Martial Arts Gathering 2007.

[Eric Ling]

Hi everybody,

Want to take this opportunity here to announce an event scheduled to take place in Kuching Sarawak September 2007.

This is a Sarawak Tourism Ministry endorsed event to showcase traditional fighting arts called Martial Arts Gathering 2007 or MAG2007 in short.

In a nutshell this event:-

• Will bring together some of the rarest Kung Fu and Silats still in existence in SE Asia. There is a certain urgency to bring attention and preserve them before they disappear totally into oblivion. We have been working hard in locating and convincing many of the old Masters to participate in this event. (I posted clips in Wu Lin I Jia thread describing some of these art forms).

• Provide all participants an exceptional opportunity to interact and learn from these Masters, many of them breaking with traditions to work with us in this respect.

• Congregate all those passionate about traditional MAs to work together to look for answers to question regarding histories, theories and principles of traditional fighting systems.

Besides local Masters, we have also invited Masters and friends from around the world to come and share their research and experience.

In fact, Gene Ching (Kung Fu magazine) is one of our invited guests for this event. Presently, I am working out the details of Gene and Kung Fu Magazine’s involvement. At the very least, Kung Fu Magazine will be the exclusive magazine to cover activities leading up to and the event itself.

We also have, more or less, confirmed the attendance of:-

• Sifu Liu Chang I, Feeding Crane Taiwan.
• Russ Smith and his Sensei , Okinawa Goju Ryu.
• Evert Van De Meulen , Hungga.
• Martin Watts and his Yong Chun White Crane family.

I am hoping to hear Robert Hui (Mantis108) confirmation soon.

Besides the above folks, we have arranged for a good assortment of Masters from Singapore, East and West Malaysia spanning a variety of styles to come and share their skills.

Again I want to highlight that this is more than a demonstration of traditional MAs.

Spread over 3 days, the central concept is to get all to “touch hands”.

Please treat this as an invitation to come visit Sarawak and play this September.

I am preparing a dedicated website to provide all the details.

Warmest Regards.

Eric

[GeneChing]

From what Eric has shared with me so far, this looks like it'll be a remarkable event. I'm hoping that it all works out so I can attend.

[BruceSteveRoy]

hi eric, i was curious is there a website for this event? it sounds very interesting.

[Eric Ling]

hi eric, i was curious is there a website for this event? it sounds very interesting.


Yes, a website is under construction even as we speak..

For now I just want to provide some snapshots of the styles and some Masters who are planned to appear in this event.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGBM_bmC2_A

This is not final but we have got, at this time:-

• Hakka boxing – 3 different Chu Gar lines. 2 tigers and 1 praying mantis.
• Southern Praying Mantis Fan Zhuang.
• WuZu or 5 Ancestors. I got folks from Kan Teck Guan’s line and I hope to confirm GM Chee Kim Thong’s Wuzu participation.
• Fong Yang Kung Fu.
• Hungga
• Choy Li Fut
• Chow Gar
• Buddhist Grand Ancestor Boxing
• Southern Grand Ancestor Boxing
• Tibetian White Crane
• Wing Chun
• Fuzhou Whooping Crane from 2 separate lines
• Yong Chun White Crane
• Feeding Crane
• Ancestral Crane
• Shaolin White Crane
• Dragon Tiger Zhuang
• Southern Fukien Shaolin / Lohan



The above is in no way exhaustive as we are still talking to many Masters from other styles to grace this event.

Plus we have many non-Chinese styles to be included, namely Malay silats and Indian fighting arts.

I will keep updating here.

Warmest Regards.

Eric

[forever3821]

do you have any idea of the location of the event, new york or cali?:D

[Ozzy Dave]

Hi Eric,

I'd like to say you're doing a fantastic thing for TMA. I'm new to the board but have viewed some of your clips in other threads - just brilliant stuff to watch these old masters and not so old masters!

I'll be watching for more details of the Sarawak event, it sounds like an exciting opportunity to see so many TMA in one place and its not that far from Oz.

Cheers and beers

Dave

[gojumaster]

forever3821

do you have any idea of the location of the event, new york or cali?:D

The location is Kuching, Sarawak.

Best Regards,

Russ Smith

[Eric Ling]

AAaaarrrrggggghhhh, the youtube clip above is not loading properly again……..

Here's the new link :- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmK4rjMDJIY

Okay, first I just want to thank all of you for your messages including those of who wrote private messages offering assistance… “THANK YOU”.

Now I am going to try & answer some your questions; watch out folks, I will be rambling a little here.

Why am I doing this ?

I love traditional fighting arts, pure and simple.

I grew up doing CKF. My dad and uncles are all White Crane boxers in their own rights and besides running the family business, they were all CKF. This was a much simpler time in Singapore when many immigrant Chinese were still tied, culturally at least, to the motherland. Folks work hard to uphold their cultural identities. Some of you younger folks might not know this but “Chinese New Year” was a enormous thing when I was a kid and many Kung Fu folks took center stage during the 15 days of celebrations with their prancing lions, dragons, KayLum and kung fu display everywhere.

I guess many took the arts for granted, thinking perhaps that it will perpetuate even if left to it own accords.

The 70s was an exciting time for CKF with Hong Kong churning out kung fu movies conveyor belt style. Every other movie was a kung fu movie. Very little plot but all actions and some very good traditional kung fu, if I may add.

This was also the time that you find all sorts of kung fu related books and magazines coming out of Hong Kong, Taiwan and even Malaysia. Personally, I see the 70s and 80s as the “golden era” of CKF in my part of the world.

Everybody wanted to do CKF and you won’t believe the number of schools back then in Singapore. It was like every roof top was a Kung Fu school of some kind and really you are totally spoilt for choice. Those of you who were there in the 70s and 80s will know exactly what I mean. I remember, on a typical training night, you would find hundreds of students training in Chin Woo Singapore, a few blocks away from Chinatown’s People Park Complex…senior folks doing Tai Chi, Pak Kwa and younger folks doing all styles of Northern Arts.

I spoke about this before elsewhere; it was also during this time that every Sunday mornings, Kung Fu high-hands would gather in a place called McRitchie Reservoir and play…

I cannot remember the number of Sunday mornings I spent, wide-eyed watching these folks do their Praying Mantis, Lup Hup, Hsing I, Eagle claw, Shandong Leopard boxing, Weituo and even Northern Moslem Kung Fu.

It was also at this same place that I met a group of Northern Lohan boxers who left me with deep impressions till this day….

Well, things took a different turn for CKF from the 90s onward, in SE Asia at least. For various reasons, CKF lost its place with most people gradually and steadily.

To keep a long story short, you need to look pretty hard today in Singapore to find authentic traditional CKF club. Most schools are defunct and many Masters are now teaching privately in their own homes or small places.

Many clan associations would have a symbolic lion/dragon troop with hardly any real kung fu training involved.

Sarawak, on the other hand, has always been a comparatively insulated country. Self-sufficient in many ways, with her rich natural resources, it was never really part of any mainstream CKF scene.

Many Chinese Kung Fu Masters here are satisfied with just keeping the arts intact within families and clans.

For me, discovering these Masters and their arts is like reliving my childhood thrill all over again. A feeling that I hope to share with all of you….

The downside is that without support, many of these Masters would not be able to sustain and many would suffer the same fate as I’ve witnessed over the years in Singapore.

With a group of colleagues and friends, we decided that something needs to be done now to avert anymore erosion of these art forms.

This coming event hopes to bring attention and support towards preservation.

Personally, I don’t wish to see these arts die out and become statistics in the archives of CKF.

This event aims to bring CKF lovers from all over to congregate and interact and share to work out projects to keep the arts alive.

Humbly, I think it would an excellent opportunity to start preservation and rejuvenation.

Not to mention that Sarawak is a gorgeous place to spend some vacation time. I will do up a photo-slide show of Kuching to give you an idea.

And ooops before I forget, I will buy the Carlsbergs….

Warmest Regards.

Eric


Errrhhh, please pardon my jerky English. I am more comfortable with letting my body do the talking….

[Firehawk4]

What kind of strange Wing Chun do you have over there ?

[Eric Ling]

Hi everybody,

Firehawk4, don’t know enough to say what’s strange or not...

This I do know; a Kung Fu friend here is getting me in touch with this group in Malaysia:- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXtXdVPwQp8

I would be in West Malaysia soon to talk to several different schools there about their involvement.

From there I would be heading down to Singapore to do the same.

I mentioned that I am acquainted with Master Ku, Chu Gar Wng Chun. I will be seeing him regarding coming out to Sarawak this September.

Well, like I said, I will be updating here….

Warmest Regards.

Eric

[hasayfu]

Eric,

Just wanted to jump on the band wagon and wish you great succes on this momentous event. I'm usually in Johor in August but wo't be able to stay till Sept. (Kids have to get back to school) I'll just have to live vicariously through Gene and your youtube postings.

I find that Malaysia is a vestige of TCMA (CKF). You know Singapore better then me but I still remember the Lion Dance competion on Orchard Road (Takashima?). So many clubs (7 days of straight comps) and while maybe more modern, they still practice many of the traditions. (fun to see all the bai san on the streets)

I've also met a few traditional masters in Johor/JB and Chinese New Year is great with celebration. Though I share your observation that the new generation is losing touch with the culture. When I first went to Malaysia in 94, CNY was a full 2 weeks. If you didn't stock up on food, you could only find Muslim restaurants open. Now, I think it lasts about 3 days.

The same is happening in Hong Kong though the office of tourism is trying to revive it with the weekly Kung Fu Gok (KF Corner) they host in Kowloon park.

Terima Kasih

[Eric Ling]

Hi everybody,

Hasayfu, SAMA SAMA …..

Could you try and tweak your schedule a little and hop over to Kuching; it’s only 1 ½ hours away from Johor – connecting flights from Senai is so convenient these days.

Well, spent this whole Sunday with a group of Kung Fu high hands here to talk about the gathering.

I want to take this time to express my gratitude to Sifu Yokar Tan of Chin Woo Sarawak for making this session possible.

I met with Master Chang Kui Chang from Buddhist Grand Ancestor Boxing. I was really looking forward to the encounter because Grand Ancestor Boxing is one of the arts that I do.

Master Chong’s style is really an eye-opener. I thought I saw traces of Northern elements in his moves. To me, his “Buddhist” portion is reflected in the Lohan flavor laced movements found throughout the entire form.

This is thrilling to me because according to all records, Grand Ancestor or Tai Zu Quan started in Northern China and found its way down South. Could Master Chong’s Tai Zu be the predecessor of my Tai Zu? A sort of “half-way” version before it evolved to the style that I learned? Aaaaarrrggghhhh another ghost ……

Master Chong was kind enough to do a beginner’s form for the camera and later explained the fighting concepts that distinguish this art form. Simply put, no-nonsense fighting; remove all obstructions and penetrate swiftly, again reminding me of Shaolin Lohan boxing.

