Wang Lang (Yu Qi) Founder of Mantis Boxing

According to oral tradition, Wang Lang was a legendary figure who patriotically rebelled against the Manchurian overthrow of the Han Chinese and their Ming Dynasty(1368 - 1644). It is rumored that Wang Lang fled to Shaolin after Manchurian forces overwhelmed the rebellion and established the Qing Dynasty. In an effort to conceal his identity, Wang Lang shaved his head and mutilated his face with boiling water making him unrecognizable by the Manchurians. During his stay at Shaolin, he refined his skills as a martial artist. Unfortunately, he was unable to defeat the skills of a superior monk until one day, while resting in the shade after intense training, Wang Lang heard the cries of a cicada.

Wang Lang turned to find the cicada being eaten alive by a significantly smaller praying mantis. Feeling pity for the cicada, Wang Lang freed it from the mantis's clutches. The motion instantly provoked the mantis to take its defensive posture. Impressed by the fighting spirit of the mantis, Wang Lang began to toy with the insect using a piece of grass. With training fresh in his mind, Wang Lang began associating the mantis's defensive actions with his own. Seeing the potential for new fighting principals, Wang Lang closely studied the use of the mantis forearms in its offensive and defensive movements.

Wang Lang utilized these ideas to defeat his superior. Soon after the match, a gathering of 17 other martial arts specialist were summoned to a meeting to share this new technique.

The following poem about the gathering was written by Xiao Mingkui and translated by Taiji Mei Hua TLQ Shifu(Grand Ultimate Plum Blossom Mantis Boxing teacher) Ilya Profatilov:

1.In the beginning there was the "Long-range Boxing" (Chang Quan) style of Emperor Tai Zu.

2."Through the Back" (Tongbei) boxing of Master Han Tong is considered parental.

3.Hand technique "Rap Around and Seal" (Chan Feng) of Master Zhang En is especially profound.

4."Close-range Strikes" (Duanda) boxing of Master Ma Ji is the most remarkable.

5.It is impossible to come close to Master Huang You who knows the "Close Range Hand Techniques" (Kao Shou).

6.The technique "Blocking Hands and Following Trough Fist" (Keshou Tongquan) of Master Jin Xiang.

7.The hand techniques of "Hooking, Scooping and Grabbing Hands" (Gou Lou Cai Shou) of
Master Liu Xing.

8.The "Methods of Sticking, Grabbing, and Falling" (Zhanna Diefa) of Master Yan Qing.

9.The "Short Boxing" (Duan Quan) of Master Wen Yuan is the most extraordinary.

10.The style "Monkey Boxing" (Hou Quan) of Master Sun Heng is also flourishing.

11.The "Cotton Fist" (Mien Quan) techniques of Master Mien Shen is lightning fast.

12.The "Throwing-Grabbing and Hard Crashing" (Shuailue Yingbeng) techniques by Master Huai De.

13.The technique of "Ducking, Leaking and Passing through the Ears" (Gunlou Guaner) of Master Tan Fang.

14.The strongest leg kicking technique is "Mandarin ducks" (Yuanyang Jiao) kick of
Master Lin Chong.

15.The "Seven Postures of Continuous Fist Strikes" (Qishi Lianquan) techniques by Master Meng Su.

16."Hand Binding and Grabbing" (Kunlu Zhenru) techniques of Master Yang Gun attack instantly.

17.The techniques of "Explosive Strikes into the Hollow Parts of the Body" (Woli Paochui) by Master Cui Lian.

18. "Praying Mantis" (Tanglang) boxing of Master Wang Lang absorbed and equalized all previous techniques"

With the contributions of the 17 specialist, Wang Lang formulated 12 keyword principals manifested in a set of techniques known as Beng Bu, commonly translated as "Crushing Step".

**There is no empirical evidence to confirm Wang Lang's or Sheng Xiao Daoren's existence, however the earliest mention of Mantis Boxing was found in Quanpu (Boxing Manuscript) and involves a man from Qixia in Shandong (East Mountains) province(AD 1609-1702). His Daoist name is Yu Qi Daoren(7th Son), and his story is parallel to the oral traditions of Mantis Boxing.

