Yi Li Fa & Kung Fu Yi Li Fa Academy is dedicated to teaching the Chinese Arts of Tai Chi (Taijiquan), Qigong & Internal Kung Fu (Neijia Gong Fu). The principal of Yi Li Fa academy is Bru Bowden. Bru is a Registered Nurse, (Div. 1), with Graduate Diplomas in Nursing and Hospitality & Tourism. Other qualifications include a Diploma in Acupuncture & Moxibustion, Certificates in Traditional Chinese Massage and St. John Ambulance Senior First Aid Certificate. He is currently undertaking a Master of Health Science thesis researching aspects of Tai Chi. Bru is a 'professionally certified martial arts teacher' with the International Martial Art Alliance (IMA). Bru first started studying martial arts over 30 years ago. Major Schools and Masters that Bru has studied martial arts with include: Joseph Cheng School (UK) (Wing Chun Kuen), Tony Ryan (QLD) (Kempo Kan & Seishin Kan Karate), William Cheung (Wing Chun Kuen), Wu Chi School of Arts (NZ) (Neijia Kung Fu), Wu Lin School (Xing Yi), Buddhist Wing Chun School and others, in addition to wide Taijiquan studies including martial aspects. Other methods that Bru has studied include Baguazhang & Yiquan. Bru has continued to use all available methods to research and study various Neijia systems and has combined his wide understanding of martial arts methods into the system of Internal Kung Fu (Neijia Gong Fu) taught by the Yi Li Fa Academy.     Bru is a member of, the: Tai Chi Association of Australia (TCAA) Australian Kung Fu (Wu Shu) Federation (AKWF) - the government recognised peak body regarding Kung Fu & Tai Chi International Martial Art Alliance (IMA) - a leading promoter of martial arts - Bru is 'professionally certified as a martial art teacher' by this orgaisation  Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) Gisborne Kung Fu

What does Yi Li Fa mean?

Yi (pronounced Yee) = Mind/Intent. Li (pronounced Lee) = Strength or Power. Fa (pronounced Far) = Methods. So as a phrase, Yi Li Fa refers to ways that lead to the creation of strength or power using the mind as part of the process. The Yi Li Fa Academy teaches methods that lead to the unification of Mind & Body. The methods are included within Tai Chi (Taijiquan), Qigong and Internal Kung Fu (Neijia Gong Fu). Whether for Health & Well-being or Self-defence, the methods are integral in the studies undertaken at Yi Li Fa Academy. Indeed, all 'Internal' methods may be deemed Yi Li Fa, whether martial or not. The strength or power created through the methods may be expressed in mental or physical ways.  By strengthening the body's energies individuals live in improved health with increased feelings of well-being. Sunbury Kung Fu

Neijia Gong Fu Taught By Yi Li Fa Academy Nei (pronounced Nay) translates to Inner/Internal. Jia (pronounced Gee-ar) translates to 'family' or 'school (of thought)'. Gong Fu (Kung Fu) generally translates to martial art, but specifically to the acquisition of skill from hard work and dedicated practice. Effectively the phrase Neijia Gong Fu refers to the 'Internal School of Chinese Martial Arts'. It is a general term encompassing a number of different systems. The underlying principles upon which the systems are based are the similar for all Neijia and can be effectively transfered through the systems. Yi Li Fa Academy teaches an Internal Kung Fu (Neijia Gong Fu) system based on these principles with both health and self-defence attributes. Based on the ancient theories of the 'Wu Xing' (the 5 categories), 'Yin/Yang' and 'Heaven, Earth, Man', the Neijia of Yi Li Fa is an eclectic martial art system that embodies the essential principles, both common and specific to Internal Kung Fu. It can be said that the Neijia of Yi Li Fa is founded on theories and principles possibly over 2500 years old. The methods are a combination of select elements from a variety of sources, those being; Xingyiquan, Yiquan, Baguazhang, Yongchunquan, Wu Chi Dao and Taijiquan. These methods consist of; individual Fist & Palm methods (both defensive and offensive), Combination methods, various stepping methods, a large amount of partnered work including, pushing-hands and sticking-hands exericses, Shuai Jiao (throwing methods), Chin Na (locking and disabling methods). There are three forms; a Primary Level Form, an Intermediate Level Form and an Advanced Level Form which can be performed on apparatus. The system also involves Qigong including Zhan Zhuang and other methods specific to the level of learning. Woodend Kung Fu

Grades in Neijia Kung Fu The Neijia Gong Fu course has a grading system to ensure that practitioners both receive a full transmission of knowledge and skills and achieve a standard that will enable them to teach within the organisation. Grades are as follows: Primary Level: 2 grades (1 & 2) Intermediate Level: 2 grades (3 & 4) - on completion of grade 4 a practitioner may apply for the position of Assistant Instructor Advanced Level: 2 grades (5 & 6) - on completion of grade 6 a practitioner may apply for the position of Provisional Instructor Senior Practitioner Level: 2 grades (7 & 8) - on completion of grade 8 a practitioner may apply for the position of Full Instructor (Lao Shi) Macedon Ranges Kung Fu