He also did a very remarkable “Wanderer’s Staff” form from his Tai Zu.

This Master is so versatile that he went on to describe his Praying Mantis, tiger, dragon, crane and phoenix kung fu.

So when I say Sarawak s full of “hidden dragons”, I am simply stating a fact. I am going to meet this Master for more sessions to “steal” his art hahahaha ….

Kung Fu folks around here are still sticklers to traditions.

Since I requested for a demo, its protocol that I do some Kung Fu first. A case of show me yours before I’ll show you mine.

So in the clip, you got yours truly doing a Whooping Crane form first … http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4cRgutBbjI
And I thought I could get away with just watching!

Warmest Regards.

Eric

[Hendrik]

Hi everybody,

Firehawk4, don’t know enough to say what’s strange or not...

This I do know; a Kung Fu friend here is getting me in touch with this group in Malaysia:- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXtXdVPwQp8

Warmest Regards.

Eric

Eric,

The clip looks like HK WCK lineage....


Best Regards
Hendrik

[Firehawk4]

Is Master Chongs Southern Mantis and Phoenix Kung Fu Related to the style called Chuka Shaolin Phoenix Eye Fist ?

[Eric Ling]

Hi everybody,

Firehawk4, apparently not.

Got to be careful with this; the one thing I’ve learned these last couple of years working with all the Hakka Masters around here is that “Chu” is a very widespread Hakka name.

So if you are in Sarawak and your family name is Chu, Chong, Bong, Ching or even Fong, chances are you’re Hakka or Kek (in dialect).

So if your style has got a “ChuGar” in front, it does not necessarily imply identicalness with other “ChuGar” kung fu; you got to look for verification besides the names.

According to Master Chong, his animal style is Hakka in origin but leaning towards “Daoist” philosophy.

His “crane” looks very recognizable to me though; the returning “flapping” palms is found in almost all Fuzhou cranes. We do it in the “whipping” staccato manner; his is more “fluid”.

Got a clip here showing Master Chong doing a portion of his 5 Animals.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeepwEK7yDE

The second portion of the clip is really interesting. Something that is not regularly done these days; training with heavy weapons.

And folks, I mean HEAVY.

The “kwan dao” you see Sifu Yokar Tan handles weigh a solid 28 kg.

I was having problem lifting and walking around with that thing much less do a form.

I was told that they have a competition coming up in March using heavy weapons. Some weighs as much as 40 kg….

I tell you that I will definitely be there, in the audience, enjoying my Carlsberg.

I am absolutely going no where near these monster weapons.

No way Jose!

I will stick to my light & handy “butterfly knives”….

Warmest Regards.

Eric
.

[Firehawk4]

Thanks Eric I understand .

[Eric Ling]

Hi everybody,

Taking a break from kung fu here ….

We had, here in Kuching today, a special kind of street parade – “deity” parade. Many Chinese temples would do this once a year; they set deity idols on sedan chairs and together with devotees, a street procession follows with much joviality.

The street march would generally entail lions, dragons, fish dances from kung fu schools. Today’s parade also saw marching bands, Chinese-opera groups and even some kids from folk-dance classes making the whole event even more vibrant.

In the clip, you will first see some of these groups paying their respect in front of the temple.

From there they proceed on to the planned itinerary. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnxiSd6SYIQ

This being the monsoons season, it rained right after the parade started but this did not put off the participants.

The show went on ……

Me? I was looking for shelter to continue shooting footages…maybe it’s time to source for a water-resistant, all terrains and shock-proof camera.

That or remember to bring an umbrella.

Warmest Regards on a {now you’ll believe me} wet wet wet day.

Eric

[Ozzy Dave]

Hi Eric,

Nice Clip.

Is the first Lion shown a "WuZhu" Lion?

Cheers

Dave

[Eric Ling]

Hi everybody,

Really must talk about this; the future “dragons” of CKF here in Sarawak.

Some of you might be aware that I work closely with Master Liew Kao Chye’s “Chinese Martial Arts Association” here in Kuching.

This school is currently managed by Mr. Chester Lim, a very strong advocate of Chinese culture.

Under Chester’s leadership, the school has produced quite a few Wushu champions in Malaysia.

This school is exceptional in that they place emphasis on traditional and competition Wushu.

Most of the athletics are experienced in both.

At the same time, they are also very active in lion and dragon dancing.

In fact they were at the parade yesterday, marching and dancing in the rain….

I tell you I really admire the kids; full of gusto and always adopting the never-say-die attitude even under challenging circumstances.

To them, I am simply “Uncle Ling” and I love the camaraderie every time I am with them.

Honestly, when I look at these kids, I am thinking there is hope after all.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRkpQV7h-V8

Chester, if you are reading this; Well-Done …….

And don’t forget that we got a show to do this September.

Warmest regards on another wet wet wet day (when is this rain going to stop?)

Eric

[Eric Ling]

Hi Eric,

Nice Clip.

Is the first Lion shown a "WuZhu" Lion?

Cheers

Dave

Dave, no lion expert here but that I believe is "Hakka" lion ...

Warmest Regards. :)
Eric

[Eric Ling]

Now for some really sleek Silat; Penjak Silat from Jawa Timur.

Exactly the kind we want to brng to you this September.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rp7OpfecaZM


Warmest Regards.


Eric

[Eric Ling]

Hi everybody,

Something else that you can expect to see this September in Kuching Sarawak; Indian Fighting Arts.

Got a clip here showing some stick fighting from Silambam.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrftpWU7Zuc

This brings back something that a good friend and fellow MA scholar said years ago; bond between Shaolin and Indian fighting arts is more liable to be found in stick fighting than the commonly supposed “Shaolin Lohan Boxing”.

I am not about to conclude that but the more I look at Indian stick fighting, the more I am persuaded that my friend was right.

Warmest Regards.

Eric

[Eric Ling]

Hi everybody,

Here the photo-slide show of Kuching that I mentioned in my earlier message; most pics taken before the parade.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-64N5Exrpu4

Kuching is a lot more than what’s depicted here so over the next few weeks……

Got another clip here of my Whooping Crane’s Sihing; some of you might have seen this in Russ Smith’s (Gojumaster) website.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Mo8Q3BQoH8

I am getting my Sihing to be here in September even if I need to bundle him and Fedex him over…

Hendrix, if you reading this; I think my Sihing exudes “stillness” better than anyone I know in Whooping Crane.

A splendid practitioner with very deep knowledge of “Crane” fighting, he is someone I really look up to even after all these years…

Anyway, got a few more appointments to meet some Masters here in the next couple of days; looks like my timetable is full again.

Better do some Carlsberg now before I meet them.

Warmest Regards.

Eric.

[hasayfu]

Bagus!

Eric, the footage you are providing is a cultural treasure. Keep it up.

I know what you mean about "exchanging." I remember the first Sifu I met in Johor. It was one of my first trips to Malaysia and my wife's uncle takes me to meet his Sifu. I'm in shorts and sandals (typical Malaysian wear) and he asked me to show stuff. The sandals I was wearing were too big and it was so weird trying to not have them fly off. Not to mention it was 90 degrees and lots of mosquitos wanting to get some tasty American blood.

Your video of you demonstrating brought back fond memories.

I'm curious if you ever meet any sifu in Perak. I met someone from there and he says that it has the oldest ties to CMA because of the Tin industry. He mentioned a style or type of CMA called Poe-Ket (sp?) It is supposed to be a pure fighting style but I didn't get much else.

Kasih.

[Eric Ling]

Hi everybody,

Hasayfu, terima kasih.

Many older CKF folks around this part refer to their arts as “pok kik” instead of “Gung Fu”.

Strictly speaking, “Gung Fu” means “effort” or generic “skills”.

Equating “Gung Fu” or “Kung Fu” to “Martial Arts” is really a more “Western” thing. But these days, everybody’s doing it so…..

My folks are originally from Ipoh Perak. If you go to “Sitiawan” there, you would find primarily Fuzhou Chinese. I still got uncles, aunties and cousins there.

What’s your Sifu’s name?

Read in your profile that you listed “Hungga” as your style.

Got a clip here for you; I posted a portion not too long ago and here’s the entire “Fook Fu” or “Intercepting Tiger” form.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dogeDzBImHs

The young Sifu is Lum Chee Keong from Sibu Sarawak. Sifu Lum (Cantonese for Ling) studied with his dad.

Lum senior did Hungga with 3 different teachers in Canton before coming to Sarawak.

Lum junior, like my Siheng, is small-built and yet, like my Siheng again, they are able to emanate “jin” or “geng” that could only come with years of honing.

Sifu Lum is one of those “doing everything in one breath without changing face color” practitioners.

During one of my trips to Sibu, I visited Lum senior and spoke for hours with him. This old gentleman, in his 80s, is a talking encyclopedia of CKF.

I got so much from him especially the evolution of Cantonese arts and after that session, I realized things about Hungga that I never knew before…. What an outstanding colorful art!

And besides Hungga, he also did a few years of Lama Pai Pak Hok.

All of which, he has agreed to be recorded onto videos.

You know, in the company of someone like Lum senior, I feel like I know nothing about CKF.

Both father and son have decided to grace the September event.

Warmest Regards.
Eric

And dude, mosquitoes are non-discriminatory, equal opportunity blood suckers so don’t take it too hard….:D :D :D

[shinmyouken]

Hasayfu, i believe you are referring to Pok Khek which is the name of a system founded by Master Nip who came over to Malaysia from Hong Kong. It is basically a system that revolves around the training of San Sik and emphasizes a lot on use of weights to train power and speed. Other training includes iron arm conditioning, use of dummy, etc. Pok Khek is a long range system and has a reputation as a tournament style.

[hasayfu]

Excellent!

Both what Eric and SMK sound like what I had heard. I didn't see much of it but he mentioned that it was effective in fighting the thais in kick boxing tournaments. Now SMK says its a single system and Eric says it's a general phrase. The Sifu I spoke with said, if you say PokKhek in Perek everyone will know. Thanks for the info.

My Sifu is Wing Lam. I'm one of his instructors which basically means I've stuck around with him. I love Hung Gar and CMA in general. Hung Gar is very deep. I also like the HaSayFu Hung Gar style my sifu learned.

Hung Gar shares with Fuzhou Bak Hok as well as Lama Pai Bak Hok. Meeting other sifus in these arts has shown me that. I also had a great conversation with Ho Sifu in JB. He is a long time Hung Gar sifu and has many stories of the old days.

You are doing great work.

[FunkySage]

Pok Khek is definitely the name of a system. It used to popular in Malaysia in the 70s around Ipoh and probably other areas. Its a long fist system and is similar in execution to choy lay fut and pak hok although with a much shorter base. Again as shinmyouken has already pointed out it has a reputation for producing good fighters. Not seen it in a long time but I guess some will survive somewhere.

