KUNG FU HISTORY

Kung fu has its origins over 4000 years ago in what is now known as China. The original system was for hunting and protection. As people began fighting more with each other fighting became more systemized with different "styles" of fighting. In fact, individual combat had become so formalized that kings were chosen by their ability to fight and vanquish their opponents.

It was over 2500 years ago that the famous Shaolin Temple was established. Through the centuries, this temple has become noted for the ability of the fighting Shaolin monks. Partly, this is due to generals who lost battles and took refuge in the temple to save their own lives as well as those of their families and other clan members. The Shaolin temple was burned down three times by the Manchurian government which felt threatened by the fighting techniques of these monks. The temple was destroyed for the last time during the Ching Dynasty.

WHAT IS WAH LUM KUNG FU?

The full name of our style is Wah Lum Tam Tui Bak Tong Long Kung Fu which can be translated to China Forest Northern Praying Mantis Kung Fu

Wah Lum was developed by Grandmaster Lee Kwan Shan. He combined his family system of Tam Tui (Seeking leg style) with the Jut Sow (Wrestling hands) Praying Mantis system.

The Wah Lum System is a result of the combination of techniques from these two styles. The Fast hand and joint locking techniques of the Praying Mantis system combined with the effective kicking techniques of the Tam Tui system make this a very versatile and devastating fighting style.

Master Lee Kwan Shan learned the Jut sow system from Abbot Ching Yeung , a 4th generation Praying Mantis instructor, during an arduous 10 year discipleship in Jut Sow Praying mantis Kung Fu at the Wah Lum Monastery of Ping To district in Shantung province.

Master Lee named his new style after this Monastery, his family system and the Northern Praying Mantis style he studied at the Monastery.