The Background of Northern Shaolim Kung-Fu
The Northern Shaolim style of Kung-Fu was made famous by the late Grand Master, Kuo Yee Cheung. There are many legends about the Master. According to some related by his close students, Master Kuo's father was an accomplished exponent of the Tan Toi (Snapping Kicks) Kung-Fu style. When he was young, Master Kuo travelled 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.
Master Kuo was born in the late 1800s. He has been the head of a security guard company, a policy official, and head instructor for major martial arts institutes.
Master Kuo was recognized by the Chinese martial arts community as having the most devastating Iron Palm technique in the history of Kung-Fu. Master Kuo 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 is responsible for the wide spreading of the art in Hong Kong. His students travelled throughout the world including the United States. One of them, Master Su Bin Yuen (Johnny So), taught the art in Los Angeles from 1974 to 1978. Kenneth Hui met Johnny in Los Angeles in 1975 and learned the style from him. Mr. So resided in New York and continued his teachings there, until his passing. Kisu Star learned the Northern Shaolim System from Kenneth Hui.
What is the Northern Shaolim Style/System of Kung-Fu?
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 jumping techniques, whirling circular blocks, quickness, agility, and aggressive attacks. The system teaches empty-hand techniques and weaponry through predetermined combinations, routines, or movement sets.
The students learn the basics by practicing the routines until the movements in the routines can be executed naturally based on instincts. 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.