Martial Arts

Sky has been a student of Grand Master Rick Ward and Blue Ridge Kung Fu and Arnis Academy since 2002 studying the many arts of Kung Fu, Tai Tzu Chang Chuan - Tai Qi(Tai Chi), Bagua, Hsing-I, Qigong/Chi Gong, Shaolin / Sil Lum, Pentjak Silat, Lions Roar Tibetan LLama, Shuai Jiao, Yun Chun/Wing Chun, Kali, Mantis, and many other systems.

Receiving his Black Belt in less than 4 years, GM Ward gave Sky permission to teach and open his own school in 2009 and Sky continues to train with GM Ward advancing his knowledge and passion for the arts. Sky has also studied with Master Wong of Boulder Kung Fu Academy studying the Northern Shaolin Seven-Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu. Also With Guru Daniel Sulestya Agung Prasetya and his Black Belt Lee Becker, studying Persatuan Inti Ombak (Inner Wave) Pentjak Silat. With these arts Sky offers you the opportunity to study ancient and yet timeless combative and Healing Arts. Our school is about building confidence, integrity, honor, discipline, preserving the arts, and teaching self defense.

Emperor's Long Fist Description

Emperor’s Long Fist, founded by the first emperor of the Sung dynasty 960 A.D., Chao Kuang Yin. “Tai Tzu Chang Chuan” or Emperor’s Long Fist covers all aspects of Tai Chi Chuan, Hsing-I, Ba Gua and Northern Chinese Gong Fu. The emperor had a keen interest in the Martial  Arts and is credited with collecting all available documents and manuscripts on the subject including those from the famed Shaolin temple. It is said that these manuscripts were stored in a tower behind the Shaolin temple. When the temple was destroyed, most of the records were lost. Fortunately much of the art was passed on and lives on today. These “internal” arts help to develop the inner strength and relaxation essential for proper self-defense. Thousands of Chinese and a growing number of westerners also practice Tai Chi. The internal arts provide aerobic exercise, increased flexibility. and increased health and longevity. This art was formulated using all of the principles of the Wutang and Shaolin schools and almost all Northern and Southern styles were derived from the Emperor’s Long Fist. We have a proud lineage in this art, traced directly to the Chao family for over 36 generations.

Emperor's Long Fist History

Chao Kuang-yin, founder and ruler of the Sung Dynasty from 960-976 A.D., reunited war torn China following the division of the Five Dynasties. He also brought an end to the militarism which characterized China during that era.

Our Classes: Emperors Long Fist (Tai Tzu Chang Chuan)

Emperor's Long Fist (Ba Gua Chan "Tai Chi Chuan" Hsing-I) The internal Martial Arts of Kung Fu, 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 Kuan 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 basic animal and weapon forms. These provide the student with a proper foundation for effective combat skills. Intermediate students learn knife attack defenses, more weapons training, sweeps, take downs, animal forms, and light sparring. Advanced students learn advanced applications of many animal and weapon forms, pressure point fighting, advanced chi 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.

Emperor's Long Fist (Bagua Chuan " Tai Chi Chuan " Hsing-I Chuan).

Chao came from a northeastern military family, the kind that had dominated politics since the late ninth century. Large of stature and an able warrior, he rose to become commander of the Palace Corps of the Chou Dynasty in 959, the last of the Five Dynasties under the Emperor Shih-tsung, whose death the following year left a seven-year-old child on the throne. During this episode and an invasion from the north, General Chao had been sent north to repel the Khitan. It is said that the army officers, after a few days out, came to the thirty-two-year-old Chao Kuang-yin who was asleep in his tent. Awakening him at dawn by swordpoint, they insisted he wear the yellow silkrobe, a symbol of imperial authority, and lead the army to take possession of the capital.

After the Emperor, also known as Sun Tai-tzu, came reluctantly to power and having achieved this great victory, he called together his army chiefs and hosted a grand banquet. When everyone had drunk plenty and were in a festive mood, the Emperor told them, "I do not sleep peacefully at night." The generals all inquired why and the answer came that if any one of the generals had been forced by swordpoint to don the imperial robe unwillingly and overthrow the Chou Dynasty, how would they feel? The generals proceeded to protest, commenting that they were not talented enough. When all was said and done, the Emperor talked of life and happiness, and said: "If you, my officers, will renounce your military authority and retire to the provinces and choose the finest of lands to pass the rest of your days, living your lives in peace and happiness, wouldn't this be far more desirable than the peril of war? So that there be no suspicions, we will ally our families with marriages and thus ruler and subject will be linked in friendship and amity." The following day the army commanders turned in their resignations, reporting (imaginary) illnesses, and withdrew to the country districts. Once there, the Emperor gave them magnificent gifts and appointed them to high official positions.

