Sil-Lum Kung-Fu originated in Shao-Lin Temples hundreds of years ago. Although the exact origins are difficult to trace, the birth of Sil-Lum is usually accredited to the Buddhist monk Bodhidharma who introduced the 18 Lohan movements to Shao-Lin monks as a form of exercise. The Lohan eventually gave rise to the five basic animal styles that Kung-Fu is famous for: Crane, Leopard, Tiger, Snake, and Dragon. Practitioners of any of these styles mimic the movements and assume the fighting spirit of the animal. For example, the Tiger teaches clawing techniques and courage. Additional styles such as Praying Mantis and Monkey were subsequently developed. Kung-Fu was originally taught to Shao-Lin monks who could not leave the temple until they passed a life or death test. Graduates were well known for their fighting prowess. The modern Kung-Fu student is no longer put to such extremes, but nonetheless has inherited a powerful fighting art laced with a philosophy emphasizing peace and respect for life.

Chin-Na is the facet of Kung-Fu which involves grappling, joint locks, pressure points, takedowns, and throws for immobilizing an attacker. These techniques are derived from animal attributes such as the praying mantis hook or eagle claw.

The internal arts Tai Chi, Ba Gua, and Hsing-I are taught collectively at our school as the Emperor's Long Fist system. Emperor's Long Fist (Tai Tzu Chang Chuan) was created in Sung dynasty China by Emperor Chao Kuang Yin in 960 A.D., and is the root of all other Tai Chi styles. Ba Gua and Hsing-I, the sister arts to Tai-Chi, were also incorporated. These internal arts emphasize the cultivation of Qi (a.k.a. Chi, Ki, life energy, etc) for use in combat rather than external muscular force. Thousands of Chinese and a growing number of Westerners practice internal arts ( especially Tai-Chi) for health and longevity.

Our beginning Kung-Fu students learn basic stances, kicks, blocks, punches, Chin-Na, and some simple hand weapon forms. These provide the student with a proper foundation for effective combat skills. Intermediate students learn knife attack more weapon training, sweeps, takedowns, animal forms, and light sparring. Advanced students learn advanced applications of many animal and weapon forms, pressure point fighting, advanced qi gong, multiple opponent strategy, etc. Long-term learning possibilities are endless. The dedicated student will learn confidence, self-discipline and build strength of body and character.

School Lineage