Coming To America - Jow Ga Kung Fu
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Recreation Sports -> subcategory Tennis.
Coming to America: Jow Ga Kung Fu
Overview
I recently had the opportunity to guest teach at a school specializing in Jow Ga Kung Fu. As someone passionate about exploring new martial arts styles, I primarily focused on Northern Chinese styles, known for their holistic approach compared to the Southern Shaolin styles. To show respect and embrace learning, I asked to participate in a few private sessions before teaching. The school’s instructor, Pete Schildt, graciously allowed me to observe a couple of classes.
Discovering Jow Ga Kung Fu
Jow Ga combines elements of several Southern styles. The Southern-style punches are distinctive, characterized by their rapidity and less fluidity than the Northern styles I’m familiar with. The stance is noticeably lower than typical Shaolin styles, and the footwork is more defensive, pleasantly familiar to me. As with many Southern martial arts styles, the defensive techniques tend to be more straightforward compared to those in the North.
Historical Context
Jow Ga Kung Fu originated in the early 20th century in China, founded by Jow Lung, who initially learned Hung Ga Kung Fu from his uncle. After his uncle's passing, Jow Lung studied Choy Ga Kung Fu under master Choy Kau, quickly mastering it due to his strong foundation.
At 18, struggling to find work, Jow Lung left his village, eventually reaching Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where he became a tin miner. The working conditions were harsh, leading to a confrontation where Jow Lung killed a foreman to defend another miner and fled to the mountains. There, he found refuge at the Gi Leu temple, learning Wudang techniques and medicinal practices under master Chian Yi. Recognizing Jow Lung’s natural talent, Chian Yi encouraged him to continue his journey after completing his training.
The Birth of Jow Ga Kung Fu
Upon returning to his village in China, Jow Lung envisioned merging the three styles he mastered, leading to the creation of Jow Ga Kung Fu. He established the first school in his hometown, with his younger brothers as its first students. His brothers later founded more schools, becoming proficient in both the techniques and their effective teaching methods.
In 1911, Jow Lung emerged victorious in a government competition to select the martial arts instructor for the Chinese Army. This victory led him and his brothers, later dubbed the "Five Tigers of Jow Ga," to teach the style to the army. By the time Jow Lung passed away from pneumonia in 1930, he and his brothers had established over 80 schools across mainland China.
Jow Ga Kung Fu in the United States
Jow Ga Kung Fu was introduced to the US in 1966, five years after the last of the original Jow Brothers passed away. Hoy K. Lee and Dean Chin established the first American school in Washington, D.C. Today, it is among the most popular Kung Fu styles in the US, acclaimed for its fusion of Northern and Southern influences into a comprehensive style.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed observing the classes and look forward to learning more from this fascinating art form.
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