Like all Chinese imperial regimes, the Sung government was absolute in principle and hierarchical in organization. It differed from the previous governments in achieving a new degree of centralization and of civilian control over the military. Comparing this to the earlier and later governments, it provided an open forum for discussion and criticism.

Under the Emperor's influence, the Sung dynasty also became known as the Golden Age. It was during this period that the Sung featured remarkable economic, technological, intellectual and artistic growth and is often taken as the truly formative period for the late imperial era, lasting to 1911.

Chao Kuang-yin was a celebrated scholar who had a keen interest in the martial arts. He is credited with being the first one in Chinese history to comprehensively collect and document all available manuscripts on the subject of martial arts, especially those from the Shao Lin Temple. Studying the available information, he kept those records hidden in a library in a tower behind the Temple. The tower was eventually destroyed and the manuscripts scattered.

Creating his own complete system of martial art, the Emperor Tai-tzu encompassed health and the self defense aspects, calling his art tai tzu chang chuan, meaning "great ancestor's long fist." This system is so uniquely composed that it covers all aspects of tai chi, hsing yi and ba kua, the original internal systems of Northern China. Tai tzu is the root from which most northern styles originated, and since the southern styles originated from the north, hence, the southern styles of martial arts stem from tai tzu chang chuan as well. Tai tzu chang chuan was perfected in 960 and journals published in 984. The Chao family inherited this system, passing it down from generation to generation, refining it and preserving the secrets. Only those in the Chao family who qualified had access to this art. Not all members possessed the basic requirements of good moral character, sincere spirit of inquiry, and the most important requirement--the status of being next in line to carry on the legacy of inheritance.

Historical chronicles record the birth of Chao Kuang-yin during 927, while the recorded birth of Chang San Feng is dated 1247. Therefore, contrary to popular belief, Chang San Feng was not the founder of tai chi, and the term tai chi is generic as far as we are concerned.

The Emperor studied all of these documents and created his own complete system, which encompassed health and self defense; he called his art Tai Tzu Chang Chuan, which means Great Ancestor's Long Fist. The name Tai Tzu refers specifically to the first founding emperor of a dynasty and this system was later known as the Emperorís Long Fist. This system is so uniquely composed that it covers all aspects of Tai Chi, Hsing Yi, and Ba Gua, (as well as others) which are the original internal systems of Northern China. Tai Tzu is the root from which most northern styles originated and since the southern styles originated from the north, the southern styles of martial arts stem from Tai Tzu Chang Chuan as well.

Tai Tzu was perfected soon after it was founded and journals in the year 984 A.D. documented the style's effectiveness. This system was further refined by the Chao family over time, making note of the eight original movements derived from Tai Tzu ñ peng, ni, zhi, ahn, chai, nieh, cho and kao and the five elements ñ wood, fire earth metal, and water which composed the thirteen kinetic movements.

In 1247 Chang San Feng created a system from movements influenced by the Tai Tzu system although later others tried to say that he learned it in a dream or from a magpie and a snake fighting. Both of these are used frequently. Later General Chen Wang Ting utilized the extensive information available on Tai Tzu Chang Chuan to create Chen style Tai Chi in 1618. In 1799, Yang Lew Shen created the Yang style from the Chen style and passed this art on to Yang Cheng Fu, who was famous for his Tai Chi prowess. This brings us to chao Yuh Feng, the 35th-generation descendant and inheritor of the system. As well as being a friend of Yang Cheng Fu's, he had been entrusted with maintaining the integrity of the 1,000-year-old system.1.

In 1618, General Chen Wang Ting studied the basics of tai tzu chang chuan, incorporating it as the first form in his style. Later, he abandoned the form because of its length, although kept the essence, calling his "new" art chen tai chi chuan. In 1799, Yang Lew Shen created the yang style of tai chi, deriving it from the chen style and passing this art on to Yang Cheng Fu in 1833. He was famous for his ability in tai chi, and his forms became known as tai chi. Master Chao Yuh Feng knew the famous Yang Cheng Fu who had learned this ancient style of long fist. To date, Grandmaster and inheritor of the system, Chao Yuh Feng is the 35th-generation descendant, the last inheritor of the same family lineage as the Emperor and, for posterity, the keeper of the books on tai tzu chang chuan.