[shinmyouken]

Hi FunkySage, spot on man. Pok Khek was very popular in Ipoh and I heard it even made it as far south as Johor as one of my friend's uncle taught there.

Nowadays its hard to see anyone practicing it. The founder, Master Nip, came from Bak Sing Choy Li Fut background but investigated a lot of fighting styles. Thus you can see the techniques of Lama Crane and Choy Li Fut techniques in the syllabus.

Master Nip also authored a book on Yang style taiji and sometimes his disciples refer to Pok Khek as Tai Chi San Shou! because you can also find taiji techniques inside Pok Khek.

There is a book on Master Nip's taiji written by a Singapore author. Its a slim green color book. There is also a draft manuscript on the Pok Khek system which was not published.

A long time ago I think it was Black Belt magazine had an article on Pok Khek and there is also a listing in the martial arts encyclopaedia by Farkas and Corcoran.

[Firehawk4]

What can you tell me about Chuka Shaolin Phoenix Eye Fist do you know what style it is i herd it was old Chu Gar Gao shaolin or fujian White Crane ? Are you ever going to get in clips of Chuka Shaolin since it is in Malaysia Pengnang i here that area has alot of kung fu .

[Eric Ling]

Hi everybody,

So you guys are talking about “Phok Kek”, a contemporary system?

Are they still active anywhere in W Malaysia?

Firehawk4, I would be calling on Sifu Cheong in Penang to invite him to MAG2007; that’s the plan.

Cannot commit anything now but I will give it a shot. I know someone here acquainted with him and he’s helping in this matter.

Looks like you guys are very familiar with the W Malaysia scene; perhaps you could help me out here.

I am trying to locate some of these folks:-

• Dong Zhiang White Crane or East River White Crane. If I remember correctly this was headed by a Master Quek in the Selangor area.
• Tai Sheng Mun. Almost like Hong Kong’s except without the “Pek Kwa”.
• Nam Kwon Do or Nan Quan Dao.
• Lohan White Crane – possibly another W Malaysian hybrid.
• Anyone connected to Master Lau Chew Ho – an Ngo Chor Master who also taught Fukien White Crane.

If you are based in W Malaysia and would like to meet up, let me know. I should be in KL first week of February.

Received some mails asking for more impressions of Fuzhou Whooping Crane; here’s some footages taken some 10+ years ago in Singapore.

Snippets from old Whooping Crane forms, some not commonly seen anymore.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4dfraMhTHA

Warmest Regards.

Eric

[CannonFist]

Bagus!

I'm curious if you ever meet any sifu in Perak. I met someone from there and he says that it has the oldest ties to CMA because of the Tin industry. He mentioned a style or type of CMA called Poe-Ket (sp?) It is supposed to be a pure fighting style but I didn't get much else.

Kasih.

Yes, I have heard of a type of CMA in Perak that tends to be referred to as Pok Kik. This style does not bother much with forms. Their fighting strategy is like that of Choy Lee Fut and Tibetan Pak Hok. Their favourite combination revolves around the Kup (overhand strike), Pao (upper cut), Seh (shoot, straight punch with regular or leopard punch). Back in the 60s, I heard that this style was well known to challenge other styles in Perak with very good success rates. Back in those days practitioners of this style tend to wear bamboo rods on their forearms when going into fights involving machetes to block the machetes as well as deliver a harder blow with forearms using their swinging arm techniques.

[shinmyouken]

you're right cannonball :-) one of my seniors used the charp chui in tournament and came in first. there was also an incident involving a TKD "ambassador" from Korea which resulted in him being recalled after being decked by the sau chui. the police was called in and my teacher hauled up for questioning. but that was a long time ago. there is also a derivative of pok khek called chik khek in which the founded added in karate techniques :-) i remember seeing a tournament where the top 3 fighters were from the pok khek and chik khek schools - this would be in the early 80s.

[Eric Ling]

Hi everybody,

Got a bit of time before I head out to the suburbs to shoot Chu Gar’s Master Liew, so I swing by “Chinese Martial Arts Association” training site last evening…

Had my camera with me so I took some of the boys in action; lighting not too good though.

The boys were training both their traditional and competition routines.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cesp-trvPMc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nndBLD5kayM

Like I said before, these boys are really hardworking doing their forms repeatedly.

I really got to shoot them again with proper light and all ……

Warmest Regards.

Eric

[kismet]

Hi Eric,

This gathering / meeting sounds fantastic. Kudos to you for all your effort and hardwork. I can only imagine you are loving it - training, kungfu and carlsbergs - what more can one ask for in life? I would love to visit in and watch this...I may try to as I believe a mutual aquaintence of ours is definately visiting.

Can I ask who is representing or performing the Chow Gar Tong Long? Have you tried to contact Sifu Lee Teen Loi as I believe this is something he would be very interested in.

Thanks for all the clips, great stuff.

[hasayfu]

Thanks everyone for the info on Pok Kek. It matches what I have heard and filled in some of the gaps.

[Eric Ling]

Hi everybody,

Kismet, I will talk to you off-line regarding the Master you mentioned.

And you are 120% right, we must meet and touch hands…:) :) :)

Spent the day with Master Liew Joo Mew, the Chu Gar Internal Jin Praying Mantis teacher who lives some 20 miles from my place.

Master Liew, a Chinese physician, is nice enough to take time off his busy patients schedule to entertain me.

He gave me a very good narrative of the history and principles of his style.

Like many other Masters I spoke to before, he talked about returning to his hometown in mainland China just to be told that they don’t do traditional kung fu there anymore.

This is exactly the same picture that my White Crane family encountered when they went back to Fuzhou some years back.

According to Master Liew, many overseas Chinese were called to go back to the mainland to replant various traditional Kung Fu there. He showed me documents from the mainland to substantiate this.

Later he told me something that really got me all keyed up; in his younger days, he studied another style of Kung Fu called “Shao Lien Quan”.

Shao = little or young.
Lien = Lotus.
Quan = Fists.

This is an inconspicuous style that came out of Fukien Shaolin and regarded to be the “brother” style of Hungga that became popular in Canton and heavily caught up in fighting the Manchurian invaders.

Shao Lien, on the hand, stayed very low profile and left the mainland with immigrating Chinese settling in SE Asia. During one of his trips to China, Shaolin folks over there seek him out because of his knowledge of this style….

Master Liew did the beginner’s form from this style for me. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAgBRBOzze0

He also did forms from his Chu Gar – a beginner’s form, the trident and the iron ruler.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6g1N_T3GbBc

Later he took me through his fighting methodology which consists of nerves and chi-gates striking.

This man’s knowledge in chi-gates striking is really something, many times all he did was plant his fingers into my chi points and I was unable to respond.

I gotta to say that the more I meet these Masters here; I am increasingly feeling that I know very little about Kung Fu.

I left Master Liew with the concurrence of meeting again to do more filming of both his Chu Gar and Shao Lien Quan. Also got his confirmation to appear in MAG2007.

Next I got a date tomorrow to film a lion “eyes-dotting” ceremony at a local temple in the morning and then it’s off to meeting another Master in the afternoon.

Warmest Regards.

Eric

[Eric Ling]

Oooookay, it rained like crazy cats and dogs today so I gave the “eyes doting” ceremony a miss.

Did spent the day with a group of CKF veterans in a coffee shop talking about CKF then and now and where it’s headed.

One of them, Master Chang spoke about his involvement in an event in Penang last year and that he’s a personal friend of many Masters there including GM Dato P’ng Chye Khim from Sao Lim (Fukien Shaolin pronounced in Fukinese)…

Master Chang agreed to lend a hand in inviting them for this coming September meet in Kuching and later gave me a bunch of video footages from Penang.

I remember someone asking to see Sao Lim Lohan , the form featured in the “Shaolin Lohan” book, in another thread, so here you go :- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nHCqwFuWdc

Also you’ll see the “White Crane Spreading Wing” exercise that they do over there which totally reminds me of Fuzhou Crane relaxed manner of execution.

I said this before; Ven Sek taught different forms to different disciples in Indonesia, Penang and Singapore.

Going through the footages reinforces my belief.

The “flavor” is alike but the forms aren’t.

Even GM P’ng’s Lohan is dissimilar to the ones I’ve learned.

Well, I will be in that part of West Malaysia soon and hopefully meet GM P’ng.

Warmest Regards.

Eric

Ps. Will try to extract more forms to post… got to go see my old frend Mr. Carlsberg.

[Eric Ling]

Hi everybody,

More of the Sao Lim’s “flavor” that I spoke about.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLggPGwYyAI

In the clip, you’ll see 1) Willow Leaves Palm 2) Jin Kang or “Diamond” Fists 3) Lohan 18 Palms.

The last form, done by the Swiss lady is very interesting…

Got “1 Blossom” or “Yi Ki Buay” written all over it.

Yi Ki Buay was the first form taught to me when I was training in Shiong Lim Temple Singapore in the early 70s.

Warmest Regards.

Eric

And Milan, I read your message before your deletion; which email are you talking about?

Errrrhhhh, let's not forget we had some underwater cables problem recently that affected conectivity in my part of the world..:cool:

[Ozzy Dave]

Hi Eric,

Thanks again for these clips and info.

In particular I appreciate the Sao Lim clip. I practice a little Sao Lim and it’s great to see other forms, especially from someone like GM Dato P’ng. It’s also great to hear there are Sao Lim people coming to MAG2007.

I learned a form in Singapore similar to the one in the clip above, it was called "Jing Gang" Lohan. First third or so was nearly exactly the same.

Give my regards to Mr Carlsberg

Dave

[Asmo]

Hey Eric,

I love your clips, but I am honoustly wondering about the music each time (and turning it off). I think it would be great if it is possible to leave the original sound on!!! You had some training clips as well, where I could see people making sounds during the playing of forms etc. it would be great if that is kept intact.

Other then this, good stuff :)

[Eric Ling]

Arrrrrggggghhhhh …. You don’t like my music:confused: :confused: :confused:

I gotta warn you, original sounds could be anything from dogs barking to children bawling.

Tell you what, let’s meet half the way; I will use softer music or keep volume low so that if there is breathing or verbal explanation of techniques, those would come out audible.

Ozzy Dave, what’s your email address? Please drop me a note at white88crane@yahoo.com thanks.

Okay, now on to the next style and Sifu.

When I first came to Kuching, I wanted to meet 2 groups of White Crane folks.

The first is the late GM Huang Xin Xien’s line essentially because the late GM Huang is related to my late White Crane teacher.

The other is descendants of the late GM Huang Yi Ing – the other distinguished MingHe teacher in Sarawak.

After some asking around, I was introduced to Sifu Robert Siew; one of the few who is still actively teaching.

Robert is really passionate about his Kung Fu. His daytime job in the insurance industry is already hectic enough and still you find him teaching in the evenings; more to keep the art alive than anything else.

