DVD#24953  Taizu Long Fist #1
3 hours 46 minutes, Three DVDs, English subtitles
$105.00 

This is the Long Fist form rooted in Shaolin style. TaiZu is sometimes called the “Mother of Long Fist.” Surprisingly, it also has claims as the predecessor of Tai Chi. The first form sets the pace with jumps, dodging, evasive and attacking footwork. This is quite a form on its own, but Shifu Jou’s high level interpretation makes it something special. Don’t expect the ever-upright mechanical style so many people demonstrate. This is a chance-taking, off-balance, extremely dynamic rendition that finally makes the designation of advanced Kung Fu come alive. A medium-to-long form, it contains many Long Fist full extension strikes, wide angle moves like striking at the ground from a crane stance, and a lot of implied Chin Na techniques. He not only gives applications but discusses an entire cognitive approach to them which is, to our ears, exactly right and definitely mature. TaiZu is a favored and sought-after form and the fact he has two levels of it is quite unusual.

DVD#24954  Taizu Long Fist #2
3 hours 31 minutes, Three DVDs, English subtitles
$105.00 

This goes to an even higher level of martial skill. Many unusual hand locks and some challenging kicks. But if Sifu Jou can do all this at fifty, you certainly can too. The first form is known as Chang, or "Long" and the second is known as Xing or "Walk". Between just these two Taizu forms, you have the basis of the entire system. There are still a lot of versions available that are “traditional,” though those demonstrations are mediocre and somewhat mechanical. You definitely will not have this problem. Shifu Jou is fierce and he sticks to the idea that “traditional” can also means “with heart.” A complex, explosive and fascinating form with predatory energy.