Shaolin Wushu
The Chinese word ‘wushu’ (Translation: ‘martial arts’) has a religious ancestry. Since ancient times 'wushu' has often related to Shaolin when speaking of martial arts. Over 1500 years of Shaolin martial arts teachings have spread from the foot of the Songshan Mountain in Zengzhou, Henan Province, China to throughout the world.
The monks of the Shaolin Temple, over the centuries have won fame and prestige for Shaolin which has become synonymous with Chinese martial arts and also has religious origins in Buddhism.
About Shaolin Wushu
Shaolin has become world renowned for it's martial arts training.
Chin Hock Tan is currently teaching Shaolin Martial Arts in Calgary, Alberta Canada. Tan has dedicated over 40 years to the promotion of traditional Shaolin Martial Arts.
Shaolin Training Program:
1. Fundamental Exercises: Exercise that are developed to build a strong basic foundation and to promote self-discipline, physical development, and the right mental attitude. Regular and consistent workouts will help students to build a good and strong basic foundation. These exercises consist of techniques applicable to real life situations. Regular practice will help students to develop these movements into second nature.
2. Floor/Wall Exercises: To develop speed, power and accuracy.
3. Sparring: This is to encourage students to apply their fundamental techniques, and also help students develop reflexes and control.
4. Quan (forms/patterns): Students are taught traditional and sophisticated 'quan' such as 'Yi Zhi Mei', Five Willows, tiger, monkey, crane, Shaolin 18 lohans and many more. Weapons such as the staff, monk spade, spear, sabre, sword, and other traditional Shaolin weapons are also taught in 'quan' and choreographed sparring. Our training program offers both hard and soft styles.
5. Qi-Gong: Qi Gong and Tai Qi have a common philosophical background. Qi-Gong movements are like Tai Qi, slow graceful, rhythmical and balanced. Exercises are short and repetitious movements, Qi Gong stretching, breathing, self-therapy and meditative posture exercises help to stimulate and balance your internal energy (Qi). Qi is responsible for the healthy functioning of the body. Daily practice of Qi Gong is rewarding, resulting in both physical health and psychological well-being.
6. Hand and Leg Conditioning: Interested students can also look forward to learn how to condition their hands, legs and body. Conditioning of both hands and legs can also be entertaining by performing the breaking of concrete slabs, bricks, porcelain bowls, watermelons and many more. This type of training is often known as "Iron Palm" in the west. In Shaolin, we call this 'Ying Song' training. Such training requires strict discipline as injuries can occur externally and internally. Because of the nature of the training self-discipline and emotional control is strictly required.
Traditionally, Shaolin does not have levels or coloured sashes. Coloured sashes are occasionally used for different uniforms (occasions). Belt levels are not introduced because we believe that it gives a student a false sense of security. Coloured belts approach presently in this 'Martial Arts Society' are partially commercial and also makes some students arrogant and egotistical.
About Shaolin Wushu
Reverend Sek Koh Sam
Reverend Sek Koh Sam the abbot of the Shaolin Temple in Singapore is both a scholar, physician, and martial artist. Born in 1886 in China, it wasn't until 1928 at the age of 42 that he travelled to S.E. Asia. In 1928 he was invited to Java, Indonesia to preside at the Shaolin Temple. He contributed much to Buddhism and martial arts, for in 21 years he built 9 temples in this geographic region. He is the 49th generation of the Chinese Buddhist monk lineage, the first generation being Bodhidharma (Damo).
At 63 years old Sek Koh Sam was requested by the Singapore Shaolin Temple to succeed Pui-Lang as Abbot (Chief Monk). He undertook post-war repairs to some of the buildings of the Shaolin Temple in Singapore which had been badly damaged. He was also a well-known exponent of the martial arts school of Shaolin Temple, especially for his Monkey Lohan form, and he shared his expertise with the community.
In 1954 Reverend Sek established the Singapore Sao Hua San Athletic Association, the first Shaolin martial arts school outside the Temple. Reverand Sek Koh Sam introduced 'Yi Zhi Mei' as a set form, and 'Lohan Koon' another set form ('Yi Zhi Mei' and Reverend Sek Koh Sam can be found in the Shaolin Encyclopedia, written by Shi De Qian of the Shaolin Temple in Henan, China).
Further information about Sek Koh Sam and his disciples/decendents can be found at the following website www.sekkohsam.tk
Ng Ser Kow
Mr. Ng Swee Gao (Ng Ser Kow) was born in Fu Jian in China. He was a strong willed man and had a strong interest in Chinese martial arts. In 1947 he left China for Singapore and was under the protégé of Monk Gao Chien (Sek Koh Sam) who was the chief abbot of Shuang Lin temple in Singapore.