Over the last couple of years, I spent quite a bit of quality time with this gentleman discussing the various characteristics of our individual White Crane and I always come away gaining new insights into the world of White Crane boxing.

Met Robert again today and videoed him doing the 4 major forms from his MingHe. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNCAcfi1_Lg

After the video session, we talked about his contribution in this September gathering and possibly working together in some video publishing projects.

2 Fuzhou Whooping Cranes side by side …. What more could I ask for …..

Warmest Regards.

Eric

[pakhok]

Hi Eric,

Yes i deleted my question because I think it is more important your impresive work on keeping TMA and that is reason why I support you and your great work in past years and not to take your time for backside reasons .

Question was about WuLinIJia webiste I asked in yahoo email.


best regards,
Milan

[Eric Ling]

Hi Milan,

My sincere apology if I offended you in any way.

Fact is, my internet connection zonked out for a couple of days; had to put everything in a thumb-drive and use a friend's system to upload.

WuLinIJia is taking the back seat for a short while.

Right now all our materials go to Russ Smith's server in the US.

We foresee that we will be running out of capacity in no time.

I shoot an average of 50Gb of videos a month and my books/magazines collection run into the thousands and add this to what Evert & Russ have got in their collection....

My recent trip to Kuala Lumpur was to talk to some IT companies there about working with us in term of storage capacity , bandwidth and maintenance of WuLinIJia.

I will be in KL again for a second round meeting with these guys.

Simply put, we want to launch right and not postpone projected issues.

Again, my friend, if I was out-of-line, forgive me.

I will write to you on working together for both WuLinIJia and MAG2007.

Warmest Regards.

Eric :)

[Eric Ling]

Now for some White Crane that I really looove .....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cR9m6hNhmac

Warmest Regards.

Eric

[pakhok]

Hi Eric,

Please no need for excuses, I just asked about WuLin should I prepare myself for further activities on it.
Thanks for explanation, it is clear to me and I will wait until project about TMA continue, I hope I will be ready with new materials :) .

My warmest regards to you, Evert and Russ, and feel free to count on me and contact me for all points about TMA I can be included and useful.



regards with my deepest support and respect for your work,
Milan

[Eric Ling]

Hi everybody,

Another view of Sifu Robert Siew dong the front portion of the original “Babulien” or “8 linking steps” passed down by the by the late GM Huang.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Y11jdtNEFo

Personally I got a special interest in this particular form because we do the same form in our Whooping Crane albeit in a different manner.

Really like the way his whole body is “energized” like a loaded spring and the method he releases the energy at the end of the technique – crispy. This is his style of manifesting the “whipping” that is associated with almost all Fukien/Fuzhou cranes.

With Robert, the 2 of us take the “agree to disagree” attitude seeing how we express the same art in 2 divergent manners.

Over the many discussions we had, it became obvious that the differences are only skin-deep.

Warmest Regards.

Eric

Milan, sometime in the next couple of days, I will send you a mail regarding MAG2007.
Thanks.

[Eric Ling]

Hi everybody,

I will be hopping over to Kuala Lumpur next; to talk to some IT folks regarding WuLinIJia and also to meet CKF Masters to confirm their Septmember showing.

Here's one that I would love to hook up with :-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idDrpv2NR-M

Maybe it just me but everything I see the "hands out stay out" Hakka fighting systems, I think of White Crane.

That and the way Hakka Masters explode jin at the end of their techniques...

Warmest Regards.

Eric

[Eric Ling]

Hi everybody,

You heard me pointing this out a couple of times; roping in Silats in this coming September gathering, well today I sat down with perhaps the highest ranking Silat Master in Sarawak to discuss this matter.

Guru Utama (MahaGuru) Haji Muhammad Haneef heads the largest Silat organization here in Kuching with a new centralized training center – Rumpun Silat Sarawak.

In his position Tuan Haji manages most of the Silat activities around here.

From him I was astounded to discover that there are not less than a 100 different styles of traditional Silats that call Sarawak home – you live and you learn I guess.

We spoke about various aspects of the September gathering and most importantly to get Tuan Haji, who speaks very good English, to conduct one of the workshops we have scheduled.

He is also in the midst of archiving and documenting all the indigenous Silats for the future generations and if things go according to the dialogue, we might be co-operating with him on this commendable project.

Personally, I think all traditional art forms regardless of origin must be preserved.

Before I left him, Tuan Haji gave a VCD recording of the opening ceremony demonstration of his new training centre.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4N0rNWkYkXM

I will be meeting with this gentleman again for more detailed planning of the September event.

Warmest Regards.

Eric

[Eric Ling]

Hi everyone,

For those of you who have never been to Borneo, here’s a clip that, I am certain, will be a pleasant surprise:-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aym2XZdEUaU

This video trailer is produced by an inland tour agency, Borneo Adventure, operating here in the heart of Kuching. They are one of the best in the business.

In order to give you a special experience here in Kuching this September, in addition to the MAs, we have decided to work with these folks to offer you packages to truly appreciate the natural wonders of Borneo.

I’ve been here for almost 4 years now and after watching the clip, I realized how little I really know about Sarawak.

Maybe after this September gathering, I would squeeze out some time, take a break and go see some of the places featured in the clip.

All work and no play make Eric a very grouchy man …. where is my Carlsberg aarrrrgggghhhhh!!!

Warmest Regards.

Eric

[Eric Ling]

Hi everybody,

Received a mail asking for more Silat …….

Got another clip here culled from the VCD that Tuan Haji kindly gave me when I met him the other day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_t0XnBLaQ8

You know what, over the last few months; I received quite a collection of Silat materials from friends around here.

Recently someone wrote to me with the message “the more we study the arts, the more we realize that we are alike rather than different”.

After watching the Silat materials, I really got to agree with this comment.

The attires, music and postures might be peculiar but when we get down to the fighting, the differences blur….

And before I leave for my West Malaysia trip, I am arranging for a couple more shoot sessions involving the boys from CMAA and hopefully, Master Kong Shu Ming of Hakka Suppressing Tiger and Grand Master Liew Kao Chye of Chu Gar Tiger Boxing.

And ooooh yes, it doesn’t get any better than this ………:p :p :p

Warmest Regards.

Eric

[Eric Ling]

Hi everybody,

What a beautiful day out today..

Took the boys from CMAA to the local council building and got them to go through some of their routines for my camera.

They did both traditional and competition forms and some application drills. With better light, I think you folks would like this more than the previous clip I posted showing the boys in action.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17ALGVKrdCk

I used to spend a fair amount of time with these kids in the last couple of years passing on some traditional skill sets but these days I am swarmed with my own schedule what with the coming September event and all… really miss those sessions.

Next, I really got to pay a visit to Grand Master Lew Kao Chye for some of his Hakka Tiger Boxing.

Now if the weather holds, it will be wonderful.

Warmest Regards.

Eric

[Eric Ling]

Hi everybody,

Somebody messaged at youtube asking to see these 2 forms whole …..http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUCI2klZF8U

Ooookay, we got Calvin Kong doing “Poisonous Snake Obstructing Path” and Yap Foo Ming and his “Shi Men / 4 Gates stick”, both forms are from GM Kan Teck Guan’s 5 Ancestors Kung Fu.

In their twenties, I’ll say these 2 kids are very promising.

I will try and spend some time this week to shoot them doing more, in particular, applications from Shaolin Lohan, Ancestral Crane etc…..

At this point, it’s looking like next week is Silat time and then it’s off to West Malaysia and Singapore for more interviews and footages.

Warmest Regards.

Eric

[pakhok]

Hi,

Eric please check your yahoo email, there is something private for you.


regards,
Milan

[BeginnersMind]

Hi all:

Just thought I would offer a word of encouragement to all who are considering going to the MAG event. Should you go? YES!

What Eric is doing with the MAG for the martial arts community is priceless and many of the guys he is gathering will not be around forever. This is something you should not miss.

I plan on being there!

cheers

Chas Fisher
Seattle WA

[Eric Ling]

Hi everybody,

Chas, thanks for that message…

Up to my neck with preparations for a press conference here to talk about this coming event; we are launching the website, screening a 15 minutes video trailer and releasing other collaterals.

This is going to be a real special event now that we are pairing up with the
Silat folks.

Picture this; a cast of CKF Masters from scores of styles, many are new even to me and another assortment of Silat experts from forms that, honestly, I have never even heard of.

I am really looking forward to meeting and playing with these Silat folks and maybe learn a thing or two…

Here another clip showing scenes from around Kuching; a place I call home for the last 4 years.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXF3C69MN1A

Warmest Regards.

Eric

[Eric Ling]

Oooookay, it’s a bright hot Sunday & I am all dressed for the beach with my sandals and shades …….

But I did better; managed to get Grand Master Lew Kao Chai to a garden park for some outdoor shooting.

GM Lew is the first traditional CKF Master I met when I first arrived in Kuching and instantly I knew I was in the company of greatness.

A soft-spoken upright and highly respectable CKF veteran, GM Lew is precisely the kind of “Da Xia” I read about in my childhood days.

GM Lew is now the custodian of an unusual style of Hakka boxing known as “Chu Gar Fu Zhuang” or “Chu Gar Tiger Boxing”.

This is another “Sanchin” based system that is not seen by many outside of this part of the world.

Every opportunity I get, I’ll try and pick GM Lew’s brain and “steal” a little of his art form.

Got him here doing the entry empty-hand and a staff form. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WqOy-wd0tE

Another clip with me and CMAA’s Calvin Kong and Foo Ming going through some techniques in preparation for a video trailer that we are shooting for promo purposes. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ft6fKzyyqYE

Errrhhhh, you’ll find a couple of Lohan, Ancestral Crane and monkey boxing techniques in the rough…

I will post from the actual trailer when it’s done….

Now for some Carlsberg …it’s a Sunday afterall…...

Warmest Regards.

Eric

[Eric Ling]

:D :D :D monkeying around http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Fbn92jwwNU :D :D :D

[ironox]

Hello Eric. Thankyou for introducing everyone to kung fu styles that are new to us in the west a real eye opener. The september event will be impressive i'm sure.

Hope we can meet up cos we comming home for Gawai at the end of may.


Regards sean

[TenTigers]

hey Eric,
"Monkeying around" was great-would have loved to see more.
-partly to hear the rest of the Steve Vai song:)

[Eric Ling]

Hi everybody,

Sean, nice to see you here again. Will be writing to you soon regarding this upcoming event. I might not be in Kuching during Gawai so “Happy Gawai” to you and your family. Just remember; if you tuak don’t drive and if you drive don’t tuak.:p

Ten, sorry, my files are with my designer at this time but I will be shooting some more monkey techniques sometimes this week, so… and we will have Mr. Vai again..

In one of my earlier messages, I spoke about Tuan Haji; well I met with Tuan’s son, Abbas, earlier this evening for some Silat actions.

