The first emphasis in Chinese Martial Arts is on defence. Attack is only taught once the concepts of blocking, dodging, escaping and withdrawal are developed. This priority contrasts with other Eastern martial styles which mainly stress attack. It is believed that once a student has the grasp of defence the offensive aspects of fighting come easily. Overall the emphasis on dodging, withdrawal and escaping is to avoid being hit while creating a more advantageous position for the defender.

The first strategic concept in Chinese fighting styles is the idea of distance. In Chinese fighting theory distance can be classified into 3 ranges, Short, middle and long range.

Short range, this occurs when people are standing face to face and can touch each other with any amount of arm or leg extension. In this range the fighter can be hit with low kicks, short knees, hands, elbows even the head! Wrestling techniques can also be incorporated at this range. Styles such as Tiger and Whitecrane specialise in this range

Middle range, this is where the fighters are just slightly out of punching and kicking range. A short hop or step will bring the fighter back into the short range. Kicking is easier to execute at this range but hands and legs are of equal range importance in middle range fighting.

Long range, this range requires that a fighter takes two or more steps to be in short range. The long range is relatively safe because most attacks can be avoided due to the distance that must be crossed.

The Northern style fighters specialise in middle and long ranges. Longfist Kung Fu is one of the Nothern styles and therefore their expertise lie in the use of kicking techniques of which there are many to master.