Some scholars also argue that at the time, such a journey between Shaolin and Laoshan was very uncommon. A more rational deduction postulates that Li Bing Xiao (Mei Hua TLQ) and Li San Jian (the earliest verifiable figures) are the primary developers of the system. According to reasonable speculation, it is said that 7 star was developed by Li San Jian and Sheng Xiao Dao Ren, with the Plum Blossom developed by Yu Zhou Dao Ren and Li Bing Xiao.

Oral tradition also postulates that the figure "Wang Lang" was used as an icon to keep the rebellion alive. It is said that rebels would carry poems transcribed on cloth, and when folded in a specific pattern, the calligraphy would form the words "Wang Lang" confirming instructions for the "Seven Star Secret Society". The cloth was then folded in another pattern to recieve the messages hidden within the poem.

It must also be noted that although oral tradition states that Wang Lang sought refuge in Shaolin, the Mantis Boxing system is not Buddhist, as found with the techniques in Beng Bu such as the eye plunder and groin strike. Such techniques prove contrary to the Karmic principals of Buddhism due to the irreversible nature of the injuries sustained from such techniques.

Sheng Xiao Dao Ren: The Daoist Herbalist  2nd Generation

A traveling Taoist named Sheng Xiao arrived at Shaolinsi for herbal trade. At the time, Mantis Boxing was only taught to high level monks as to protect the treasures of Shaolin. During his stay, Sheng Xiao was permitted to learn Mantis Boxing as part of the negotiation. Sheng Xiao then returned to Taoist mountain Laoshan where he shared the system. The system was then referred to by Taoist as "The Treasure to Guard the Mountain".

**Again, the above story is according to oral transmission. TLQ was most likely created and preserved on the Daoist Laoshan (Mt. Lao)

Li San Jian: Li Lightning Fist!  3rd Generation: Bodyguard and Security Transport Specialist

Continuing on his travels, Sheng Xiao crossed paths with a band of bandits attempting to raid a caravan of goods. The caravan was guarded by armed security lead by Li San Jian. Together, Sheng Xiao and Li San Jian fought off the bandits. Mutually impressed by martial skill, the two became good friends and further developed the art of Mantis Boxing. Li San Jian was later nicknamed "Li Kuai Shou" or Li Fast Hands. It is said that caravans carrying his flag during transport were often avoided by thieves and bandits.

As Li San Jian began to reach old age, it was time to relinquish what he has learned by passing the system on to a new practitioner. Not having any children, Li San Jian began his search for a worthy inheritor.

**Li San Jian was born in Pingdu Village in Shandong province (1821).

Wang Rong Sheng: 1854 - 1926  4th Generation: The Shaolin Champion from Fushan County

Wang Rong Sheng, born into a wealthy family in Fushan County (Shandong) May 13, 1854, was able to dedicate most of his life to the practice of Chang Quan (Long Fist) from Shifu Li YiChun since 1862. Wang Rong Sheng grew up to be a free fighting champion of Fushan with fans far and wide and opened his Wuguan in 1877 at the age of 23. It was during the fourth year of the Guang Xu reign (Qing Dynasty 1888 AD) when he was approached by a strange 66 year old man.

After winning a tournament in his province, the victorious Wang was visited by many fans requesting to see a display of great skill. After demonstrating his skill, the old observer replied, "You should have never won the championship." Arrogant and furious, Wang invited the old man to attack. The stranger obliged, and ultimately thrashed Wang Rong Sheng. Wang, in defeat, demanded to know the name of his assailant. The stranger replied "Li San Jian". Within moments, Wang realized that standing before him is the legendary Li Kuai Shou (Li Fast Hands). Wang then preformed the Kou Tou touching hs head three times to the ground and begged to be accepted as a student. Li San Jin, at the age of 66, accepted the 34 year old apprentice, and by 1891 AD, Wang Rong Sheng’s instruction was complete and Li San Jian retired in Tianjin, Heibei Province.

Wang Rong Sheng then inherited Beng Bu (Crushing Step) and Luan Jie (Intercepting) boxing skills.

Wang Rong Sheng further developed the system by creating new sets with heavy shaolin influence during the 1890s. It was during this time that “Seven Star” was attached to the term “Praying Mantis Boxing” as to distinguish Wang’s development from his friend (Hao Liang Ru's) style of Mantis Boxing, which was named “Grand Ultimate Plum Blossom Mantis Boxing”.