I was treated to an hour long session which included empty-hand bunga, weapon forms and 2 men drills.

Boy these guys are hard-hitting. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgZszjj73Gc

Known as “Silat Helang Putih Perkasa” or “Mighty White Eagle” this is a style founded by Tuan Haji blending all the Silat styles that he was schooled in.

In the clip, you’ll see Abbas in the second still shot and he is an outstanding player.

Says a lot about his father who trained him.

Apart from being solid Silat players, these folks are so pleasant; what more could I ask for?

I will be posting more details about this Silat in our website which should be live any time this week.

Warmest Regards.

Eric

Ps. Ten, got Mr.Vai again enjoying some “Blowfish”…..:D

[oasis]

hi eric,
thanks for posting the silat clips. very interesting stuff! good job on your efforts to document different arts

[Eric Ling]

hi eric,
thanks for posting the silat clips. very interesting stuff! good job on your efforts to document different arts

Thank you Mr. not illusion from barren desert - am I missing something here :D

Now for some CLF .......http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b56-nWak5nY

Warmest Regards.

Eric

[oasis]

the clf youtube link didnt work. can you repost?

[Eric Ling]

Hi everybody,

Got 2 more clips here:-

1. This is taken from a Sarawak Tourism Board’s promotional VCD. Really like this production and the concept that “Sarawak is Asia best kept secret”; applies not only to the natural wonders but also the fighting arts that are practiced here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJjxf7iVq60

2. Another clip from last week’s shoot showing the boys, Calvin and Foo Ming from CMAA, rehearsing an Ancestral Crane technique. We do a whole series of chin-na/throwing techniques all embedded in the concept “Old Man Seizes Crane”. This concept runs through many of the forms that we do in Fuzhou Ancestral Crane. This particular technique makes use of the “push/pull” co-ordination that you sometimes find in Tai Chi. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k-m3xxFBWm8


Spent the morning meeting with Tuan Haji in his office to talk about the upcoming event.

The result is to have a stronger Silat representation in the event and Tuan has agreed to personally invite Silat Masters from West Malaysia and Indonesia to join us for a half a day presentation of Silat in action.

To say that I am thrilled is really an understatement…..

Warmest Regards.

Eric

ps ... the above link is okay ....:)

[oasis]

thanks for the choy lay fut clip. very nice. i see he also has a dvd set too.

[Eric Ling]

:) :) :)

And now, since it’s gonna be Chinese New Year soon, here’s wishing everyone “Kong Xi Fa Cai” and may you have surplus or “fishes” in the years to come…..

A lion dance clip from the Wuzu group in Johor West Malaysia….

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnDZZAHfZqs


:) :) :)

[Hendrik]

:) :) :)

And now, since it’s gonna be Chinese New Year soon, here’s wishing everyone “Kong Xi Fa Cai” and may you have surplus or “fishes” in the years to come…..

A lion dance clip from the Wuzu group in Johor West Malaysia….

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnDZZAHfZqs


:) :) :)



Happy Chinese New Year Brother!

[TenTigers]

Gong Hey Fat Choy!
hey Eric, got any Hung-Ga? I recently have been exploring the deper areas of Hung Kuen with a sevety-something old man from Guangzhao-Luk Ah=Choy lineage. I would love to see some Hung Kuen.

[Shaolin Master]

Gongxi Facai - Happy Prosperous New Year All!

Eric,
Something that may bring some memories "Nanquan Beitui" at Damodian at Sionglim:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axVs8Rl-uN4

Although not MAG related but enjoy some other postings:

Ying - Hard Qigong:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fjAqjO08ZoM

Chen Style Small Fram Taijiquan:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=berKbD7qsYM

Ancestral Crane
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7iBK9T0qW8

Enjoy the new year festivities everyone.

Kind Regards
Wu Chanlong

[Eric Ling]

Hi everybody,

Ten, I will be visiting GM Lam in Sibu again soon to shoot his Hungga. GM Lam acquired his Hungga from 3 separate teachers and so far I only got superficial glimpses. My next visit should be an eye-opener; I understand he also does Lama Pai Pak Hok ……

I do have a bunch of DVDs from mainland but I really don’t think they are what you want to see.

My upcoming West Malaysia and Singapore trip will include Hungga stops so we’ll see what turns up.

I am trying to contact an old school mate from waaaay back. His grandfather, from Canton, did Hungga and if I remember correctly, not from the Huang Fei Hung’s line.

My friend took over his grandfather’s system. And there are the “Kwong Chow” and “Hong Mo San” groups in Singapore that I would be calling on. These 2 are bastions of Hungga there. The other would be “LingNam” but I got to get to some friends to connect..

Brother Hendrik and Wu Chan Long, Shaolin greetings to the both of you. May all your wishes all come true and may you stay forever young ….and may I get to see Bob Dylan live at least once in my lifetime…:cool:

Shaolin Master, the “Ancestral Crane” clip – shouldn’t it be “Vibrating or Shaking Crane”?? Different “Zhong” right?

“Southern Fists Northern Kicks” aarrgghh brings back memories of training in Toa Payoh Safra tennis court.

Except that the form looks a little different in the clip.. You do this form?

You know Ah Joo created the form right? After this we do “Lian Huay” or “Lotus” and then the Lohans….

I am teaching some of the CMAA boys here the Lohans and I am planning to shoot some for posting.

Warmest Regards.

Eric

[Shaolin Master]

Hi Eric,

Regarding Crane....yes transliteration of Zong (縱) as in Trembling/Vibrating/Shaking would be best although ..... Zong 宗 (ancestral) is of the same. Although 縱，駿，蹤，宗 are all reference to the same art (縱身鶴法)....I will replace the Ancestral for consistency.

Regarding Nanquan Beitui, of course we know Ah Joo made it up (amongst many other things).....we do it slightly different (and a little more crisp).....the clip is not necessarily the best version.

Yes we also have Lianhua and others. Would be interesting to see some of the CMAA boys attempting some of the luohans.

Regards
Wu Chanlong

[Eric Ling]

Hi everybody,

Shaolin Master, I think it’s important to be cautious about names.

Zong or Shaking Crane is a stand alone style acknowledging a different historical origination from most other Cranes.

Zong, the characteristic, underscores most Fukien/Fuzhou Cranes.

Zonghe or Ancestral Crane is another distinctive branch of Fuzhou Crane. GM Dong Mu Yau’s Fuzhou Crane comes very close to the ZongHe that I do.

Grand Ancestor White Crane or Taizu BaiHe is yet another branch and I think this is also identified as “Ancestral Crane” by many….

I’ve been corresponding with some Wing Chun folks and I thought the next clip is relevant to our investigation.

My stand has always been to look at the “engine” rather than external expression when confronted with a comparative situation.

We got Wing Chun’s Single Bong or Wing Hand explained by a mainland Wing Chun teacher. (In Cantonese…sorry).


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_jBKFlCa9I

Besides the obvious semblance in names, this teacher could be explaining White Crane’s Wing Hand as far as I am concerned.

One of our objectives in the September event is to interact and compare notes and examine hypothesis.

Besides the Wing Chun group, there is another Karate group keen to work with us on Karate and White Crane relations. They do their versions of “8 linking steps” and “28 steps” and I got Sifu Robert Siew’s style besides my own White Crane’s family in Singapore coming out to join me…

Me, I just wanna to see everybody’s Sanchin, SanZhan, Sam Bo Jin, Lohan Gung and Tit Sin Kune or any other forms that teaches breathing/jin co-ordination, sounds, and emotion triggers…..

And all the diverse 8 linking steps that you do whether long bridge or short bridge…

Aaarrrrgggghhhh, 2nd day of Chinese New Year and I am talking Kung Fu !!!:D :D :D

Warmest Regards.

Eric.

Ps. Shaolin Master, I did SaoLim in Namyang long before I found Ah Joo in Safra…

[Shaolin Master]

Eric,

Once I return to Singapore (Mid-Year approx)...maybe you can enlighten and share with me on the different Namyang Fuzhou cranes and of your other Saolim experiences :)

Regards
Wu Chanlong

[Eric Ling]

Hi Shaolin Master,

You’re on and you’re buying the Carlsbergs….chili crabs, sotong goreng….:D :D :D

But before we do that, what’s your email; the one that you use regular; got something private for you…

You know where to find me but just in case, white88crane@yahoo.com

Ten, got a Hungga clip here featuring the form Sei Mun or 4 gates.

Don’t know Hungga well but I don’t think I’ve heard or seen anyone outside of the Sibu group doing this..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Chr8ELLmCQw

You familiar?

Warmest Regards.

Eric

[Shaolin Master]

Hi Eric,

I have sent you an email. Please respond to the address that I have sent it with.

Cheers,
Wu Chanlong
PS: One day I'll take to the mainland where Carlsburgs won't do.....the Baiijiu would take the lead.....:)

[TenTigers]

Hi Eric,
I have never seen that set, although it has a few similarities to the set I was taught, which I was told is an amalgamation of Dan Gung Fuk Fu,Seurng Gung Fuk Fu, and Fu Hok Seurng Ying. It is amazing that once you get out of Hong Kong, all Hung Kuen is totally different, as far as sequence. Technique is technique.
Rik

[Eric Ling]

Hi everybody,

Rik, I know exactly what you’re saying.

Technique is technique no matter what we call them but the delivery is the element that set us apart.

If you keep to traditional ways, besides techniques/principles and blah blah blah, the “flavor” of delivery is, imho, the “signature” of your style and in some cases lineage.

Most of us take after our Sifus. Spent enough time with one and we’re likely to come out moving, in many ways, mirroring them.

Also why we say, in Asia, that to study kung fu, your Sifu got to “mould” you.

I often have problem in articulating this “flavor” thing, not only in written English form, but even with my own students here.

To teach them my White Crane proper, I got to somehow pass on the “Fuzhou” touch over.

This could be frustrating at times.

Now here's a clip of the Wing Chun form, Chum Kiu or Sinking Bridge. The Sifu explained that his version is “sinking” and not “seeking” and went on to illustrate the “sinking” concept.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCbp-Xvzsfg

Sort of like Hsing Yi’s “crushing”.

And very much like Ancestral Crane’s “sinking elbow” .

Really looking at his rendition, the “White Crane” flavor is so pronounced.

To my eyes at least and you know me and my Carlsberg thingy……

Warmest Regards.

Eric

[Eric Ling]

Hi everybody,

I spoke earlier on about shooting the 2 Masters of Hakka Tiger Boxing here in Kuching; Grandmaster Liew Kao Chai and Kong Shu Ming.

Well, I did GM Liew and today, with a little time available, I revisited GM Kong to learn more about his Hakka Suppressing Tiger style

Well, got to say that of all the Hakka Masters I touched hands with, GM Kong stands out.

Instead of the more “linear” executions, GM Kong’s method is more “circular”, comparatively speaking.

