PORTLAND KUNG FU CLUB   Traditional Chinese Martial Arts with Modern Applications

Northern Shaolin Style It is written in Chinese history that the Buddhist monk Ta-Mo introduced the seeds of Shaolin kung fu to China around the year 520 A.D. He stopped at the Shaolin temple to share his knowledge of Buddhism with the monks. The monks at the temple were not able to tolerate the long hours of continuous training, and meditation. Ta-Mo was said to have gone into seclusion in a cave, where he meditated for nine years. He then emerged from the cave with a system of exercises to improve the health, and energy of his disciples. These exercises became the basis of Shaolin Kung Fu. Local physical culture, and mind cultivation methods, combined with these exercises to make up the complete art. The Northern Shaolin Style is a long range style. It emphasizes distance attacks with legs, and hands. It is famous for its spectacular kicks, and devastating long arm techniques. The movements are fluid, continuous , and powerful. The Northern Shaolin boxer uses distance, and footwork to avoid attacks, and deliver his powerful techniques. Floor work, joint locks, and escapes are important parts of the arsenal. The system teaches evasive footwork, strong stances, direct attack and defense, as well as whirling, and turning techniques. It also teaches empty hand, and weapon sets designed to further the skill and knowledge of the practitioner. The Northern Shaolin Style of Ku Yu Cheong. Master Ku Yu Cheong is one of the best known practitioners of martial arts in the world. Many of us are familiar with the pictures of the grandmaster breaking a stack of bricks, or having blocks broken over his head with a sledge hammer. Master Ku originally learned martial arts from his uncle, and his father. He then traveled throughout China to learn all that he could about the different methods of fighting. The grandmaster became famous for his iron hand, and iron body techniques. He was also and expert at the long spear. Gramdmaster Ku was chosen by his peers to introduce the northern style of Shaolin to the south of China. Along with four other expert martial artists, he traveled to Guangzhou in 1928 to organize a National Martial Arts Institute. They were known as the five tigers. The five tigers were tasked with restoring the glory of Chinese martial arts. While teaching he emphasized the kicking aspects of the art, and the long hand over the short. He placed great importance on delivering techniques to full extension, and not holding anything back. THE TEN EMPTY HAND SETS #1. Koy Moon (Opening the door) #2. Leng Low (Leading) #3. Jou Mah (Horse Stance) #4. Chum Sam (Strike the Heart) #5. Mo I (Martial Idea) #6. Tunda (Short Strike) #7. Moi Fa (Plum Flower) #8 Bot Bo (Shuffling Steps) #9. Lien Wa (Continuation) #10. Sik Fot (Skill in techniques) CHINESE BASIC WEAPONS Single Edge Sword Staff Spear Double Edge Sword MANY ADVANCED WEAPONS: Steel Whip Double Daggers 3-Section Staff BASIC NORTHERN SHAOLIN EXERCISES These are the most basic elements of the style. They are used to increase strength, speed , coordination and flexibility. They also improve basic technique, horse stance, and striking ability. ESSENTIALS OF THE STYLE Long range style with many long arm techniques along with kicks and sweeps. Most of the punches in the style are executed with a vertical fist. Each empty hand set develops an unique martial art theme. The style uses the legs extensively Joint locks and breaks combined with striking Floor work and falling practices Conditioning is of paramount importance in order to survive the style Considerable use of the palms

Home | Classes/ Contact | Wing Chun | Northern Shaolin | Tai Chi Chuan | Articles | Sifu | Photos | Links |

Copyright © 2003-2008, Portland Kung Fu Club

Contact/Comments/Questions:email---info@portlandkungfuclub.com

Web design by PKFC