As Wang reached old age, he befriended the legendary Fan Xu Dong of Yantai, and taught him the entirety of Mantis Boxing.

** Scholars point to Wang Rong Sheng for injecting Shaolin techniques and traditions into the system of Mantis Boxing.

Fan Xu Dong: Fan the Giant!  5th Generation: Fan Represents the Power of Chinese Boxing

Fan Xu Dong was a legendary man who was over 300 lbs and a master or the Iron Palm technique. Rumor has it that one day, while strolling through the countryside; Fan was attacked by two charging bulls. He sidestepped one bull and kicked its underbelly, causing it to collapse and eventually die. He then dropped the "Falling Palm” between the eyes of the second bull, killing the bull almost instantly. The owner of the bulls demanded compensation from Fan. Fan refused and justified his actions as self defense. The owner, seeing the ability of the giant, did not persist.

During the Guangxu years of 1874-1908 AD of the Qing Dynasty, Fan was made famous during cultural hardship as opium weakened the nation, making the Chinese appear to be the "sick man of Asia". China was constantly scrutinized by other countries, resulting in challenge matches to test the strength of the "Chinaman".

In 1875, Fan responded to a challenge match by a Russian wrestler in Siberia, and was victorious.

Fan also answered the call of a Samurai, whose was roaming the country beheading Chinese Boxers. Legend has it that as the swordsman raised his weapon to behead Fan, Fan dropped to the ground and slashed the swordsman from the groin to throat. It was this fight that created the nickname "The Giant and the Broadsword".

The numerous victories resulted in Fan Xu Dong being labeled as the first “Mantis King”. Other Chinese Boxers took allegiance to the Yi Ho Chuan (Fists of Righteous Harmony, also known as the Boxer Rebellion) in an effort to uphold the pride and independence of the nation.

The Fists of Righteous Harmony, also known as the Boxers, was originally a society whose aim was to overthrow the Qing; destroy the foreigner”. The earliest activity was recorded in March of 1895 in Shandong. By 1900, the rebellion's objective was to defy the cruelty, and the commercial/political influences of the European, American, and Japanese imperialism in China. The Boxers were composed of the martial warriors of China and battled American Boxers, Japanese Samurai, and Russian wrestlers, in martial arts duels throughout China.

Eventually, extremists began using the fear tactic and unjustly murdered foreigners relying on Shen Gong (a practice intended to make the body impervious to harm; later believed to be superstitious powers). These acts backfired against the Chinese as it stigmatized all of those associated with Chinese Boxing as those with primal superstition, and evil intent.

By 1909, a Mi Zong (Lost Track) boxer by the name of Huo Yan Jia (aka Yellow Faced Tiger) responded to the crisis by also emerging victorious in a martial arts duel in Shanghai. He then established an association to preserve traditional Chinese Boxing. To prevent association with the Boxer rebellion, the term “Boxer” or “Boxing” was omitted, and the “Chinese Physical Culture Association” was established. In an effort to further prevent suspicion of the Martial Artist, the association included athletic activities such as soccer, basketball, etc.

By August of that same year, Huo Yan Jia was murdered. Speculations suggest the Japanese, in revenge for their defeat in Shanghai, used poison as the murder weapon.

Huo Yan Jia’s students, with new fire, perpetuated Huo’s dream by establishing the Chin Wu (Martial Essence) Association, and by 1919, the Ching Chung Committee voted to hire the legendary Giant Fan to represent the strength of Mantis Boxing.

Fan Xu Dong received the invitation to teach Mantis Boxing at the Shanghai Chin Wu. Giant Fan, being 44 years past his prime, looked to his students to honor the invitation. By 1919, Fan’s primary students were Yang Wei Xin (known as the most senior disciple), Lin Jin Shan (34 years old, 17 years with Fan), and Luo Guang Yu (31 years old, 13 years with Fan).

His senior disciple, Yang Wei Xin, was no longer guardian of Fan’s Yantai School for the murder of two rival Mei Hua Tang Lang boxers in 1910. Lin Jing Shan assumed
control while Yang was imprisoned. Later that year, Fan bailed his student out of jail.