Centering on the nucleus concept of “shock – deceive – control (subdue) “, GM Kong presented a series of combinations that really took me off guard.

Short range in focus, his “deceiving” is the sting that left me in vulnerable positions for his finishers.

Still moving awkwardly because of his leg injuries, GM Kong did 3 forms and went on the explain principles and concepts; for that I am so thankful.

And as expected, I was asked to do a little reciprocal Kung Fu to keep the ying-yang balance.

So again my fav style – White Crane and I took the opportunity to talk a little about the “sinking elbow” that we do in Ancestral Crane.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4zNSYIA4jU

Warmest Regards.

Eric

Ps….in the clip, we are discussing in some Mandarin and most parts, in that strange-sounding (even to me) dialect called “Fuzhou”.

[Eric Ling]

Hi everybody,

Here a clip that might be easier for some of you to follow the verbal explanations; most parts in Mandarin with a tiny weeny bit of “Fuzhou” used when Mandarin fails to carry the point across.

Here we got GM Kong asking to see my Fuzhou Ancestral Crane and I showed him the first fighting principle in our system; going to the fourth door or out of direct line of attack.

Simple illustrations and for someone like GM Kong, I think, they are child’s play.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spNNcNkCzhA

Warmest Regards.

Eric

[Eric Ling]

more Wing Chun ....

Palms including the "Snake hands".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TH_L4xN1omI

Warmest Regards.

Eric

[Eric Ling]

Hi everybody,

Spoke to 2 mainland White Crane giants these last couple of days to confirm their appearances in the event.

• Fujian Yong Chun White Crane’s Pan Chen Miao – thanks to Martin Watts, I am able to invite this highly respected Sifu.

• Fuzhou Whooping Crane’s Ruan Dong – we spoke briefly about our Whooping Cranes; Ruan Laoshi’ Whooping Crane, is in theory, the same Whooping Crane that we do in Singapore. If only I understand his form of Fuzhou better; Ruan Laoshi speaks with a very heavy “Mingchiang” Fuzhou accent and I am more “Putian”.

So at this point, I am certain to have both Pan and Ruan Laoshi attendance and I will be talking to Taiwan’s Feeding Crane family next.

Hungga clips featuring 2 different mainland teachers:-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XqYFkVHP9o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohWPYAaEIWk

Warmest Regards.

Eric

[Eric Ling]

Hi everybody,

After a few attempts, finally got Feeding Crane’s Sifu Liu Chang I on the line.

We spent about an hour talking on the phone and besides him coming in September, we spoke about White Crane in general.

It appears that Sifu Liu is making terrific progress in expanding his style in France and in the coming months a French company is visiting him in Taiwan to do a documentary.

We also spoke about collaborating on some publishing projects to investigate all the Southern White Cranes and this is something that I will be looking forward to…..

Now if only I could find that Hakka Crane that I’ve been hearing about …… arrrrghhh…..

Got a very nice little clip here to share; Shaolin Luohan very well described.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cr3q4vhzr58

Love the portion where the presenter illustrates his “shaking’ power; something you don’t really expect from a typical Northern style – standing in one spot to generate jin. More often you would see them moving to create the power for their techniques…..

Warmest Regards.

Eric

[Eric Ling]

Hi everybody,

Looks like I will be in Kuching for another week or so before I start out for Singapore and West Malaysia to talk to Kung Fu Masters there.

Got a press conference scheduled here in Kuching and a VIP (a government Minister) will be invited to officially launch our website and you know… all that jazz….

Got another clip here to share; Pan Nam Wing Chun “Bil Jee” or “Mountain Cat Fingers”. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_geVJUH8xks

Well, I am aware of the debate going on about origin, lineage and methodology in the Wing Chun circle; not my place to make any comment – I don’t do Wing Chun.

My interest in Wing Chun is the recorded relation with White Crane and IMHO, this connection shows up very clearly in the clip.

Apart from the “obvious” Crane techniques throughout the whole form, here I also see something else very close to my Ancestral Crane – every technique done in sets of 3s.

Our “koon kor” (Fuzhou) or “Fists Song” has a line that says;

“Crane washing body to pray to the Buddha 3 times”.

And the form has the same “does every technique 3 times” practice.

Warmest Regards.

Eric

[Eric Ling]

More from the same VCD – 2 applications from Bil Jee form.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNmA1NGCKaE

The 1st technique – folding elbow take down is the same exact technique that we do in Ancestral Crane’s “Babulien”.

If I am not wrong this is also found in Flying Crane’s Babulien.

The 2nd is “Leading Cattle across River” except that in this case it’s done with one hand.

The White Crane’s version is done with 2, one at the wrist and the other at the attacker’s elbow.

Warmest Regards.

Eric

And oh yes, happy "Chap Go Mare" or "15th day of CNY" to all.

Carlsberg's time ....:) :) :)

[Eric Ling]

Hi everybody,

Remember Master Chang and his very distinctive “FoJia” or Buddhist Grand Ancestor Boxing?

A few days back, Master Chang and his associates held a traditional CKF performance/competition at a local temple, “See Lin Kong”, here in Kuching. This is also when they did “heavy” weapons competition.

FoJia TaiZhu Quan is very intriguing as far as I am concerned.

I do TaiZhu or Tai Chor (Fukinese) and for the longest time, my thought is that the style is, more or less, a merger of:-

• Northern Kung Fu reflected in the Lohan that is found at the advanced level. Characteristic features like long bridges and one stance/one technique all spell “Northern”. Not strange considering that all historical records point to a Northern beginning from Song TaiZhu.

• Fukien Crane – This is almost to be expected if we look at the evolution timeline. Fukien Yong Chun White Crane was a strong influence and bearing in mind the geographical proximity of “Quanzhou” or “Zhaung Chew” where Fukien TaiZhu was spawned, cross-pollination must have been the norm.

• Southern Tiger – This is probably a later day’s inclusion and some lines dropped the tiger element altogether. I am from GM Quek Yong Hor/Master Teo Choon Teck’s line and we still do a pure tiger form known as “5 Tigers Turning River” or “Ngo Hor Huan Kang”.

In fact, I used to think that TaiZhu is the Fukien version of Canton’s “FuHok Sueng Ying” which, if you think about it, consists mainly of Lohan, tiger and crane.

The one thing that has been bothering me is the 5-movements salutation that starts all my TaiZhu forms; almost identical to Wuzu (5 Ancestors) which, depending on which camp you talk to, could either signify the 5 component styles or 5 Elements philosophical concepts.

We have neither in TaiZhu.

Encountering Master Chang and his Hakka Grand Ancestor here in Sarawak could be the source of some answers as far as my research into TaiZhu is concerned.

His style has a stronger “Northern” feel in execution interspersed with some observable “Southern” techniques. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFCBorOv3mI

In the coming months, I will be spending more time with this very knowledgeable Hakka Master and hopefully find more answers to all my TaiZhu questions.

Warmest Regards.

Eric

[Eric Ling]

More from Hakka Grand Ancestor Boxing.

This is, I think, their version of “SanZhan” or “3 Battles”. At the very least, it follows the “3 steps front and 3 steps back” outline that describe so many Fukien/Hakka Southern Styles.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SlyjJ6YiBI

Notable:-

• The Hakka flavor of this form is very perceptible. Got “Saat” written all over; straight line pursuing manner of execution, in the words of a good friend and CKF researcher.

• Whipping mode which highly imply Crane’s influence as opposed to the “twist-lock” style common in other styles.

• “Ren Dao Shou Dao” or body and hands in unison which, in my book, says “Northern”.

Taizhu presented in a Hakka manner, I looooove it…..:p :p :p

I will try and shoot some of my students doing my Fukien version of Taizhu in the next few days for contrast.

This will make the stuff I am talking about clearer ….. I hope….

Warmest Regards.

Eric

[TenTigers]

Nevermind that, did you see the size of that Tiger Fork? I want one!!!!

[Eric Ling]

Nevermind that, did you see the size of that Tiger Fork? I want one!!!!


Arrrrgghhhh Grasshopper, don’t be looking at the pointing finger when you should be looking at the moon.

Now, when you’re ready, snatch the pebble from my hand….

Or something like that … are they going to rerun the old “Kung Fu” series :D

[Eric Ling]

Hi everybody,

Another version of Wing Chun Bil Jee http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UTrR6_-LKkk

After the form, the Sifu goes on to demonstrate “sinking elbow” and palm training.

In Cantonese, the Sifu talks about “whipping” like a cane …. Now now, where have I heard this before……

Warmest Regards.

Eric

[Eric Ling]

Hi everybody,

Had another Silat shoot last evening.

This time we got “Hidayah Melayu” or “Malay Inspiration” and it was nothing that I would expect from a Silat.

The clips are being processed;) now and I will be posting them later.

In the meantime, a little CLF http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhI8WhO7mWc

Warmest Regards.

Eric

[Eric Ling]

Hi everybody,

Well here it is – Hidayah Melaya or” Malay Inspiration”; a really nice name for a Silat style.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hLzPBw3Mxk

Again thanks to Tuan Haji of Rumpun Silat Sarawak, I am able to film and share this.

Next, Tuan has kindly arranged for an Indonesian style – Silat Betawi for some videos.

Hidayah Melayu, to me, is different, from most of the other Silats that I’ve seen in my part of the world.

Looking forward to explore this style deeper to get a better understanding of what lies underneath…

Warmest Regards.

Eric

[Infrazael]

I would really love to participate in this. Would we provide for our own hotels/housing and lodging then?

Thanks

[Eric Ling]

I would really love to participate in this. Would we provide for our own hotels/housing and lodging then?

Thanks


I know I said this before; please wait for our official website which will carry full details. Slight delay because we want to time it with a press conference here and besides the website, we are also working on other collateral materials like video trailer, brochures etc etc..

This is a “Tourism Ministry” endorsed event and integrated into the “Visit Malaysia Year” promo campaign, we need to be sure that everything is done up to requirements.

Ooookay, to the next clip….http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IziFydJvIuE

Got Audio Slave’s “Shape of things to come” in the back, this is what I hope to see in Sarawak’s traditional MA scene.

In the clip, you’ll see a young player doing WuZu stick brilliantly.

One of my motivations is to re-kindle the arts among the younger generation around here. Many of the Masters I interacted with also spoke strongly on this matter.

Perhaps with more traditional MA activities …..

Warmest Regards.

Eric

[Eric Ling]

Hi everybody,

Noticed that someone gave the previous clip a “poor” rating; the clip with the young girl doing WuZu stick.

Well, maybe I’ll be fortunate enough to see this someone’s stick skills and learn something.

So if you are reading this, please do me the honor…..youtube is so convenient these days….

Got another clip here to share – some basics from “Hap Gar” or “Xia Jia”.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgcWY7eOyr4

Warmest Regards.

