Shaolin Wu-Yi Institite

Kung Fu

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Shaolin 5-Animals Kung Fu Hung Ga or Hongmenquan (Hong Family Fist)

The Shaolin 5-Animals Kung Fu style is a powerful and dynamic close range fighting art including 18-traditional weapons, wooden dummy forms (mook jong), rapid striking and trapping skills as well as many exciting classical empty hand forms.

Chinese martial arts are the oldest and most complete of the martial arts. Chinese Kung Fu began over 1,500 years ago and includes all aspects of fighting as well as internal training (Qigong) so that you can benefit from powerful fighting skills and Shaolin health and longevity methods that are great for flexibility, stamina, stress relief and muscle tone.  The two Kung Fu styles taught at SWYI Martial Arts in Plano are Shaolin Five Animals and Northern Long Fist. 

Southern 5-Animals Kung Fu

The Southern Shaolin Hung Ga taught at the SWYI Martial Arts school was passed down by the famous Master Chang Ke Chi who is the leading Five Animals

Hung Ga Master in Taiwan R.O.C. He is famous for teaching all of the 18-traditional Martial Arts Weapons and the Mook Jong Wooden Dummy as well as being the head of the Shaolin 5-Animals style passed down by Lin Jia Kun. Master Chang learned Hung Ga from Lin Jia Kun and went on to teach many of the top five animals kung fu masters in Taiwan including Master Chen Shuei Tsai. The Five Animals Hung Ga is different from the Lam Sai Wing branch of Hung Gar in that it teaches an individual form for each of the Shaolin five animals. In addition to the five animals forms there are the foundation forms of 18 Lohan Hands and Double Bow Fist as well as the combination forms Snake & Cat, Tiger & Dragon and Tiger & Crane as well as the rare Southern Eagle form among many others. 

Hung Ga is the chief of the five southern Shaolin martial arts styles. The other four family styles are Li Gar, Lau Gar, Mok Gar and Choy Gar. The Hung fist is by far the most widespread and popular of the southern martial arts with many unique branches recognized for their characteristic 5-Animals techniques. The various styles can be classified as “old style or village style” and “new style”.  The new style was passed down most popularly from Lam Sai Wing and Tang Fung. Some of the other branches of Hung Ga kung fu have been passed down by Leung Wah Chew “Four Lower Tigers Branch”, Wong Kiew Kit “Southern Shaolin Branch”, Yuen Yik Kai” Five Pattern Hung Fist” and Lin Jia Kun “Five Animals Hung Ga”. 

The 5-Animals kung fu taught at the Shaolin Wu-Yi Institute is the rare and powerful Lin Jia Kun branch of Hung Ga.

Lin Jia Kun arrived in Taiwan in 1946 bringing with him the Hung Ga he had learned  in Guangdong. While in Taiwan he taught his Hung Ga kung fu to Chang Ke Chi. Chang went on to teach countless students as well as all of the leading Shaolin 5-Animals Masters in Taiwan whose students have gone on to spread the style around the world. Chang also worked on numerous martial arts films from the 1960’s into the 1980’s and continues to promote and oversee the teaching of Five Animals Hung Ga as head of the Shaolin Hung Boxing Association in Taichung, Taiwan, ROC.

The Legacy of Lin Jia Kun: Chang Ke Chi and the Rare Treasures of Taiwanese Hung Gar

In the vibrant tapestry of martial arts, where traditions intertwine and lineages stretch back through generations, the name of Chang Ke Chi (張克治) stands out as a beacon of Shaolin 5-Animals Hongmenquan (Hung Gar) excellence. Hailing from Taiwan, Grandmaster Chang is not merely a practitioner of this venerable Southern Chinese martial art; he is a custodian of its rarest and most exquisite forms, a living link to the profound teachings of his master, the enigmatic Lin Jia Kun (林家坤). Their story is one of dedication, perseverance, and the preservation of a martial heritage that is as rich in history as it is potent in its application.

The Genesis of a Master: Chang Ke Chi (張克治) and the Encounter with Lin Jia Kun (林家坤).

Chang Ke Chi’s journey into the world of martial arts began in his youth, but it was his encounter with Lin Jia Kun that truly ignited his passion and set him on the path to mastery. Lin, a man shrouded in an aura of mystique, was a master of exceptional skill, his unique and expansive Hung Gar (洪家拳) style imbued with a depth and complexity that was rarely seen. He was a strict disciplinarian, demanding unwavering commitment from his students, but his dedication was matched by his profound knowledge and his willingness to impart the secrets of his art to those who proved worthy.

