Crane Style Kung Fu

Bok Pai

Bok Pai, also known as the White Crane Style, is one of the major styles of Kung Fu. According to legend, a lama priest once witnessed a battle between a crane and an ape where the crane managed to win by using the agility of its long legs, huge wings, and pecking movements.

It is one of the more aggressive martial arts. Training is rigorous, involving years of practicing uncomfortable and complex stances, all designed to imitate the fighting positions of the crane. Study of posture, balance and energy circulation are all-important.

There are many monasteries and martial art schools, as well as a large number of teachers available in Bok Pai.

A Bok Pai master, entering combat, advances very slowly, preferring to meet the attacks of an opponent rather than rushing forward. Attacks can take the form of sweeping arm moves, rounded kicks and continuous turning movements. The form's main attack is the Crane Fist, a beak-like formation of thumb and fingertips pointed together, striking with a forward-and-down pecking motion.

The philosophy of Bok Pai can be summed up in four words: sim, "to evade," jeet, "to intercept," chun, "to penetrate," and chon, "to destroy." As a part of the training, all initiates are required to fight bouts on the Mui-Fa-Jeong, the "Plum Flower Stumps," which are a series of 36 pillars (like telephone poles) separated from four to eight feet apart and driven into the ground. Combat actually takes place on the tops of the poles.

Level

Advanced

Years to Study

15

Dress

Silk Kung Fu Outfit, Ornate

Alignment Requirements

None

Attribute Requirements

Dex. (16)

Number of Attacks

2

Free Move

Maintain Balance, Dodge, Backhand, Kick, Forearm

Purchaseable Moves

Roll with Punch/Fall/Impact, Parry, Automatic Parry, Multiple Dodge, Circular Parry, Crane Fist, Claw Strike, Palm Strike, Crescent Kick, Axe Kick, Backward Sweep, Reverse Turning Kick, Death Blow, Body Flip/Throw, Critical Flip/Throw, Elbow, Pull Punch, K.O./Stun, Critical

Allowed Powers

Up to 2 Body Hardening or Special Katas. Crane Stance Kata required.

Recommended Skills

Language Ancient, Artistic Ability (Gardening), Writing (Calligraphy), Cooking (specialty), Fasting, Religion

Links to Moves

Martial Arts Kicks
Martial Arts Strikes
Martial Arts Movement
Martial Arts Evasions
Martial Arts Special Moves