Kung-Fu Styles of the Chinese Kung-Fu Club
Northern Northern Shaolin
Kung-Fu is widely considered to be the Father of all Chinese Kung-Fu.
It developed at the five major ancient temples in China as a result
of the great teachings of Bodhidharma. Throughout time, many of
the temples have been destroyed and only one still remains. Traditional
Northern Shaolin Kung-Fu is of Buddhist descent and many Buddhist beliefs
are integrated into the study of the art. Northern Shaolin monks worked
within the temples while studying Kung-Fu. Most cared only to
use their Kung-Fu in self-defense when it was necessary to defend
their temple or their master.
Over time, countless separate styles
and subsystems have branched off of the Northern Shaolin system and philosophy.
Students of Kung-Fu are known for their good deeds, energetic
public service, and inspiration as positive role models. Northern
Kung-Fu is known for its fluid and powerful kicks, sweeping techniques,
and lightning-fast long-range movements. It also has characteristics
of long-range hand and foot methodology in addition to an arsenal
of ground fighting techniques. Movements are graceful as well
as extremely powerful.
The Praying
Mantis style of Chinese Kung-Fu imitates the deadly attack and
defense techniques of the aggressive mantis insect. The original
Praying Mantis style was introduced to the Northern Shaolin Temple some
700 years ago. Four masters of Kung-Fu outside of Northern Shaolin brought
their mantis style to the temple. Each of these disciples claimed
that their style was superior to the rest. To settle the dispute,
the disciples descended into the forest to refine their distinct
mantis style.
Four distinct mantis systems evolved and were named
after the unique markings on the back of the mantis upon which
each style was based. The first had the appearance of seven dots
and was subsequently called Shi Shing (chi-ching) Mantis. The
second had markings of the plum flower blossom and was thereafter
known as Plum Flower Mantis. The third system's mantis had no
markings on its back and was therefore known as Kwong Pan Mantis.
The fourth mantis had the peculiar markings of the Yin and Yang
symbol and was named Tai Tsoi Mantis. Tai Tsoi Mantis, also known
as Tai Praying Mantis is one of the least known of the original
four mantis styles. It is considered, however, to be the most
effective of all ancient martial arts styles practiced in the
world today.
Founded in 1979 by Sifu Arthur Berry, the Chinese Kung-Fu Club
of DeKalb, Illinois follows the teachings of Grand Master Chin
Ho Yin in its interpretation and application of the ancient art
of Chinese Kung-Fu. Sifu Berry Studied 7 years of Tai Praying
Mantis Kung-Fu and Chinese Boxing. He also studied 7 years of
Northern Shaolin Kung-Fu and studied with a great Buddhist Shaolin
Monk of the Shaolin Temple in China. The school focuses on the
distinct styles of Northern Shaolin and Tai Praying Mantis Kung-Fu.
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