Fan honored the invitation by sending Yang Wei Xin and Luo Guang Yu together to represent Fan’s school in Shanghai (Jiang Su province), while Lin Jing Shan continued to fulfill his duties at the Yantai Wu Guan.

**Fan Xu Dong documented his practice of principals, philosophy, herbology, and Luohon Gong (monk exercise) in the five books of the “Shaolin Authentic”.

**The time period is depicted in several movies such as Jet Li's movies "Fearless", "Fists of Legend", and the "Once Upon a Time in China" series.

Luo Guang Yu 1888 - 1944 6th Generation: The Fourth Uncle

Luo Guang Yu was born in Penglai County of Shandong Province in 1888, and began learning under Fan Xu Dong in 1906 when he was 18 years old and inherited the entirety of the system within seven years. At the age of 31, Luo won the Grand Championship at the Shanghai Sanda (free fighting) competition, and was appointed to represent his teacher at the Shanghai Chin Wu later that same year.

Luo Guang Yu and his Shihing (elder brother) Yang Wei Xing arrived in Shanghai in 1919. The climate, culture, and language of Shanghai held significant differences from that of Yantai. Yang, being temperamental and holding a violent criminal history, was both feared and detested by the Shanghainese. Yang openly expressed his contempt and had little patience for those who could not comprehend or cope with the brutal instruction.

Luo, on the other hand, was quiet and kept to himself. Unfortunately, his silence was interpreted as arrogance. Other instructors would ridicule Luo, who allegedly had an injured leg. Luo was continually chastised for appearing much smaller than his reputation until one day, another instructor challenged Luo to fight. Luo could not dissuade his opponent, so instead he remained tactically passive during the standoff. As his assailant committed to a forward attack, Luo yielded the forward energy by passively neutralizing the assault with the Diao Shou (Mantis Wicked Hand). Luo secured and immobilized his opponents’ extremity by gripping the wrist with his pinky, ring, and middle finger and stated “I suggest we stop”. In frustration, his opponent aggressively yanked his arm back causing Luo’s fingers to rip the assailants’ radial artery. The attack did not continue.

He was then labeled one of the “Three Major Boxers of Shanghai Chin Wu”. In 1929, Luo Guang Yu was represented by his student, Ma Cheng Xin, in the infamous Leitai Sanda (platform fighting) battles of Nanjing (New Capitol of China 1928). Ma Cheng Xin and Luo Guang Yu walked away as the victors, while others fell victim to the brutality of the competition. The competition ceased that year due to the deaths and serious injuries incurred during the fights, which were intended to perpetuate the true martial arts of China. Unfortunately, it was this competition which broke many Martial Arts lineages due to the crippling of many masters.

By the 1930’s, the Japanese military, known as the Guandong Army, controlled “Manchukuo” (Manchurian Country) through a puppet government. The Guandong Army along with the “Black Dragon Society” (an anti-Chinese covert society composed of Japanese Martial Artists) ultimately bombarded Shanghai to eradicate anti-Japanese movements. Luo Guang Yu, along with many others, fled the mainland and found sanctuary in the British colony of Hong Kong.

Luo Guang Yu arrived in Hong Kong in 1932, and continued to teach Mantis Boxing at the Hong Kong Chin Wu. The Hong Kong Chin Wu was recognized as one of the most powerful martial arts forces from the south, with their Chief Instructors recognized as the “Four Superlords”. The Fourth Uncle, Luo Guang Yu, was succeeded by two primary students; Zhao Zhi Min and Huang Han Xun.

By December of 1937, the Japanese committed to an invasion from Shanghai into Nanjing; an event now known as “The Rape of Nanjing”. The Japanese brutally killed over 300,00 Chinese soldiers, women, and children, by decapitation, bayoneting, and killing games. Adolph Hitler recognized the Japanese as “Honorary Aryans” for their genocide performance within the six week massacre.

Chinese Boxers and soldiers continued their resistance in small numbers. By 1944, Hong Kong was also occupied by the Japanese. At the age of 56, Luo Guang Yu left the colony to return to his home in Penglai, Shandong Province. However, when he arrived in Shanghai, Luo Guang Yu fell victim to an unknown illness and passed away that same year.

