What is Lei Tai (擂台)?

"The pretty is not practical and the practical is not pretty"

- General Qi Jiguang

The definition of the Chinese term "Lei Tai" is a fighting plataform or "ring", the Chinese term for "free use of technique" in fighting is "Sanshou" (散手). Sanshou or sparring (referred to in here as Lei Tai) is truly the greatest and the ugliest way to demonstrate an understanding of the basic techniques learned in Kung Fu. Traditionally Sanshou bouts take place on a Lei Tai (fighting platform). Lacking the outward beauty and gracefulness of forms training, it shows the devastating effects that occur when a trained fighter is capable of implementing the techniques. It allows a student to demonstrate understanding of the techniques, of movement, rooting, breathing, and of control as well as truly demonstrating the character of the fighters involved.

What do Sanshou (散手) and Kuoshu (國術) mean?

The Chinese term "Sanshou" (散手-Free Hands) refers to free application of fighting techniques in combat. This term, however, is also used to refer to a sport fighting format developed in Mainland China (PRC) it is also known as "San Da" (散打-Free Fighting), some will argue that Sanshou is the amateur level of the sport and San Da is the professional level. The term Kuoshu (國術 - Guoshu in Pinyin) translates literally as "National Art" and is an abbreviation of the term "Zhong Guo Wu Shu" (中國武術 - Martial Arts of China). Kuoshu can also refer to the rule set of sport fighting on a Lei Tai developed in Taiwan (ROC) and introduced to the world in 1975. The rules for each format are similar in which they are both full-contact sports. There are small differences in scoring, legal techniques/targets and equipment between the two formats. The ZYKFA concentrates on the Kuoshu rule set as it was developed in Taiwan and is closely related to our school's history.

Reasons For Lei Tai:

We train in Lei Tai because it is a good way to measure instinct and timing. It gives us the opportunity to work on maintaining focus, a calm attitude and the proper fighting spirit. Lei Tai fighting develops an understanding of how a focused, relaxed, and a calm attitude can be used in our everyday lives. Lei Tai allows us to better understand the Bei Shaolinquan techniques we practice and to feel the practical applications of the movements of the form. Lei Tai can teach us to better understand a centered attitude and approach situations with true humility. Lei Tai is good for developing endurance, power, and accuracy of movement. Lei Tai allows us to develop camaraderie and school spirit. Done correctly, Lei Tai cultivates honor and respect for the school, your brothers and sisters, and for yourself. Lei Tai is for character development and not for the cultivation of egos.

Introduction to Lei Tai:

Lei Tai is the freestyle fighting (Kuoshu rules) which is practiced in the Guan under controlled conditions. The practice of Lei Tai in the Guan is done under close supervision of Shifu and Instructors. Unlike street fighting, Lei Tai has rules to protect the participants from unnecessary and/or life threatening injuries. Lei Tai practice begins with the "Chinese chess" which allows slow moving fighting in order to learn some techniques and a degree of control. Protective gear used includes: helmet, mouth guard, gloves, groin protector, and shoes. Women are also required to use chest protectors. Lei Tai is for intermediate and advanced students who have spent time studying the basic techniques in class. Lei Tai is not a requirement for general students, however it is required to become an Instructor.

Lei Tai Competition Team:

Each year a team of students represents our school in Kuoshu/Lei Tai competitions.

Here are some of the accomplishments of our team:

Four ZYKFA members represented the US in the 1st Pan-American Kuoshu Championship in Brazil 2001

Doug Iding Silver - Matt Mita Silver - Joe Tomczyk Bronze - Seth Finlayson Bronze

2nd Place as a team in the 2003 U.S. International Kuoshu Championship Tournament

Kimba Tieu 2003 National and International Champion

Two ZYKFA members represented the US in the 1st World Kuoshu Championship in Brazil 2003

Kimba Tieu Silver - Seth Finlayson Bronze

3rd Place as a team in the 2004 U.S. International Kuoshu Championship Tournament

2nd Place as a team in the 2005 U.S. International Kuoshu Championship Tournament

Robert Clark National and International Champion

2nd Place as a team in the 2006 U.S. International Kuoshu Championship Tournament

Kimba Tieu National and International Champion - Rachel Spahr National and International Champion - Tim Riordan National Champion

Three ZYKFA members selected as US Team members for the 2nd World Kuoshu Championship held in Singapore 2006.

Kimba Tieu World Champion - Rachel Spahr Silver

1st Place - CHAMPIONS as a team in the 2007 U.S. International Kuoshu Championship Tournament

Kimba Tieu National and International Champion - Max Osterhaus National and International Champion - Andy Grinrod Silver - Marcus McCain Silver

As team at the 2008 U.S. International Kuoshu Championship Tournament

Max Osterhaus 2008 Lei Tai Competitor of the Year - Andy Grinrod Bronze - Emmalee Pearson Bronze

As team at the 2010 U.S. International Kuoshu Championship Tournament

Elaine Meszaros Silver

As a team at the 2010 Brazil International Kung Fu Tournament Championships

Wesley Strey Champion

1st Place CHAMPIONS as a team at the 1st UMAI Kung Fu Championships - 2011

Andrew Nepstad Champion - Andrew Ruis Champion - Steve McDonald Silver

Lei Tai Ettiquette:

"Show skill, not ego"

• Arrive early so that you my warm up before class begins.

• Lei Tai is a contact event in the Guan. Failure to follow the rules of etiquette may cause injury and insult. These rules are to be guidelines for your practice and development.

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times. By paying attention, you show respect for yourself and the other participants.

• No foul language will be tolerated.

• You are not ready to participate unless you have all of the required protective equipment. Treat your equipment with respect.

• The proper way to begin a match, is to stand at attention facing your opponent and await instruction patiently. The instructions will include pace, level of contact, and any other factors considered important by the instructor.

• When the instructions have been given, you must bow to your opponent. Do not turn your back, even if the official has called a halt to the match. This is doubly important because it shows that you are totally focused on the match and shows the proper respect to your opponent. Keep your guard up. If your opponent has not heard the command to halt, he/she may take advantage of the opportunity to strike.

• Do not strike maliciously. Sanshou in the Guan is meant to be a learning environment. You are developing the ability to express Shaolin concepts with your brothers and sisters. A calm, focused, and relaxed attitude is the sign of a serious student.

• All the rules of the Guan apply at all times.

Legal Target Areas

• Top, sides, and front of head

• Midsection

• Arms

• Legs

Illegal Target Areas

• Spine

• Base of Skull

• Groin

• Throat

• Eyes

• Female Opponents: The chest area

Basic Conduct

• No uncontrolled joint locks

• No joint breaks (ie. targeting knee against the grain)

• No sweeps or throws unless adequate padding has been provided

• No grabbing of equipment