Learning Kung Fu, like the majority of learning we humans do, starts with mimicry (a kind of "monkey see - monkey do"). An action is demonstrated and we then try to copy or mimic it. We repeat this over and over again until we internalize the action and it becomes habit. Kung Fu, and the martial arts in general, has traditionally been learned and taught in a direct contact Master to Student relationship. This method could/would involve anywhere from one teacher and one student to one teacher with a class of students. Regardless of the class size, the instruction was always real-time and required both instructor and student to be present. The instructor would demonstrate a technique or form and the student(s) would then copy. The instructor would correct any deficiencies in the student’s technique and assure correct practice. In fact, until this century, this was the only method available of learning/teaching Kung Fu.

This century has seen the creation and proliferation of two new methods of learning Kung Fu, via print and via video. In either media, an instructor is now able to have his/her actions documented and mass produced. Real-time instruction is no longer the only way to pass on Kung Fu knowledge. With either of these methods, a student can now study and mimic the instructor at any time AFTER the actual form demonstration. There is one major drawback to these two new instructional methods: THERE IS NO FEEDBACK TO THE STUDENT ON HOW WELL THEY ARE MIMICKING THE TECHNIQUE!! This MAJOR FLAW allows the possibility of wrong practice and never knowing that the form was learned incorrectly!

The three methods of learning Kung Fu all have problems:

Real-Time Instructor/Student Interaction

1. Requires both to be present at the same time and place.

2. Cannot be done at a distance.

Print Interaction

1. Does not show the WHOLE technique. The small, sometimes

important movements are not conveyed.

2. Incorrectly learned techniques are never corrected.

Video Interaction

1. Incorrectly learned techniques are never corrected.

Mew Hing Productions has developed a system of distance learning that overcomes and eliminates all of the problems with the older methods. This hi-tech Kung Fu is via Video Exchange Certification.

In this process, Jung Shee (Grand Master) James Lacy forwards to the student a video tape of the information to be learned. The information (one-man or two-man forms or meditations) is shown in great detail. Often breakdowns and meanings of the movements are explained. Then, once a year, the student videotapes him or herself performing the form or meditation learned. This video tape is sent to Mew Hing Productions. The Grand Master will critique the performance and return to the student detailed feedback. In this manner, incorrectly learned techniques are corrected.

Mew Hing Productions has successfully made the leap from local, limited class size learning to worldwide, unlimited class size learning. Mew Hing Productions has overcome the limits and problems associated with older learning systems.

I have personally experienced this process. I am a One Year Tested Student/Instructor (Shi Dai). In the fall of 1995, I purchased from Panther Productions (a Martial Arts supply company that markets Mew Hing information) the first ten Mew Hing video tapes they offer. I learned Level One of the Iron Palm. I learned to break a coconut on the ground. I learned various meditations and forms. In the fall of 1996, I video taped myself performing the things I had learned. I sent it to Mew Hing Productions. Within two weeks of my sending in my tape, it was back with detailed feedback from Jung Shee Lacy. The Jung Shee pointed out that I needed to slow down. I was performing my meditations and meditative exercises to quickly. Additionally, I needed to be more aware that I was performing Martial meditations. Every movement in the forms or meditations has a meaning or purpose. I am in the process now of making my second video test tape.

Earl Cranor
24 Lincoln Park
Longmeadow, MA. 01106 USA

Jung Shee James Lacy can be contacted at: 

Mew Hing Productions
42499 Old Highway 80
P.O. Box 427
Jacumba, CA 91934-0427 USA