For Chang, it was a meeting of destiny. He recognized in Lin a teacher who could guide him to the highest levels of martial arts proficiency. He immersed himself in the rigorous training, absorbing every nuance of Lin’s teachings, and gradually, he began to unlock the treasures of this unique Hung Gar lineage.

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The Rare and Exquisite Forms: A Glimpse into Hung Gar’s Depths

The Hung Gar tradition passed down by Lin Jia Kun (林家坤) to Chang Ke Chi (張克治) is distinguished by its inclusion of rare and unique forms, each a testament to the art’s rich history and its multifaceted approach to combat. These forms, often neglected or lost in other Hung Gar lineages, represent the pinnacle of the style’s technical sophistication and its philosophical depth.

1. Snake and Cat: This form is a masterpiece of fluid transformation, seamlessly blending the sinuous movements of the snake with the agile strikes of the cat,

2.Tiger and Dragon: the ferocious power of the tiger, and the dynamic energy of the dragon. It embodies the Hung Gar principle of adapting to the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses, flowing like water to overcome any obstacle.

3. Crane and Monkey: A testament to the versatility of Hung Gar, this form combines the graceful balance and precise strikes of the crane with the unpredictable agility and deceptive tactics of the monkey. It emphasizes speed, agility, and the ability to strike from unexpected angles, keeping the opponent off balance and vulnerable.

It is a testament to the influence of the other powerful southern styles in practice at the time.

4.Dragon and Phoenix: This form is a poetic expression of the harmonious interplay between opposing forces. The dragon, representing power and dynamism, is balanced by the phoenix, symbolizing agility and skill. Together, they create a dance of attack and defense, a symphony of martial artistry.

5.Southern Eagle: This unique form blends the powerful grasping and striking techniques of the Southern Eagle emphasizing the big arm movements representing the eagles wings.

6.Drunken Fist: with the unpredictable movements and deceptive footwork of the drunken style. It is a testament to Hung Gar’s ability to incorporate diverse influences, creating a style that is both effective and visually captivating.

7. Buddhas Sacred Palm: This form is a treasure trove of powerful palm strikes, each imbued with the principles of Buddhist philosophy. It emphasizes the use of internal energy and precise hand techniques to deliver devastating blows, targeting vital points on the opponent’s body. The influence of the root of the Hong style “Tiger Taming Fist” is apparent.

8. Wooden Dummy: The Mook Jong, or wooden dummy, is an indispensable training tool in Taiwanese Hung Gar. It serves as a silent sparring partner, allowing practitioners to refine their techniques, develop their timing and precision, and cultivate the ability to generate power from any angle. While training the footwork, trapping skills, grips and body conditioning.

9. 18-Traditional Weapons: Taiwanese Hung Gar’s arsenal extends beyond empty-hand techniques to include a wide array of traditional Chinese weapons. From the staff and the broadsword to the butterfly knives and the three-section staff, each weapon has its own unique characteristics and its own set of techniques, further enriching the art’s vast repertoire.

10. Leopard (Panther): The Leopard form, with its explosive power and agile movements, focuses on developing muscular strength and speed.  It emphasizes short, sharp strikes and lightning-fast footwork, cultivating the ability to unleash bursts of power with precision.  This form builds the raw physical power necessary for effective Hung Gar techniques.

11.Snake: The Snake form, characterized by its fluid and sinuous motions, cultivates the flow of qi or internal energy.  It emphasizes smooth transitions, flexibility, and the ability to generate power from the core.  Through its flowing movements, the Snake form helps practitioners connect with their inner energy and channel it for martial applications.

12.Tiger: The Tiger form, renowned for its powerful stances and ferocious strikes, strengthens the bones and tendons.  It emphasizes grounded postures, powerful breathing, and the generation of force through the entire body. This form builds a strong foundation for Hung Gar techniques, cultivating both physical resilience and explosive power.

13.Crane: The Crane form, with its graceful movements and precise strikes, trains the jing, often translated as essence or vital energy. It emphasizes balance, coordination, and the ability to strike with pinpoint accuracy. The Crane form cultivates focus, mental clarity, and the efficient use of energy, refining both technique and intention.

14.Dragon: The Dragon form, characterized by its dynamic energy and flowing movements, cultivates the shen, or spirit. It emphasizes the integration of mind, body, and breath, fostering a strong will and unwavering focus.  The Dragon form cultivates a powerful presence and the ability to project confidence and authority, essential elements of a true martial artist.

