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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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