Omei Bak Mei – Yum Yearn Jik Bo Kuen DVD Review

I have heard of Pak/Bak Mei (White Eyebrow) kung fu but not specifically the Omei branch of this system.

I have been more familiar with the Cheung Lai Chuen branches of Pak Mei and the Fatshan Pak Mei version.

This instructional DVD is from Warrior Body Buddha Mind an Australian based company that teaches traditional Chinese Martial Arts and has released some instructional dvds of the rare Omei Bak Mei system. They are also Australian representatives of the Doo Family Kung Fu.

The dvd teaches the first form from Omei Bak Mei called Yum Yearng Jik Bo Kuen (Yin Yang Straight Step Punch) and it is taught by Sifu Garry Hearfield. Garry has 25 yrs of traditional Chinese Martial Arts under his belt (or should that be sash) predominantly in Yau Kung Mun.

Before the form instruction begins Garry takes us through how to make some training equipment that will develop the bridge and the grip. He shows us how to make a roll bar out of a metal table leg filled with ball bearings (I’m working on mine at present!), one from larger sized PVC pipe filled with water and a leather chin na bag filled with ball bearings. He also covers how best to train with these.

SIfu Garry then covers the correct stance, posture and how best to generate the coiling power. He also covers the Fau, Chum, Tung, Tow (Float, sink, Swallow, Spit) method found in Hakka Arts. He then breaks the form down starting from the opening salutation (he even explains the meaning behind the salutation) and then covers each technique found in the form.

It is filmed in his living room and If I was being picky it would maybe have been better in a larger room or hall so you could see every part (other reviews have mentioned not being able to see his feet all the time) but it is basically a private lesson with Garry in his home.

I found this not to be a problem (maybe 3+ years training in another Hakka art has helped) and found it easy to follow his instructions. Being a dvd it can be rewound (ha ha an old Betamax/VHS technique from the 1980’s) or reversed as required.

At the end of the dvd is a section on basic nei gung exercises to augment the more physical aspects of the training.

What I like about the dvd is that you can see that Sifu Garry knows his stuff and can obviously explain this to the viewer in an easy to understand manner.

For people interested in learning this rare style of kung fu or anyone just interested in kung fu generally this is a very good instructional dvd and is highly recommended.

One thing is certain, if I’m ever in Sydney I will be seriously considering giving Sifu Garry a call to arrange some lessons.

Format: digital download (.wmv)

Run time: 90mins

Further information: http://www.warriorbodybuddhamind.com/wbbm/

Price: $49.99 (please note as of Feb 2013 all WBBM dvd’s now cost $108.00)