One year later, with the help of the Soviet Union, China reclaimed Nanjing.

**Sanda was re-established decades later and is now known as San Shou in the U.S.A.. However, San Shou has been severely modified for safety and liability issues resulting in poor representation of the Boxers true system.

**The Chin Wu marks the first time Mantis Boxing was taught to people who have little, if any, martial arts or street fighting experience. It is for this reason that the Chin Wu standardized sets and drills to establish a common foundation between the different systems taught within the walls of the Chin Wu.

Tan Tui and Gong Li Quan (Gong Lik Kuen) were two sets that established the students’ fundamentals. In an effort to produce similar results from training Tan Tui (Spring Leg), Luo Guang Yu created the Shi Si Lu (14 Roads) set to establish Mantis Boxing fundamentals. He also wanted to incorporate sets offered by other branches of Mantis Boxing such as Plum Blossom and Long Fist, resulting in an expanded curriculum.

**This also marked the first time students did not have to work as hard for their privilege to learn. In previous years, Boxers would only teach their life’s work to those who proved how much they wanted to learn as to provide assurance that the lineage would not die due to “lost interest”. Students had to sincerely show their sentiments by showing good moral character, cleaning the school, practicing and improving without direct instruction from the teacher. Today, martial arts instruction can be acquired with registration and tuition. However, some schools still emphasize the importance of Wu De, or Martial Ethics, within the Wu Guan.



**In 1945, although Nanjing was under Chinese and Soviet control, was at risk of collapsing due to a civil war between Dr. Sun Yat Sen’s Guamintang (lead by Chiang Kai Shek) and Ma Ze Dong’s Communist party. By 1949 the Peoples Liberation Army took over China with minimal resistance from the Guomindang. The Nationalist then fled to Taiwan, where Chiang Kai Shek proclaimed Taipei as the temporary capitol of China.

**In 1943, after a century of unequal treaty relations, the United States revised their treatise in a common war effort against Japan, and included a repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1880 allowing Chinese immigration back into the U.S. This revision lightened the relationship between the two countries, and allowed Chinese Martial Arts to set foot on Hawaii (Fut Ga school survived by Arthur Lee) and USA (ie Choy Lay Fut through bachelor orgainzations such as the "Tongs").

Zhao Zhi Min 1902 - 2002 7th Generation: The Guardian of Mantis Boxing

Zhao Zhi Min joined the Hong Kong Chin Wu in 1924 and studied the Northern Shaolin Tan Tui system under Cheung Shu Ching, Miu Yuk Kei, Chiu Lin Wor, and Bak Lin Sai. After six years of continuous development, Zhao Zhi Man moved on to study Ying Zhou Fan Zi Men (Eagle Claw) and Taiji Quan (Grand Ultimate Boxing) under Ng Po Cheng.

By 1930, Zhao Zhi Min received word that one of the Four Superlords will be arriving in Shanghai to teach Mantis Boxing. Upon his arrival, Luo Guang Yu received an introduction to Zhao Zhi Min by Taiji Shifu Ng Po Cheng. The bridge supplied by Ng Po Cheng allowed Zhao Zhi Min to study privately with Luo Guang Yu. After three years of instruction, Luo Guang Yu appointed Zhao Zhi Min as assistant instructor at the Chin Wu. He was also soon nominated as the Department Head Manager of the Chin Wu Chinese Martial Arts Department.

Zhao Zhi Min continued to teach at the Chin Wu during the six years of Luo Guang Yu’s travels. Within the same time frame, Zhao Zhi Min inherently became Luo Guang Yu’s Chief Representative, providing public demonstrations in Guangzhou and all across Asia.

The 1930’s were the years of the Great Depression. Countries all across the planet suffered economic turmoil. In an effort to fund the Chin Wu, Zhao Zhi Min provided public charity demonstrations at theaters and parks, but was ultimately unable to pool enough money with the Chin Wu to keep the organization open. By 1938, the Hong Kong Chin Wu officially closed its doors.

Refusing to accept failure, Zhao Zhi Man and his colleagues reorganized and by 1938, the Man Keung Athletic Association was established in Hong Kong. Zhao Zhi Man was appointed as the first committee chairman, while Luo Guang Yu assumed responsibilities as the Chief Martial Arts Instructor.