Chin-na

Chin-Na is the facet of Kung-Fu which involves grappling, joint locks, pressure points, take downs, and throws for immobilizing an attacker. In many circles this is known as Chinese Jujitsu the grandfather system that helped create Brazilian Jujitsu. These techniques are derived from animal attributes such as the praying mantis hooking or eagle claw grasping and twisting. Read more about Chin-na

Today

The recent understanding that grappling is as important as striking, has also caused some Kung Fu systems to focus on their Chin Na techniques, even expanding the system by incorporating/developing new ones. This is one reason why Chin Na of one school differs from that of another. There are over 700 traditional techniques and countless more being developed/adopted, depending on the specific school.

Qinna and the development of Jujutsu
Qinna is also accredited in the development of Jujutsu. It is stated in numerous Japanese and Chinese documents, that Chen Yuan-Yun (Chin Gempin or Chen Yuan-Pin; 1587-1674) was the first to introduce Chinese ju techniques (?? Rou Dao) into Japan during the early to middle 1600's. One such Japanese document is “Collections of Ancestor’s Conversations Volume 2." “

Honcho Bugei Shoden” (also referred to as “Kanjo Shoden”) written by Hinatsu Shigetaka in 1716 states the following:

Recently, Chin Gempin came to Japan and stayed at the Kokusa monastery, where he met three ronin: Fukuno Hichiroemon, Isogai Jirozaemon, and Miura Yojiemon. Chin Gempin told them that in China, there is an art of seizing a man. He said that he had seen it practiced and gave a brief example of the art. Chin Gempin also stated that he had not learned all of the principles of the art. Upon hearing this, the samurai further researched this art. Once achieving a degree of skill, the samurai founded the Kito-ryu school of Jujutsu.

This same story is repeated in various Japanese documents including Honcho Seji Danki, Bujutsu Ryusoroku, Roi Shintoryo Hisho, Kitoryu Kempohi, Kitoryu Toka Mondo, Owan Meisho Zue, and Zoin Kinsei Kijindenas. Rickson Gracie also attributes the Chinese with bringing the techniques of Jiu Jitsu into Japan, as stated on his website, when explaining the origin of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Qinna Rou Dao can also be found in Shuai Jiao. Judo's development was influenced by Kito-ryu. Similarities between Judo and Shuai Jiao are apparent through the common link with Qinna Rou Dao. The process of both of these arts becoming a sport further influenced similarities within their softer techniques.

However, grappling systems in Japan do predate the introduction of Chin Na as demonstrated by such documents as Yukisenjo-Monogatari, Kuyamigusa, and Hitotsubashi-Joken and by the existence of many schools of grappling that predate Chen's visit. One of the oldest jujutsu school still in existence, Takenouchi Ryu, was founded in 1532 well before the birth of Chen Yuan-Yun.

Tai Yang Tzu Jan Men

Tai Yang Tzu Jan Men is a natural progression of our art Emperor's Long Fist and It is a complete system of stand up and ground fighting as well as weapons fighting. As time has gone on, many more arts have developed based on religious practice, geography and philosophy. While some arts simply rely on one facet of fighting, we prefer to prepare ourselves for all facets of fighting. This is what Tai Yang Tzu Jan Men is! It is a complete system of training both internal and external power as well as the body, mind and spirit. Truly a Personal Combat System Through training, Tzu Jan Men enhances the spirit and the mind, regulates the circulation of Chi (vital energy) and develops physical sensitivity. When the body is in harmony, you will live a long and healthy life. The purpose of martial arts is to live a long, healthy and enjoyable life, free from illness. Fighting skills are learned to allow you to defend yourself, to increase your self confidence and power. Self awareness is also increased, allowing you to experience your limitations and develop beyond them. Avoiding confrontation, minimizing stress and developing strategies for successfully dealing with the environment and society are all necessary studies if you want to lead a happy life. Correct training of the mind, body and spirit ensures that your spontaneous reaction will be effective and powerful. Read more about Tai Yang Tzu Jan Men

