I have recently thought of taking up martial arts. Although I’m quite familiar with Japanese arts, I know little to nothing about kung fu. In looking around my city, the only martial arts schools I found were Pak Mei (Bak Mei?) and the other is Wing chun I believe. Of course, there are lots of Kempo, Karate, and Judo schools.
My problem is that I cannot find any practical information on what is Pak Mei like? I want an all-purpose martial art that would help in close quarters and distance fighting. I found information on the other arts but I don’t understand what type of skill Pak Mei is. I went to a class and it all seemed good, but given my inexperience, I think every martial art would look good.
Can anyone give me some practical tips on Pak Mei and how it would compare, or fare, versus other martial arts? Thank you!
hurdoc
Where do u live? if you are in australia i can put you in contact of some good pak mei sifu’s.
Sorry, I am in Canada…
But what is Pak Mei all about?
hello i study pak mei kung fu and would be happy to give u some info.
it is a short to medium range fist style ie relies more on hands than feet, the kiking is short sharp and generally to the knees and groin it also includes stamping and leg locking and pushing as well, the hand techniques are many and varied but all tend towards vital point attacks eye’s, throat, temple, sternum etc.
the style relies on speed and technique and not brute strength it also has long distance techniques so it is good for all ranges but specializes for up close it is extremely aggressive advising all out attack when a situation arises and uses soft deflecting hands in most cases instead of hard striking blocks thou not always.Two hands working in unison is part of the styles philosophy one to deflect one to strike, and most pak mei styles use little chin na generally the chin na or grappling is of the short sharp pulling to get your opponent of balance then release and strike and move on to another technique, thou this varies from teacher to teacher.
It is also a 50-50 mix of internal and external teachings so uses many principle found in tai chi and other internal arts such as bagua and hsing yi thou still contains the hard training like normal kung fu and japanese styles, the footwork is very good allowing movement in 360 degrees while still in one basic stance and actually resembles jeet kune do’s foot work thou of course there are also many differences.
hope that has proved helpful i hear that one of the canadian schools of pak mei is very good, it may be the one you went to ask them if they have the internal private only teaching manual if they say yes and can prove it i would highly recommend them, it means they come from very good lineage and their kung fu should be very good but judge for yourself.
thank you for the info, the Pak Mei school is this one www.pakemi.net
Hurdoc -
where in canada are you located? In Toronto there are a number of Wing Chun schools. Also many sifus who teach in their own homes. There is a pak mei school under I believe Choy Wing Sum
there is not alot of info on Pak Mei b/c its practioners try to keep it secret and mysterious. They claim it is only for those who are worthy enough to take it and that it is a system meant of people who are already exposed to other arts. I know that not all the teachers out there are like that but many in this system are.
the system can be classified as a short to medium hand system that is based mainly on the tiger. It is Taoist in origin and utilizes scared ging. The system has many internal aspects to it and is centered on pressure points hit with the phoenix-eye fist. The chest is curved in quite a bit not only b/c it helps with avoidance of attacks but in Bak Mei’s breathing techniques.
Wing Chun is a short hand system that is small circle. It is highly efficient and every technique maximizes time, distance, power. There are many trapping techniques. Strikes and blocks are simultaneous when possible and every effort is made to dissipate force in blocking. It is a highly aggressive system made up of mostly hand techniqes with secondary kicks. There are only three main forms, a dummy set and two weapons sets in the Yip Man HK version of the art.
either Bak Mei or wing chun are great systems. Wing Chun is very fast to learn and the most popular southern system today. Bak Mei is more low-key and might take longer to learn.
I know I do wing chun so I might be slightly biased 
but I suggest you take it b/c its easy to learn and great to use Also, it is more popular so 1) if you change schools you can pick up elsewhere and 2) it is easy to find info and others to train with at any time
Hi Herdoc,
Everyone’s process of discovery is different. Don’t let others speak for you. Apply your own logic to yourself and you’ll see why people make certain choices. Between Wing Chun and Bak Mei, or even Chu Gar Tong Long - another powerful southern kungfu. Choose one and follow through with it. Everything will fall into place.
yes, southern mantis is a great system too.
Finding the martial art that is right for you can take a long time.
I started martial arts training (in Judo) at the age of 8. Then I practiced free style karate and then Northern style kung fu. I now study Southern Mantis. It has taken me 15 years to find the right style for me. I am relating this to show that it can take time. Never get disheartened.
The only way to see if a style is for you is to try it.
To paraphrase an old saying: “What is seen is not the same as what is felt.”
Best of luck.
Everyone gives a good descripition of bak mei.
I just wanted to add that, bak mei does not only kick to lower part of body only. But also kicks to throat, chest, stomach…etc.
Training is aimed at developing “ging” internal power.
Chin-na is also quite extensive, grabbing, joint locking, twisting, some throws…Although, probably not as extensive as Eagle Claw? or judo.