Choy Li Fut Wooden Dummy
Like many Chinese Martial systems Choy Li Fut has many training devices such
as the Wallbag, Leg Dummy, Copper-Man Dummy, Staff Dummy and, of course, the
obligatory Wooden Dummy. The Choy Li Fut Wooden Dummy differs from the more
common Wing Chun Wooden Dummy in that the "arms" are reversed.
As you can see in the photo on the right the two middle arms protruding in a
"V" on our Dummy, are at the top of the Wing Chun Wooden Dummy and the
single protruding "arm" at the top of the Choy Li Fut Wooden Dummy is
located in the middle of the Wing Chun Wooden Dummy.
Another obvious difference is that the top "arm" of our Dummy moves up and
down, anchored with a spring in the rear. In the old days this was done with
a rope and a heavy weight like a scale balance. This is how the Choy Li Fut
Wooden Dummy got its name "Ching Jong" or "Balanced Dummy".
Sandbags on the front and sides which are struck for hand and finger
conditioning are one more exclusive attribute of the Choy Li Fut Wooden
Dummy.
The "Ching Jong" set is a high-level Choy Li Fut form containing
approximately 80 moves.
Wooden Dummy practice is an effective form of "Tit Kiu" or "Iron Bridge"
training (toughening the forearms for blocking or striking). The lower "arm"
of the Wooden Dummy is used for conditioning the feet and lower legs.
In the Choy Li Fut system Wooden Dummy training is an essential part of the
"complete" martial artists learning.