15.Tiger & Crane: The Tiger & Crane form taught by Chen Shuei Tsai blends the raw power of the Tiger with the graceful precision of the Crane.  It emphasizes the interplay of hard and soft, powerful strikes and fluid movements, cultivating adaptability and the ability to respond effectively to different fighting styles.  This form embodies the Taiwanese Hung Gar principle of balancing opposing forces.

16.Iron Wire: The Iron Wire form of Lin Jia Kun, an advanced and internal form, focuses on developing Jing, a refined type of internal power.  It emphasizes isometric tension, controlled breathing, and the cultivation of a powerful “iron body.”  This form is crucial for developing the ability to generate and deliver powerful, focused strikes.

17.Monkey: The Monkey form is another specialty of Chang Ke Chi, with its unpredictable movements and deceptive tactics, the monkey cultivates agility, speed, and adaptability. It emphasizes unorthodox angles, quick changes of direction, and the ability to exploit openings in an opponent’s defense. The Monkey form adds an element of surprise and unpredictability to a Shaolin 5-Animals Hung Ga practitioner’s arsenal.

18.Fast Hands: Kuai Shou, a form characterized by powerful attacks and quick deceptive movements favoring the techniques of the tiger and leopard styles. The form is especially known for powerful hand strikes and quick agile footwork.

19.Black Leopard:  The Black Leopard form, a more obscure and often less taught form, emphasizes speed, agility, and stealth.  It combines elements of the Leopard form with a focus on quick and deceptive movements, cultivating the ability to strike from unexpected angles and overwhelm opponents with a flurry of attacks. This form emphasizes efficiency of motion and the ability to close distance quickly. It was a form Chen Shuei Tsai was known to hold in high regard.

The Essence of Hung Gar: Beyond Technique

While the rare forms and the mastery of weapons are undoubtedly impressive, the true essence of Shaolin 5-Animals Hongmenquan “Hong Family Style” (Taiwanese Hung Gar) lies beyond the physical techniques. It is a martial art that cultivates not only physical prowess but also mental fortitude, unwavering discipline, and a deep understanding of the principles of combat.

Shaolin 5-Animals Hung Gar emphasizes the development of internal energy, or “chi,” which is believed to be the source of health, longevity and true power. Through rigorous training and meditation, practitioners learn to harness this energy, channeling it to enhance their strikes, their blocks, and their overall fighting ability.

Furthermore, Lin Jia Kun’s Hung Ga instills in its practitioners a strong moral code, emphasizing the importance of using their skills for good and the protection of others, never for aggression or personal gain. It is a martial art that cultivates character, promoting humility, respect, and a commitment to justice.

Chang Ke Chi: A Custodian of Tradition, A Pioneer of Innovation

Grandmaster Chang Ke Chi (張克治) stands as a shining example of a martial artist who has not only mastered the traditions of his art but has also contributed to its evolution. He is a dedicated teacher, passing on the rare treasures of his lineage to a new generation of Hung Gar martial arts practitioners in Plano, TX and throughout the world.

His dedication to preserving the legacy of Lin Jia Kun (林家坤) is evident in his meticulous attention to detail and his unwavering commitment to the original principles of the art. He ensures that his students not only learn the techniques but also understand the deeper meaning behind them, the philosophical and historical context that gives Hung Gar its unique character.

However, Chang is not simply a preserver of the past. He is also a pioneer, constantly seeking to refine and improve his art, exploring new applications for traditional techniques, and adapting Hung Gar to the challenges of modern combat. He embodies the true spirit of martial arts, which is to constantly evolve and adapt while staying true to its roots. Chang was know to continually take challenge matches in the parks of Taipei to test and sharpen his martial arts skills.

The Future of Hung Gar: A Legacy of Excellence

The story of Chang Ke Chi and Lin Jia Kun is a testament to the enduring power of martial arts traditions. It is a story of dedication, perseverance, and the passing down of knowledge from one generation to the next. It is a story that inspires and motivates, reminding us of the transformative potential of martial arts practice.

As Grandmaster Chang continues to teach and inspire, the legacy of Lin Jia Kun (林家坤) lives on, not only in the rare and exquisite forms that have been preserved but also in the countless students whose lives have been touched by the profound teachings of this unique Hung Gar lineage. The future of Hung Gar is bright, guided by the wisdom of the past and the innovation of the present, ensuring that this venerable martial art continues to thrive for generations to come through the martial arts classes held all over the world from Taiwan to Plano, Texas.

