Cuong Nhu and its Chinese influence

[Spirit At Choice]

Stoneheart asked:

Spirit At Choice,

Do you know what forms Cuong Nhu uses other than the Shotokan kata? I'm interested in knowing more about the Chinese influences in the art.

I can't say that I know for certain. Wing Chun and Tai Chi Chuan are two of the seven styles that influence Cuong Nhu. As a beginner, I've only really been exposed to the katas called First Form, Second Form, Third Form, Fourth Form and Pinan (aka Heian) One. I believe that these are all from Shotokan.

I've seen upper ranks do other kata, including weapons kata, but I can't say what influence they are. Maybe well get Greenbelt Girl in here. She is also in Cuong Nhu. I can ask at the dojo too.

You can also e-mail someone at a Cuong Nhu dojo or at the Association: https://www.cuongnhu.com.

[stoneheart]

As a beginner, I've only really been exposed to the katas called First Form, Second Form, Third Form, Fourth Form and Pinan (aka Heian) One.

Those are almost certainly the Taikyoku kata, although most karate schools only use 2 or 3 of them. The ones you practice are movement in a fore-stance with lower and upper blocks and reverse punches, right?

Thanks for the answer. I was curious about the forms, because I am taking some lessons in 7 star preying mantis right now, and as a karateka, I'm finding the footwork and movement to be a HUGE change from what I practiced before. I wondered if the progression in Cuong Nhu was a natural one, or at advanced levels when you get into more the Chinese influences, the shift in fundamentals was a huge one.