Eric

[Eric Ling]

Another short clip from my Shaolin Lohan collection :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbVIIYBOsh8

Warmest Regards.

Eric

[Eric Ling]

Hi everybody,

Another view of my favorite Wing Chun’s form – Bil Jee especially this version from GM Pan Nam. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBrIuxxk8ec

Like I said before, imho, this is the form if you’re looking for ties with Southern White Crane.

Somewhere in the middle of the form, there’s a technique that is done extensively in White Crane; the double spear hands or “Twin Cranes Leaving Nest”.

Interestingly, this technique is done in Southern Taizu with clenched fists and striking using the wrists; 2 curled-in fists along the centerline, almost exactly the same in execution and application.

In Taizu, this is known as “Lohan Hitting Bell”, this technique is also done in Wuzu and I believe, they call them “leper’s hands” or “Tai Kor Chiu”.

Warmest Regards.

Eric

[TenTigers]

not working

[Eric Ling]

Now http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBrIuxxk8ec

:) :) :)

[Eric Ling]

Hi everybody,

Another Silat style appearing in the Sept event – Silat Betawi (Batavia, now Jakarta) Indonesia.

Watching the forms (bunga), I keep thinking they look so Chinese. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjI6qtYkXhw

Later, when I spoke to Tuan Haji, I was told that along with Silat Hylam, Silat Betawi has strong relation with fighting arts that came with the Chinese settlers in Indonesia.

Btw, in the clip, the first pic you see is Tuan Haji and yours truly.

Warmest Regards.

Eric

[Hendrik]

Hi everybody,

Another view of my favorite Wing Chun’s form – Bil Jee especially this version from GM Pan Nam. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBrIuxxk8ec

Like I said before, imho, this is the form if you’re looking for ties with Southern White Crane.

Somewhere in the middle of the form, there’s a technique that is done extensively in White Crane; the double spear hands or “Twin Cranes Leaving Nest”.

Interestingly, this technique is done in Southern Taizu with clenched fists and striking using the wrists; 2 curled-in fists along the centerline, almost exactly the same in execution and application.

In Taizu, this is known as “Lohan Hitting Bell”, this technique is also done in Wuzu and I believe, they call them “leper’s hands” or “Tai Kor Chiu”.

Warmest Regards.

Eric



Brother Eric,

Excellent job to have all the excellent clip share here.

If you some days see the Arrow Palm set of Yik Kam lineage the you might see it is very very white crane.

Seeing the art of your lineage in the previous clips.

the Yik Kam WCK lineage according to my sifu the concept of this art is a side enter to center door type. Eventhough it looks like side door art, but it is using side/slant enter to the center door and destroy center door. eventhought, later , some how some got evolve into side door art.


I am thinking of taking a clip for the opening and closing Salutation of Yik Kam lineage next week. Perhaps I could email to you if you are interested, so you could youtube it. also, I am thinking to release the SLT part 1 a little later...


Best Regards
Hendrik

[Eric Ling]

Hi everybody,

Brother Hendrik – thanks. Go ahead; send your stuff to white88crane@yahoo.com

I met with another old Master today, through the effort of Sifu Yokar Tan ,Chin Woo Sarawak.

Master Boon, a Fukien Shaolin boxer, is 75 this year and nothing in the way he moves say that.

His style, unexpectedly, impresses me as “Hakka”; short hands and linear with techniques that I would usually associate with Hakka type boxing.

Later, with a staff, he was all over me.

Hmmm... Now I understand why old Kung Fu Masters like to say “Empty fists belong to the young, sticks go to the elders”.

Well like in many cases before, I was obliged to show a little of my Kung Fu and this time I did a Southern Tai Chor or Grand Ancestor form we call “Liao Chin”.

This is one of the more “Crane” form in our Tai Chor training. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kTDV_I9aAg

Warmest Regards.

Eric

[Eric Ling]

Hi everybody,

Got some old footage here to share.

Taken in 2005 during a Chinese New Year Dinner, this is one of the few occasions that you’ll find me without my baseball cap.

In front of thousand of guests, all dressed up in my “White Crane” uniform, I just thought the cap doesn’t fly…

I did an abridged version of Whooping Crane’s Sanchin; common to not do an entire form during such a performance and later I did some applications with my Polish student.

The first few movements, although looking very “Wing Chun”, are actually from a form using “Hundred Birds Leaving Nest” principle in my Ancestral Crane.

Very Chinesey way of say fast flowing hands. In Denver, where I taught for a couple of years, I called them “busy hands”.

The whole idea is take opponent’s centerline and hit him repeatedly. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9COem96Urw

Wait, that’s Wing Chun ……..

Warmest Regards.

Eric

[Eric Ling]

Hi everybody,

After a few days of scurrying around, we finally held our press conference this morning and the guest-of-honor was none other than the Minister of Tourism and 2nd Finance Minister, YB Dato Sri’ Wong Soon Koh.

All the major press was there and one local TV station and we thought we stage a little performance besides all the ceremonies.

I was fortunate to have:-
• GM Lew Kao Chai
• Master Liew Joon Mew
• Master Xiong De Lu
• Master Chang Kui Chang
• Sifu Chang Kui Hui
• CMAA athletics
• Silat from Rumpun Silat Sarawak

To put up a performance program.

Got a clip here showing Master Xiong De Lu from 5 Ancestors and me (again) doing some CKF applications.

A couple of my Crane, Tai Chor and ending with a Shaolin Lohan technique. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPuavhqKI44

Will post more of today’s show in the next couple of days.

Warmest Regards.

Eric






.

[gojumaster]

Eric,

Congratulations on the press conference. I am quite looking forward to the September event!

Best Regards,

Russ Smith

Hi everybody,

After a few days of scurrying around, we finally held our press conference this morning and the guest-of-honor was none other than the Minister of Tourism and 2nd Finance Minister, YB Dato Sri’ Wong Soon Koh.

All the major press was there and one local TV station and we thought we stage a little performance besides all the ceremonies.

I was fortunate to have:-
• GM Lew Kao Chai
• Master Liew Joon Mew
• Master Xiong De Lu
• Master Chang Kui Chang
• Sifu Chang Kui Hui
• CMAA athletics
• Silat from Rumpun Silat Sarawak

To put up a performance program.

Got a clip here showing Master Xiong De Lu from 5 Ancestors and me (again) doing some CKF applications.

A couple of my Crane, Tai Chor and ending with a Shaolin Lohan technique. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPuavhqKI44

Will post more of today’s show in the next couple of days.

Warmest Regards.

Eric






.

[Eric Ling]

Hi everybody,


Russ – thanks. See you here in September.

The 2nd clip from the Press Conference.

This time, we got :-

• Lions welcoming Sarawak’s Tourism Minister & 2nd Finance Minister, YB Dato’ Sri Wong Soon Koh. The lady standing next to him is Ms. Christina Foo, my partner in MY Martial Arts Sdn Bhd. “MY” – internet shorthand for Malaysia. This is the company organizing this September’s event.

• Master Liew Joon Mew – Chu Gar Internal Jin Praying Mantis.

• Sifu Chang Kui Hui – Hakka Grand Ancestor Boxing.

• Grand Master Lew Kao Chai – Hakka Tiger Boxing.

• Master Chang Kui Chang – Hakka Grand Ancestor Boxing.

• Tuan Haji’s son, Abbas – Rumpun Silat Sarawak.

• Yap Foo Ming – Chinese Martial Art Association.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdMZuxNtjdo

Well, I will be flying back to my homeland, Singapore, in the next couple of days to talk to Singapore Masters.

Anyone of you in Singapore and would like to meet up, just let me know.

Will be there for a week or so.

From there, I will proceed to Penang and KL for the return flight.

It’s been a while since I been back home – time to catch up on some chili crabs, prawn noodles …….. and some White Crane kung fu…..

Warmest Regards.

Eric

Ps – wu-ji thanks for that clip, GM Chua Geok Beng’s Ngo Chor right?
Looks so Tai Chor to me …..

[Eric Ling]

Hi Wu-ji,

Just “Eric” please….

Singkawang Chong, are you refering to “Hakka Praying Mantis” Chong?

How are you related to him? I’ve heard so much about this gentleman since I first got here from Singapore.

Quite a legend around here as a matter of fact; with hands faster than the eyes can follow I was told.

The 2 Masters in the clip are not related to Singkawang Chong.

Wu-ji, if you don’t want to talk here, please use white88crane@yahoo.com

Warmest Regards.

Eric

[Eric Ling]

Hi Wu-ji,

Sorry if I missed your mail before.

Thanks for your latest mail. I think we are talking about the same person. After Singkawang, he resettled in Sarawak, mainly Kuching, and he taught some folks here including the local law enforcement forces.

I met up with a couple of people who claimed to be his students but I always get different accounts of what Chong taught.

Mostly, they talked about his extreme quickness in entering and hitting you machine-gun style. The first time his name was mentioned is when I was doing a little of my Ancestral Crane’s “busy hands” in front of another White Crane Master and he remarked that I move a little like Chong.

Later when I started traveling to other towns here, I got bits and pieces about his feats; apparently worshipped by the local Chinese for his kung fu skills.

Are you familiar with his kung fu background? Is there someone in Singkawang that I could talk to for more info?

I’m okay with traveling there to do a documentary about this gentleman.

As far as Wuzu is concerned, the closer I get, the more I start to see “White Crane” and “Tai Chor” embedded.

Besides your lineage, I am also acquainted with folks from GM Kan Teck Guan and GM Chee Kim Thong line.

Especially in GM Kan’s line, the “White Crane” is unmistakable with entire Yong Chun White Crane forms maintained intact.

I was talking to Martin Watts’ teacher GM Pan Chen Miaow recently and we spoke briefly about GM Kan.

In Yong Chun, folks still remember GM Kan as a Yong Chun White Crane master.

I am curious, how different is your Wuzu compared to GM Kan?

Or how much of Yong Chun White Crane is found in your line?

Warmest Regards.

Eric
:) :) :)

[Lau]

Eric,

Thank you very much for the Hakka tiger boxing clip. I really loved that and I am greatly impressed with his skills. The way the back leg is kept almost straight is something I find very important in the way I try to use power generation principles.

Regards, Lau

[Eric Ling]

Hi everybody,

Wu-ji / Lau

Thank you both….

Lau, couldn’t agree with you more. GM Lew got to be seen to be believed. His power, as far as I am concerned, is something you won’t expect for someone of his frame and size. Initially, I thought that I could take him with my speed since he appears “tighter” when he exerts. But was I surprised when I touch hands with him. He power is really “short” without much preparatory moves; something that I would normally associate with staying “loose” or “shong” like m White Crane. Because of this “shortness”, he was able to match me easy with the way he moves.

I suspect this has something to do with his basics in power generation. What you said kind of supports that belief.

Any chance of seeing how you do it? You are “Bak Mei” right?