The Legend Continues

The Hung Gar lineage passed down from Lin Jia Kun (林家坤) to Chang Ke Chi (張克治) is a treasure trove of martial arts knowledge, a testament to the depth and complexity of this venerable style. The rare and unique forms, the emphasis on internal energy, and the strong moral code all contribute to making this Hong Family Kung Fu (Hung Gar) tradition truly exceptional.

Grandmaster Chang Ke Chi (張克治), as a custodian of this tradition and a pioneer of its evolution, stands as a shining example of martial arts excellence, ensuring that the legacy of Lin Jia Kun (林家坤) continues to inspire and empower generations of practitioners.

From China to Taiwan to Texas

The Legacy of Lin Jia Kun & Chen Shuei Tsai, A Tapestry of Hung Gar Influence

The story of Shaolin Hongmenquan (Taiwanese Hung Gar) in Taiwan, and its eventual transmission to Plano, Texas, is a fascinating example of how martial arts lineages can travel across continents and generations, carrying with them not only physical techniques but also the spirit and philosophy of their origins.  While the lineage of Lin Jia Kun (林家坤) and his student Chang Ke Chi (張克治) represents a unique and precious branch of Hung Gar, it’s important to acknowledge the broader context of Taiwanese Hung Gar and the influential figures who helped shape its landscape, including the late Grandmaster Chen Shuei Tsai.  This lineage played a significant role in bringing Taiwanese Hung Gar to the West, impacting figures like Silvio Azzolini and ultimately influencing the martial arts scene in Plano, Texas.

Chen Shuei Tsai, a towering figure in the Taiwanese martial arts world, served as the chief master of the Taipei Chinese Kung Fu Association during the 1970s and 1980s. His influence on the development and promotion of Chinese martial arts in Taiwan was profound. Chen’s presence and leadership undoubtedly contributed to the environment in which Hung Gar flourished on the island.  It’s within this context that we can trace the thread of Hung Gar influence that eventually reached the west and finally Plano, TX.

Silvio Azzolini, a name synonymous with martial arts in North Texas, was a student and disciple of Chen Shuei Tsai.  A Kung Fu movie star in his own right, Azzolini became a pioneer of Chinese martial arts in North Texas during the 1980s.  He brought with him not only his considerable skills but also the passion and dedication he had learned from his master.  Azzolini’s training under Chen Shuei Tsai exposed him to the broader spectrum of martial arts, including Northern Shaolin Long Fist handed down to Chen from the Great Fan Chi Sau (范之孝). These two powerful Shaolin Kung Fu styles provided a rock solid set of martial arts skills in Azzolini, such as powerful stances, dynamic movements, and the cultivation of internal energy. This foundation, combined with his own martial arts journey, informed his teaching and ultimately influenced his students in Texas.

Travis Alschbach, the founder of the Shaolin Wu-Yi Institute in Plano, Texas, is a direct student of Silvio Azzolini beginning his training under Azzolini in 1989. Alschbach’s institute has become a prominent training facility, producing numerous Kung Fu and Tai Chi grand champions, as well as MMA and submission grappling gold medalists.  This success is a testament to Alschbach’s own dedication and the strong foundation he received from Azzolini.  While the Shaolin Wu-Yi Institute encompasses a wide range of martial arts, the influence of Azzolini’s training, which was in turn shaped by Chen Shuei Tsai, can be seen in the emphasis on fundamental principles, proper body mechanics, and the development of practical fighting skills.

The Institute is one of only a few in the USA representing the lineage of Lin Jia Kun’s Hung Gar, the influence of Taiwanese martial arts, has undeniably contributed to the martial arts landscape in Plano, Texas.

Chang Ke Chi’s lineage represented by the contributions of figures like Chen Shuei Tsai and his students, such as Silvio Azzolini, demonstrate the broader context of Hung Gar’s presence in Taiwan and its impact on the martial arts community in North Texas.  This lineage contributed immensely to the overall richness and diversity of martial arts training in the region.  The story of the Taiwanese 5-Animals martial arts style in Plano is thus a multifaceted one, reflecting the interconnectedness of martial arts traditions and the enduring century-spanning legacy of influential teachers like Lin Jia Kun, Chen Shuei Tsai, Silvio Azzolini, and Travis Alschbach that continues to thrive today at the Shaolin Wu-Yi Institute martial arts school in Plano, TX.

Shaolin Long Fist Kung Fu (Changquan)

Long Fist is one of the most popular and widespread styles of kung Fu specializing in long range fighting using agile footwork and powerful striking combinations often utilized in kickboxing. Long Fist also includes many exciting fighting forms and weapons that offer increased speed, flexibility & stamina.

