The Hung Ga Kung Fu Club Tai Chi Chuan Association, was originally
founded as the Florence Kung Fu Club in 1984 by Cedric Randolph,
while studying at University here in Firenze. The association
has evolved to include the study of Traditional Chinese Kung Fu
of the Hung Gar Style, with Tao Yin, Yi Gin Ching and Chi Kung
as supplements. Instruction is also provided in the original Yang
Style Tai Chi Chuan as promoted by the ITCCA Italia.
Unlike many Martial arts centers that promote self-defense and
competitive fighting, here lessons emphasize the aspect of the
personal improvement of the student, over and above the aspect
of self-defense. In that this may only be achieved through the
rigorous, systematic and methodical basic training emphasized
in the instruction of both styles of traditional Chinese martial
art taught and studied by the members of this association, there
is ample opportunity to also learn effective self defense technique.
It is the firm belief of the Association that only by way of the
development and maintenance of good foundation practices can any
traditional martial art be approached, studied, learned and eventually
mastered. Energy enhancing exercises are also critical in the
development of the capability of the students to store and refine
the energy (Chi) generated during their practice. An understanding
and use of Chi generation, refinement, storage and application
allows the students to eventually be able to successfully utilize
the martial techniques that they may learn both in self defense
as well as in their daily lives. In addition, the systematic and
methodical study of correct internal energy practice provides
a foundation for the acquisition and maintenance of a high level
of physical and mental health.
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It is well known that all spiritual practices and development
rely on some type of energy enhancement. Practitioners in the
monasteries of the Hindu, the Catholic, the Moslem or the Hebrew
traditions all have some sort of esoteric energy enhancement methods.
The spiritual traditions of most native peoples from Africa to
the Americas, the Polar Regions to Australia have all developed
some form of energy enhancement facilitating the enlightenment
of their holy men and the consequent physical and spiritual harmonization
of their peoples with their environment. Therefore, as the followers,
both lay and clerical, of the past and present day Chinese temples
of martial and spiritual arts, such as Shao Lin and Wu Dang, have
maintained throughout history, the ultimate goal of all of the
work done here is not fighting or self-defense but self-development
and spiritual cultivation. The ability to protect oneself is inherent
in the study but should not be viewed as the final objective.
Such an objective could be seen as shallow and petty in comparison
with the acquisition of peace and harmony in one’s life and
the development of wisdom in ones expression, through the liberation
and unification of one’s body, mind and spirit. This is the
true goal of martial practice here at the Hung Ga Kung Fu Club
Tai Chi Chuan Association.
Just as in all organized activities there are those who participate
for any number of reasons. Only a few find the inspiration and
dedication to reach for the highest levels. Yet, even though for
those few these high levels of achievement are the ultimate destination
there are also any number of stopping places along the path where
students can find within themselves that they have developed a
sense of confidence and serenity. Through better physical health,
greater awareness, deeper harmony or simply the stimulation of
participating socially in interesting and challenging activities
as offered by this association, most students find just what they
need here. As the provider of such a service, the Hung Ga Kung
Fu Club Tai Chi Chuan Association feels that it is a great privilege
to be a source for the growth and development of people’s
moral character and physical well being, therefore contributing
to the overall improvement of the community.
