate with the upper body while moving
• to understand how to express power as you change direction
• to establish a strong overall foundation for more advanced practices
In the Wu Dao Gong system, we aim to develop whole body power. This means our strength can be expressed from our feet to our hands as a single unit. To do so, we condition each part of the body to be strong and flexible. This enables power to travel out freely without being restricted by any tense area of the body.

Common weaknesses:
• incorrect transference of weight when stepping
• lack of coordination between the upper and lower body when moving
• not relaxing or not using the appropriate amount of strength when issuing power

16/04/2019

Figure 8 training
• Teaches you to relax your body and generate a natural power release.
• Develops awareness of the waist and coordination of the upper and lower body.
• Loosens and opens your shoulders.
• Trains release of power through relaxation and momentum.
• Provides the foundation for some of the advanced skills in the Wu Dao Gong internal kung fu system.

30/01/2019

How do we train kicking?
• Wu Dao Gong focuses on low kicking called the shovel kick.
• It allows you to attack and defend with the same action.
• The positioning of the kicking foot is important – at the correct angle, you get greater surface area for attack and defence.
• Being a low kick makes it hard to detect – helps to keep you more stable and less opportunity for your opponent to knock you off balance.
• It is usually accompanied with leg strength training – if not, it will lack stability, balance and power when you try to kick.
• Keep the upper body relaxed.
• When kicking, rise up and elongate your spine like a rooster getting ready to fight.
• At first, practise slow kicking and then gradually add power.
• Stretch your hamstrings before kicking practice.

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Location

Canberra

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Website

http://www.canberrakungfuacademy.com.au/

Address

Canberra, ACT
2603

Opening Hours

5:30pm - 7pm