These skills are also applicable in all areas of your life. In addition to defense and conditioning, martial arts also helps one get rid of bad habits and can increase one’s energy and spirit. It can offer ten times the benefits of any other hobby. It promotes people’s mental and physical health, and enhances friendship through joint efforts in international research and friendly competitions. Essentially, martial arts is a practical study for self-enhancement and the foundation for nurturing a strong will. Chinese martial arts are profound, the more one learns the deeper one finds it. When one can reach the point where “essence” is developed in the bones and “chi” in marrow, long-life and long-lasting vision will result. Martial arts does not only help one build a healthy body, it also helps build a dignified personality and a joyous charitable spirit. As learning progresses, boundless energy and hand and eye dexterity will be attained, and one’s character will become flexible and honest. To this end, one can easily achieve goals of helping others, benefitting oneself, and living in harmony with all.

The Nature Fist is considered a lost art and we are one of only a few schools in North America that teach this style. Our Natural Style was put together by Grandmaster Ward and incorporates elements of Chinese, Mongolian, Tibetan, Indonesian, Filipino and Thai arts. It is a complete system of health, self defense and wellness for anyone! The Natural Fist Style was and still is one of the highest level arts taught and we firmly believe in its combat effectiveness. We are not only fighters, we are healers and we take a well rounded approach to training and wellness. We practice true mixed martial arts! Read more about TaiYangTzu Jan Men

Chao Yuh Feng, the 35th-generation descendant and inheritor of the system Emperors long fist

Grandmaster Chao Yuh Feng was born in 1910 in the Szechwan province of Western China. The family members were first taught Wu Tang Ti Pai which was the system taught by the Chao family since before the Emperorís Long Fist was created. He began his training within the Wu Tang Ti Pai system with his uncle who was Grandmaster Lee So Chien. He also trained in the Bai Ma Si (White Horse Temple) style. He then moved on to study the Tai Tzu Chang Chuan system and eventually inherited the system from his great uncle the famous Grandmaster Chao Jung Dao who was the 34th Patriarch of the system. A famous story of Chao Jung Dao told of how ten bandits entered his home one night. Neighbors reported all ten fleeing the house screaming and crying. No one knows what he did to those bandits, but the effects were obvious. Another one of his teachers was his Great Grandmother who lived an extremely long life and was responsible for teaching Master Chao the Tai Tzu Chang Chuan Ruler. After Chao Jung Dao passed away Chao Yuh Feng had already inherited the complete system and became the 35th Patriarch.

Master Chao was a true patriot of his country. When he was young he joined the Nationalist army in order to serve his country. He eventually became a Battalion Commander under the General Chiang Kai Shih during the second Sino-Japanese war. During that time the Japanese captured him, and although he was tortured to the point of having his index finger ripped out to the knuckle, he never betrayed his country. Because of this he was considered a hero. Even though the loss of his finger bothered him greatly, to his credit, he never harbored any animosity towards the Japanese.

In 1949 he fled the country of China with the rest of the Nationalist army. The Nationalist took many artifacts, archives, and treasures with them when they fled to Taiwan to escape the Communist army. Master Chao was no different. He made sure he took with him original documents, blue-prints, and keep sakes of the Chao family, its Dynasty, and its original Tai Tzu Chang Chuan system for which no one in history, outside the Chao family, had ever learned. This was his historical legacy. After establishing himself and his family in Taiwan, Chao Yuh Feng worked for a sugar company as the Director. Eventually he became a village elder within his community as well as being a spiritual advisor. He also taught Tai Chi Chuan within various community centers in his area. He later retired from the sugar company and concentrated on his commitment to his community positions and his love for tai chi.

Around 1979 The Republic of China's Tai Chi Chuan Association appointed Chao Yuh Feng branch director for Yun Lin (Cloud Forest) county. This ministry of education post only employs the highest-level masters practicing the original and traditional tai chi systems. He did a lot of collegiate papers for the society as well as participated and judged in tournaments and was very influential within governmental agencies.

During his life in Taiwan he and his wife had two daughters and no sons. He loved his family very much. Eventually one of his daughters moved to the United States to work in a Childrenís Cancer Hospital in California. In 1982 he and his family decided to visit her for an extended vacation. At the time he did not realize that he would live in the United States for the rest of his life.

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