Long Fist Kung Fu, known for its emphasis on fluid movements, effective striking, and strategic footwork, offers numerous benefits for sparring and self-defense. This martial art highlights the importance of practical fundamental striking techniques, enabling practitioners to develop powerful punches, kicks, and a range of other striking tools. The integrated training allows students to adapt their techniques in real-time during sparring matches, honing their skills to respond with precision and speed. The fluidity of movements taught in Long Fist enhances a fighter’s ability to bridge distances and create openings against an opponent, making the transition between attack and defense seamless.

Northern Shaolin Long Fist Kung Fu at SWYI Martial Arts has been passed down by the great Master Fan Chi Sau (1911-1991) who began his training at the age of five under the guidance of his Grandfather Fan Zhen Bang. He went on to be accepted at the well known Nanjing National Martial Arts Academy (Nanjing Guosu Institute) where he trained under the preeminent Masters of the 1800’s including Yang Cheng Fu (Yang Tai Chi) and Li Jing Lin (Sword Saint). His classmates include Fu Shu Yuen who introduced Chinese martial arts to the world at the 1936 Olympic Games, Chang Tung Sheng (Chinese Wrestling King) and the Great Han Ching Tang teacher or grand teacher of many of the greatest living Masters of today!

The footwork training inherent in Long Fist Kung Fu is another critical advantage, as it mirrors the principles found in other combat sports, such as San Da, MMA and kickboxing. The focus on agile movement allows practitioners to evade strikes, close gaps, and reposition themselves effectively, which is essential in dynamic fighting or sparring scenarios. This emphasis on mobility and positioning cultivates not only offensive capabilities but also enhances defensive awareness, providing a solid foundation for real-world self-defense situations. Additionally, the cross-training similarities with other martial arts like San Da and kickboxing enable practitioners to incorporate a diverse range of techniques, ensuring versatility in their skill set. Overall, Long Fist Kung Fu equips individuals with the necessary tools to navigate the complexities of sparring and self-defense effectively.

Northern Shaolin Long Fist

The Enduring Legacy: Tracing the Martial Arts Lineage of Fan Chi Sau

The martial arts world is rich with lineages, each a thread connecting past masters to present-day practitioners.  One lineage of hat extends from imperial China to Plano, TX is the lineage stemming from Fan Zhaoling (1865-1956), a lineage that has branched and flourished, carrying his martial arts legacy through generations.

Fan Zhaoling, a figure of considerable historical significance, laid the foundation for this lineage.  He was a skilled martial artist who passed his knowledge to subsequent generations.

His son, Fan Chijing (1885-1956), continued the family’s martial arts tradition.  This transmission of knowledge from father to son is a cornerstone of many martial arts lineages, ensuring the preservation and evolution of techniques and principles. 

The lineage then passes to Fan Chi Sau (范之孝) (1911-1991).  This generation represents a crucial link, bridging the traditional practices of the past with the more modern era.  Fan Zhi Xiao’s role in shaping the lineage and the specific arts he practiced is a key area as he was a graduate and later instructor of the famous Nanjing Guosu Institute which was founded in 1928 and produced the greatest Kung Fu Masters of modern times.

A significant point in this lineage’s journey occurs with Chen Shuei Tsai (1957-2003).  Chen Shuei Tsai’s connection to the Fan family lineage is vital.  He is a key figure in bringing this lineage to greater prominence, particularly in the West.  His dedication to the martial arts and his role in transmitting the knowledge he received are essential to understanding the lineage’s spread.  It is through teachers like Chen Shuei Tsai that these traditions are kept alive and passed on to new generations of students.

From Chen Shuei Tsai, the lineage extends to Silvio Azzolini.  Azzolini, as a student of Chen Shuei Tsai, becomes a direct inheritor of this Northern Shaolin lineage.  His dedication to the arts and his role in teaching and preserving the knowledge he received are crucial to the continuation of the lineage.

Finally, we arrive at Travis Alschbach, a student of Silvio Azzolini.  Alschbach represents the current generation actively involved in the lineage teaching martial arts classes in Plano, TX.  His commitment to martial arts training and teaching ensures that the knowledge and skills passed down through the generations continue to thrive at his martial arts school in Plano, TX.

 

The story of Fan Zhaoling’s martial arts lineage is a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the dedication of those who carry it forward.  It is a story that continues to unfold as each generation learns, practices, and contributes to the ongoing evolution of these martial arts.