Meanwhile, the Japanese continued their Imperialistic onslaught across Asia and the Pacific. On December 8, 1941, moments after Tokyo prepared to attack the Philippines, the Malay Peninsula, and Pearl Harbor; the Japanese forces swept across southern China and invaded Hong Kong. The Man Keung Association was abandoned during the invasion. Some members evacuated the colony, while others went into hiding. The Japanese troops met little resistance from the poorly defended colony, and by December 25 of 1941, Hong Kong belonged to Japan.

By 1944, Luo Guang Yu decided to return to his hometown in Shandong. Before leaving, he passed on four volumes of the Shaolin Authentic (Empty Hand sets, Weapon sets, Monk Exercises, and Herbal Medicine) which he received from Fan Xu Dong. Zhao Zhi Min, remaining in Hong Kong, continued to organize new plans to preserve and promote Mantis Boxing.

On August 6 and 9, 1945, the United States destroyed the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki with the first atomic bombs used in warfare. Japan soon surrendered Hong Kong, which was eventually re-claimed by the British. Eight months later, Hong Kong life returned to normalcy.

By April of 1956, Zhao Zhi Min and Boxers from other systems put together a demonstration team and toured Taiwan. The crew visited Peng Hu Islands (where they demonstrated for the Chinese troops stationed there) Ping Tung, Kao Shung, Tainan, Mount Phoenix, and Fisherman Islands. Zhao Zhi Min continued his efforts to protect and promote traditional Chinese Martial Arts by becoming Chief Instructor of the Luo Clansman Martial Arts Club, Chairman of the Zhao Zhi Min Physical Training Club, member of the Development Committee of the Hong Kong Martial Arts Association, permanent superintendent of both the Hong Kong and Kowloon Northern Seven Star Alumni Association and the Lee Kam Wing Martial Arts Gymnasium.

Zhao Zhi Min recently passed away in September of 2002.

**As British influence continued their conversion of the Hong Kong community, the societal gap between the wealthy Europeans and the Chinese broadened. The Chinese were treated like a degraded race. In fact, no Chinese were allowed after dark, and “coolies” were often beaten and abused. Unfortunately, due to lack of economic opportunity, the abuse was perpetuated by the Europeans as they governed and employed the Chinese.

**The industrial revolution and the advent of technology held no place for the Martial Artist. These circumstances along with economic turmoil resulted in reduced interest in traditional Martial Arts. In fact, many masters went hungry as their services were replaced by guns and a westernized military. Instead, most people focused their attention on adopting western values and education. Zhao Zhi Min, in the midst of the cultural turmoil, guarded the traditional martial cutlure with his efforts.

**The dominant language in Hong Kong is the southern dialect known as Cantonese. Much of the techniqes were translated from Mandarin (Tang Lang Quan), to Cantonese(Tong Long Kuen), and to English (Praying Mantis Boxing). Zhao Zhi Min's Cantonese spelling is romanized as Chiu Chi Man.

Zhao Lun (Chiu Luen) 8th Generation: Mantis Boxing Comes to America

The nephew of Zha Zhi Min was born in New York city on May 5, 1927, and raised in Toisan County of Guandong Province. As a young boy, Chiu Luen trained Mantis Boxing in the buddhist temple known as Yip Ming Duk. In 1942, he went on to study and complete his training under his uncle. Eight years later Chiu Luen returned to New York to establish the American branch of Mantis Boxing, and retired in 1983.

Lee Kam Wing  8th Generation: Lee Kam Wing exposes the Secrets of Mantis Boxing

Lee Kam Wing was born in Hong Kong n 1947, and was introduced to Zhao Zhi Min at the age of fifteen. Lee Chau (Lee Kam Wing's father) was a Bai Mei (White Eyebrow) boxer who provided the introduction in 1962. Lee Chau practiced Bai Mei for his personal development and had no desire to teach or promote his boxing system. Instead, Lee Kam Wing learned Mantis Boxing from Zhao Zhi Min until the age of 25.

Meanwhile, a Bai Mei master arrived in Hong Kong and opened a school with the help of Lee Chau and his son, Lee Kam Wing. Lee Kam Wing learned Bai Mei from this school, and was later encouraged by Zhao Zhi Min to establish a martial arts association in Hong Kong to further promote Mantis Boxing.

