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THE SYSTEM | THE TRADITION | TAI CHI | THE 24 ELEMENTS | OTHER SCHOOLS
The Northern Shaolim style of kung fu is one of the most
prominent traditional northern styles of Chinese martial
arts. The northern styles of kung-fu generally emphasize
long range techniques, quick advances and retreats, wide
stances, kicking and leaping techniques, whirling circular
blocks, quickness, agility, and aggressive attacks.
The system teaches empty-hand techniques and weaponry
through predetermined combinations, routines, or movement of
sets. The students learn the basics by practicing the
routines until the movements in the routines can be executed
naturally based on instinct. Then, two or multiple man sets
are practiced to train responses and applications of
techniques learned from the sets. The practice sets/routines
are not only practical in applications but are also graceful
and artistic in nature. The fluidness of the movements
combined with acrobatic techniques are trademarks of the
Northern Shaolim Kung-Fu sets.
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The Northern Shaolim style of Kung-Fu was made famous by the
late Grand Master Ku Yu Cheung. There are many legends about
the master. According to some related by his close students,
Master Ku's father was an accomplished exponent of the Tan
Toi (Snapping Kicks) Kung-Fu style. When he was young,
Master Ku traveled throughout Northern China to learn all
the northern kung-fu systems. He was renowned for his Iron
Palm techniques and the application of the long spear
weapon. He organized all his learnings into what is the
Northern Shaolim Kung Fu today.
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Master Ku was born in the late 1800s. He has been the head of a security
guard company a policy official and head instructor of major martial
arts institutes. Master Ku was recognized by the Chinese martial arts
community as having the most devastating Iron Palm techniques in the
history of Kung Fu. Master Ku taught many students, his eldest student
is Yen Zan Wu. Other close students are Lone Gee Cheung and Lau Kam
Tung. Master Yen Zan Wu was responsible for the wide spreading of the
art in Hong Kong. His students traveled throughout the world including
the United States. One of them, Master So Bin Yuen (Johnny So) taught
the art to Master Ken Hui here in Los Angeles. Master Ken Hui in turn
taught the art to Sifu Kisu who continues to pass on the tradition.
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