Mr. Ng trained under Abbot Gao Chien for more than ten years and was one of the favorite disciples of Abbot Gao Chien. Ng Ser Kow was trained to a high level of proficiency in both the Lohan form, and Monkey form.
Singapore Sao Hua San Association was formed in 1954 and Mr. Ng, under the instruction of Abbot Gao Chien, was to be the instructor of Sao Hua San Association.
Mr. Ng had numerous trainees under him and during his stay in Sao Hua San, he had trained several well-known martial artists in Singapore. Several of his students had participated in South East Asia tournaments and had gained recognition for their skills.
All these further substantiated Mr. Ng contribution to Sao Hua San Association. Mr. Ng was also the instructor of the Nanyang Shaolin Headquarter and had participated in Singapore Wushu demonstration in Singapore,1967. It was in this tournament that Nan yang Shaolin Association became one of the top positions of the martial arts association in Singapore.
Mr. Ng died on 23rd December 1973. He was 47 years old then and spent most of his life promoting Shaolin martial arts in Singapore. He was a highly skilled martial artist, and his many contributions have benefited his fellow students. He will always be remembered, and teachings will not be forgotten.
Lau Eng Guan
Mr. Lau Eng Guan was born in 1931 Wei Ann, Fujian, China. In 1937, he followed his father to Singapore and hence has helped his father in running his business.
He joined Sao Hua San in 1957 and trained in martial arts under Ng Swee Gao and Tay Shui Siong. He learnt the Mei Hua form ,monkey form, Luo Han form, crane form and other forms of weapon sets.
He is approachable and hardworking. He perfected the techniques taught by the two instructors in a short time.
In 1966, Sao Hua San Association celebrated their twelve anniversary and Mr. Lau Eng Guan was commended for his contribution to the association.
In 1969 he was one of the selected few team members from Singapore Shaolin Association (of which Sao Hua San is an affiliate) to go to Berlin, Germany for the martial art performance. During this period, he was under strict supervision of Mr. Ng Sweet Gao where he further sharpened his martial art skills. It was during this time Mr. Lau Eng Guan further improved his skills under Swee Gao and other special martial art forms were taught to him.
When Mr. Ng Swee Gao died in 1973, Mr. Lau Eng Guan was elected to take over his place as the martial arts instructor for Sao Hua San Association. He was the instructor for thirty over years
Chin Hock Tan
Shaolin martial arts (Rev. Sek Koh Sam Style) was brought to Canada by Chin Hock Tan (Click Here for more pictures), disciple of Master Ng Ser Kow of the Singapore Sao Hua San Athletic Association. Tan was born in Singapore and has been training and teaching Shaolin martial arts for more than 40 years.
An enthusiast in martial arts, he has participated in pugilistic events, demonstrations, and exhibitions. Tan has undergone a course in competition judging, conducted by the Singapore National Pugilistic Federation (a government regulated body to monitor all martial arts and self-defence organizations and individuals). Tan is a certified and qualified instructor in martial arts and self-defence (a requirement by law for all martial arts instructors in Singapore).
Tan's credits include being a committee member for the advancement of Shaolin Martial Arts in Singapore. He also holds the positions of assitant general secretary and disciplinary officer. Chin Hock Tan belongs to the “Xing” generation of the Songshan Shaolin temple (32nd generation based on Shaolin Temple Lineage). He was given the title of “Xing Gong” by his teacher Shi De Qian, a revered monk in the Shaolin temple, well known for his martial arts and medical skills in China. Shi De Qian is also the author of many books on Shaolin martial arts inclusive of the ”Complete Encyclopedia of Shaolin Martial Arts“ and “Shaolin Encyclopedia”, which are presently the state of art on Shaolin form.
Tan was presented copies of both encyclopedias by Shi De Qian.
At present, the most senior monk in Shaolin temple belongs to the “Shu” generation (30 generation) and the youngest belongs to the “Yuan” Generation (34 generation)
Tan is certified 32nd generation of the Songshan Shaolin temple (Tan's certification and the authentication)
For more details on the Songshan Shaolin generation nomenclature, please refer to page 63 of “Shaolin Encyclopedia.” Tan also contributed to the standardization of 'Yi Zhi Mei' for the Complete Encyclopedia of Shaolin Martial Arts written by Shi De Qian of the Shaolin Temple in Henan, China.
In 1995 Tan and members of the Singapore Shaolin Organization were officially invited to attend the 1500 year anniversary of the Shaolin Temple in Henan, China.
Classes
Shaolin Martial Arts
Currently accept private and semi-private. Classes are also held on Tuesday Evenings at the Palliser Bayview Pumphill Community Assoiation at 2323 Palliser Drive SW, Calgary. Please contact Chin Hock Tan at (403) 252-8119 for more information.
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Classes are held on Sunday 9:30 am - 10:30 am
For Additional Information Call: (403) 252-8119