Lee Kam Wing opened his Hong Kong Martial Arts Association in 1972. By 1980, Lee Kam Wing published "Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu" with the help of Wing Chun boxer Leung Ting. Five years later, the book entitled “The secret of Seven Star Mantis Kung Fu" was released. Lee Kam Wing has also released several instructional videos within the past decade.

Lee Kam Wing has also pursued an interest in Osteopathic medicine and graduated from Fat Shan Orthopedics Hospital, Fat Shan city. Lee Kam Wing is now a Doctor of Osteopathic medicine and Martial Arts instructor with schools and clinics all around the world.

Stephan H. Laurette 9th Generation: The War Veteran

Stephen H. Laurette, a Vietnam War veteran, began his training in New York with Zhao Luen. Laurette was Zhao Luen's senior student, and later went on to study with Zhao Luen's school brother, Lee Kam Wing.

Laurette excelled in Tang Lang, Chen Taiji, Ba Gua, and Hung Ga. Laurette also studied herbology and the Tao Ahn Pai (Taoist Elixer Style) from Grandmaster Share K. Lew. After completing his Tang Lang training Zhao Luen, Stephen Laurette opened an Herb shop in San Diego, and later settled in New York.

Antonio Leon Puyot 10th Genereation: Detective Puyot

Tony Puyot began his training in Karate as a young boy, and by 1976, began training in Kempo, and Wing Chun. He later went on to study Monkey Boxing with Mike Barry, and learned fighting strategy from Danny Valdez (who taught him Kickboxing, Kenpo, and Escrima). Danny Valdez was an excellent fighter who taught Tony Puyot most of his fighting skills. Valdez was an active participant in Tijuana's fight gambling, and was later murdered after refusing to participate in a scheduled fight. Without a teacher, Tony Puyot continued on his own until he discovered Mantis Boxing.

Tony Puyot began training in Tang Lang under Stephan H. Laurette while they both worked in the Herb shop and clinic in Uptown San Diego. Laurette was very meticulous about teaching individual postures; heavily emphasizing elbow, shoulder, knee, foot, head, and back positions while explaining the function of each joint and position.

In 1984, Puyot contacted Adam Hsu (Baji Boxer and author of "The Sword Polishers Record") in search for a teacher who heavily emphasized fighting and applications. Adam Hsu's top student picked up Puyot and drove him to see Adam Hsu. Puyot played a few sets (demonstrated forms) for Hsu and the two conversed about body mechanics and Fa Jin (utilizing the body to generate power).

At the end of their meeting, Adam Hsu mentioned a Mantis Boxer from Taiwan who now resides in San Francisco. He is a fighter and holder of the Eight Step Praying Mantis Boxing system, and his name is Xun Guang Long.

Adam Hsu provided the introduction between Xun and Puyot, who was then accepted as a student. Puyot dedicated the next five years of his life to Xun; moving to San Francisco with nothing but clothes and a bike which he used to travel 10 miles to the Wu Guan.

By the time Puyot was in his twenties, he was already a seasoned fighter from his experience in his neighborhood of Del Sol (a disadvantaged neighborhood in South Bay San Diego), and from his experience in Loss Prevention (unarmed security). Puyot joined the police department in 1994 and is now a Detective for the Chula Vista Police Department.

Michael Dasargo 11th Generation

Shifu Michael Dasargo is the sole disciple of Shigong Tony Puyot, and has also received training from Hong Kong, Shanghai, Qingdao, and Yantai. Shifu Dasargo has been training since he was a young boy, began teaching at the age of 17, and established The Traditional Kung Fu Academy in 2000. He is also the Grand Champion Fighter of the Jade Mountain Tournament, won multiple Gold Medal's in Men's Forms in Empty Hand and Weapons Divisions, and victor of numerous fighting competitions.

Outside of TKFA, Shifu Dasargo has worked for the San Diego Medical Examiners Office, and has served as an EMT for American Medical Response and the National Disaster Medical Services. He is also the Personal Defense Specialist for the DMAT CA-4 Special Operations Group, and a security supervisor for various nightclubs including On Broadway, E st. Alley, and The Blue Tattoo.