Wu-ji, I will be traveling to Singkawang again one way or another. If you could just give me some leads…. The whole town speaks either Kek or Bahasa Indon; not really my strength hahaha…

Don’t know about the “kayu besi” or “belian” here in Sarawak but someone did tell me that you don’t want to take a hit from him and it doesn’t matter where.

Yes, most Ngo Chor here is from GM Kan line. The “White Crane” flavor is, like you say, very clear. I have even seen some forms that resemble some Fuzhou Cranes.

The frame is more or less Tai Chor and imho even their Lohan comes across as Tai Chor with many techniques appearing to have “Northern” origin.

Have you seen “Si Men” / “4th Door” or “Ngo kwan” / “5 stages” from Southern Tai Chor?

Looking at your form, I think you might find these 2 forms interesting.

Well, like I said I will be back in Singapore next week and one of my stops is my Tai Chor school where I hope to film some of my seniors and Sifu.

I will be posting from there once I got them down on video.

Warmest Regards.

Eric

[leeky77]

Eric,
Seems like you have contacts from a lot of schools still teaching traditional kung fu. Just wanna ask whether you got any contacts around KL or Selangor area?
I am from Penang and learn some basic Hung Gar and Ermei from my sifu. But working in Selangor now so trying to find a real traditional school. My interest is only on traditional kung fu. But I found that most school now is teaching wushu for competition. Too bad I'm not staying in Sarawak. Hakka kung fu is my best choice.

[Firehawk4]

Have you herd of Shatung Black Tiger by Master Tjoa Khek Kiong ? He wrote a Book on Shantung Black Tiger with Don F.Draeger . The style said to be practiced in Indoneasia and Malaysia i am wondering about what forms it has . I also herd there was a Shantung Leopard style . And the History of Shantung Black Tiger ? Robert

[Hendrik]

classical YCBHQ's power generation, especially evident from this master's sin jun ka: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5MRWO9Pw6k . She is great, by the way. Please say my highest regard when you see her again.



She is Certainly excellent!

IMHO,
In the Yik Kam or Cho family WCK lineage, The type of power generation as She describe could be seen in the Jin Cheong or Arrow Palm set. also the Thousand or Cien which is one of the 13 hands...etc

The power generation of the Jin Cheong set included the Elbow Sinking, colabone area, the full body shock... so it is very very very White Crane. IMHO


Best Regards
Hendrik

[Hendrik]

Hendrik: in my humblest opinion, what she explained is what I understand as the essence of Wing Chun's Biu Jee (sp?) form.

I see WC using horizontal and vertical power generation like YCBHQ, but in a more compact framework. But you are the WC master and not me, I just see it from an outsider's perspective.






Wu Ji,


Indeed, you are right!



Could you please define the horizontal and vertical power generation? So we could compare note?

IN my lineage, Bian, whip, is horizontal type of power.



IMHO,
Yes, what she explain is an essence of WCK's power generation which is related to the White Crane's Inch power. This type of power generation DNA certainly is not the Hung Gar Iron Wire Type.

and, there is another component from the Emei 12 Zhuang which is softer and fine tune WCK ( using the medirians flow's path way for the fine tune. that make SLT unique )


However, What she explain is often in general lost in the present day of WCK due to the extreme of Fixing and pressing the elbow in the center line position. That damage the ability of these collar bone area type of power. not to mention the extreme of fixing the elbow into the center line cause the Yin medirians to be stagnated.


IMHO,
and it is a fact that the clasical set from the Red Boat Era, such as the old version of SLT, the set start with training the holizontal and vertical power. Now a day, for some lineage after the localization evolution, the section of holizontal power is retain in Biu Jee set but not explicit in the SLT/SNT set.

also Now a day these teaching are fade away, even in my own lineage these stuffs is fading. Now a day, some might still recite the old writing, such as whip out horizontal power but then the actual understanding is lost.

So, checking on the horizontal and vertical power while I was doing research into the root of WCK, are an essence indicator to know how old the set possible is.



Thanks

Best Regards
Hendrik



BTW.

Which part of Indo you from? I was from P.Siantar, left for decades.
Decade ago, my father generation, There were some White Craner in P.siantar. There is where I come to contact with White Crane basic ... Start with those Boo Ding Boo Bah Stance (not Ding shape not Eight stance)

But, the most well known White Craner is from BinJai. Dont know if they passed down their art and how they are doing.


I also have heard from the older generation that, in the 50's 60's my sukong Sek Ko Sam's students in Sumatra-ut area some times got into friendly competitions with the White Craners and whoever did wrong automatically knee infront of Damo image as soon as my sukong questioning their act.

Just some old stories in the Sum-ut area.

[Hendrik]

Hi Wuji,


"Horizontal/vertical" is a power generation with emphasis on sin jun ka, generating the power from the change of direction of ka in horizontal and or vertical axes. It is one of the ways of generating power. In my opinion, the nature of this kind of power is a "sharp" sensation, very effective for attack to head area and weak points.-------


Could you please translate Sin Jun Ka? Sin as body? Thanks.



Whipping is a different dimension. It is a soft-to-hard fajin that is good for penetrating strike. Hard-to-hard is good to block direct attack. Soft-to-soft is good for indirectly redirecting attack and also for grappling work. ------


Yup. Great view.



In my lineage's SLT, the first move is about " whipping arm whip out horizontal force Jing." So yes, it is not Lat (fujian force) but jing as written.





I believe that one inch power can be attained from many ways. Certainly, a very mature horizontal/vertical is one of them. -------


I see the one inch power have different types.
There is the one power with Sinking the elbow vertically with a shock drop (which I define it as vertical power) and there is the one power with the side chest/collar bone area with a shock trust (which I define it as horizontal power). And then there is the one which is power by the whole body by the tigh with a sharp body sinking and etc.






People often focus on styles in term of frames or forms. I believe that human body has only one head, one torso, 2 upper limbs and 2 lower limbs; they can only be moved in certain limited ways. -------

I agree with you to a large extend on this one.




Hence, what matters is the application of energy to generate power to attack and deflecting attacks. People can train in different forms, but I personally see that the applications of the frames are not that far from each other. A distinguishing quality that wins the fight for unarmed combat is often the quality of the power generation. I might be very biased, but a perfect defense prevents us from getting (much) injury. Yet, a strong attack is what is needed to finish a fight. ------


Yes, power generation is the number one essencial. how big the cannon one has make big different.

In fact, I am interested in doing power generation DNA research. I think that is meaningfull.

For example,
There are different definition of horizontal and vertical power. there is a saying that those untrain has vertical power and those who train has horizontal power...etc.


I grew up in Surakarta, Central Java. There is a strong influence of GM Liem Tjoei Kang and his successor GM Kwik Tjong Thay in this area (both happen to be my sukongs). At all given time, maybe each of them had had more than 3000 (revolving) students. Yet, very few finished their studies. My suhu, too, had had more than 1000 revolving students. Most of them have less than 2 years life-cycle. -----

Thanks for sharing.



My lesson started from classical ma bhe, but the serious lesson started with bu ding bu ba stance, which my suhu often just shorthanded it as pat kwa stance. This is the very basic of the fighting stance while the sam chien stance is the basic for power generation training. -------


Hahaha, we converge.

You see, in general today people didnt get past the sam chien stance understanding...




I heard from my suhu that before the 1965 G30S PKI, there were often friendly matches and demos. Many Hokjia masters with their excellent White Crane skills. Many decided to hide their skills afterward. Who knows if they ever pass their skills. What a grief loss. -------


1965 sep 30th is a day which changes the history forever. lots of sad and destruction....



Being a small city, my hometown also has a natural disadvantageous since most kids leave town for universities in big cities after they graduate from high school. So, naturally their training becomes interrupted, if not stopped at all. -------


Yup. Living condition has changes. Even when I was in Penang, condition changes and lesser and lesser trainers keep training.



I, personally, ended up in the U.S. and will reside permanently inhere because of my career.----------

Where do you live now? I am in San Jose Calif. May be we could meet some day.



Thanks for sharing.
Best Regards
Hendrik

[Eric Ling]

:) :) :)

Hi everybody,

Writing this from Singapore; have I got my work cut out for the next couple of weeks…

I visited GM Lee Kam Yuen, the current leader of the Zhou Jia (Chow Gar) group in his school and discussed this September’s event.

I was delighted when he consented to send a group from his style and he even helped me to contact some of his friends in Hungga, Pak Hok and Choy Lee Fut.

Visiting this school is always special to me; besides the warm hospitality, Zhou Jia is one of the few schools left still maintaining the old ways.

Apart from the rooftop open-air school, this style still teaches the traditional manner; something that I don’t get to see much of these days.

And it is at this rooftop school that I sat through a training session conducted by a young Sifu, Royce Ang.

At 31, this Sifu has already got 18 years of Zhou Jia training and looking at his students perform later, I can picture how good he must be….

In the clip, you’ll see Sifu Ang in full black in the first 2 pictures.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1Y8D7g67Ok

I got some Pak Hok videos with me but it will be another day or 2 before I post. This clips came from meeting with GM Mok of Singapore Pak Hok Pai.

Got meetings lined up all the way until Thursday before I travel to Penang, again to meet with Masters there….

Warmest Regards.

Eric

Ps. Notice that this thread is seeing some “deep” discussions; I will get more involved when I get back to Sarawak. At this time, I am moving and visiting and talking to Masters all over the place. Using an internet café to update…..

[TenTigers]

when I first saw the opening, I thought CLF, then it opened into Fu Hok Seung Ying Kuen of Hung-Ga, although a different interpetation. Very dynamic, nice stances,very exciting to see. I would love to see some application drills. Where is this line from? Any time I see Malaysian lines of Hung Kuen, it is an eye opener.

[Eric Ling]

:) :) :)

Hi everybody,

Rik, Chow Gar/Choy Lee Fut and Hung Gar are VERY attached, at least in the Singapore context..

The form that you see in the clip is called “Fai Shou Hung Kuen” or “Fast Hands Hung Fists”…

Quick updates:-

 Besides the Chow Gar, I have also visited “Lama Pai Pak Hok” and spoke extensively about working together to try and revive traditional Kung Fu in this region. The support I am getting from GM Mok is really heartening. Coincidentally, they are planning their 60th anniversary celebration right about the same time I am doing the gathering so it’s going to take some fine tuning in scheduling for us to work. Still I was given videos, magazines and we even tape GM Mok talking about Pak Hok – priceless stuff..

 Hung Seng Koon Singapore. This has got to be one of the oldest kung fu establishments here in Singapore. GM Seah, the current leader, is a very vibrant person even in his advanced age. At one point during our tea session, he stood up and starting demonstrating the kwa, pow and charp choy from all the different Cantonese styles. This man’s kung fu knowledge is really unbelievable. Hung Seng Koon is sending representatives to the September event. And knowing that I will be in