Legends of Shaolin (con't)

When the Manchu's invaded China in 1664 and established the Ching government, supporters of the overthrown Ming dynasty sought refuge at Shaolin. Behind the temple walls, they plotted to restore the Ming Dynasty. As a result, the Manchus outlawed Kung Fu practice and soldiers are said to have destroyed the temple in fear of rebellion in the 18th Century. The legendary burning of the monastery is the beginning of "Hung Gar" style kung fu.


Hung Gar Kung Fu

It is believed that among those who escaped the burning temple were Shaolin abbot Chee Sin and his disciple Hung Hee Koon. Hung is said to have combined the monk's "Tiger" techniques with the softer "Crane" movements that he had learned from his wife, Fong Wing Chun. This resulted in a more balanced style which we call "Hung Gar" (Hung's Family) kung fu. By the early 1800's, the Ching Dynasty had lifted the ban on kung fu training. With another pupil under the monk Chee Sin, named Look Ah Choy, the two former disciples emerged from hiding and established kung fu schools. Look Ah Choy's most famous student was Wong Tai, from whom we can trace our school's lineage.


Choy Li Fut

One of the most popular systems in Asia, "Choy Li Fut" is famous for it's combination of hard and soft techniques, speed and balance with power and extension.

A martial artist named Chan Heung founded the style in 1836. Chan learned from several Shaolin martial artists including a fighting monk named Choy Gook. After spending 20 years perfecting his kung fu, Chan put together a new style that would soon become famous as a revolutionary fighting system. Chan named it Choy Li Fut in honor of his two instructors. The word "fut," which means Buddha, is in respect to the Shaolin monastery where they had studied.

The oppression by the Manchurians of the Ching dynasty spawned rebel forces. Chan Heung was amongst them who taught martial arts to the secret society with rebellious goals against the Imperial Army. Although Choy Li Fut is classified as a Southern Chinese kung fu system (originating in Kwong Tung), Chan's instructor Choy Fook came from the Northern Shaolin temple. This actually makes Choy Li Fut a combination of northern and southern styles.