16.7) Cuong Nhu (pronounced "Kung New")
Description
This article is from the Martial Arts FAQ, by Matthew Weigel faq@idempot.net with numerous contributions by others.
16.7) Cuong Nhu (pronounced "Kung New")
(Contributors: Elizabeth Roman and Robert First -
rafirst@unity.ncsu.edu
and http://www4.ncsu.edu/unity/users/r/rafirst/cooldojo/)
Cuong Nhu is another eclectic, fairly new martial art, founded in 1965
by Master Ngo Dong in Vietnam. The first US school opened in
Gainesville FL in 1971. Cuong Nhu is an integrated martial art
blending hard aspects ("cuong" in Vietnamese) from Shotokan Karate,
Wing Chun Gongfu, and American Boxing, with influences from the soft
("nhu" in Vietnamese) arts of Judo, Aikido, and Taiji, in addition
to Vovinam, a Vietnamese martial art using both hard and soft
techniques. In keeping with its inclusive nature, Cuong Nhu
instruction extends beyond the traditionally martial to public
speaking, poetry, paintint, and philosophy. There is a strong
emphasis on developing self control, modesty, and a non-defeatist
attitude.
Beginning students focus on the hard, linear arts, mostly modified
Shotokan Karate techniques and katas. Experienced students add
movements from more advanced softer, circular arts such as Aikido and
Taiji. All levels get some exposure to the entire range of styles.
Training emphasizes moral and philosophical development, and students
discuss the "Code of Ethics" and selections from Cuong Nhu philosophy
in class. As with other styles, belt color indicates rank as certified
by regional testing.
There are approximately 70 Cuong Nhu dojos in the US. For more
information or the location of a school near you, the Cuong Nhu
Oriental Martial Arts Association (CNOMAA) can be reached at (904)
737-7094 or http://www.cuongnhu.com.
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