The Eight Animals of Black Dragon Kung-Fu The early practitioners of kung-fu were very close to nature and studied the ways that different animals defended themselves. Often the' kung-fu stylist would imitate certain movements or breathing patterns used by the animals, to enhance their kung-fu. These movements were practiced and passed on in predetermined patterns of movement that

served as a catalog of movement within that style. These forms are known as kuens (kata in Japanese).

One of kung-fu’s greatest challenges is to create, through practice, the flawless execution of these fighting forms. The forms remain popular due both to their gracefulness and their

proficiency in martial application.

Because human body structure varies greatly fran that of the animals, merely imitating the movements is not sufficient. Only by carefully converting the animals fighting

principles into human requirements can they become truly effective. In addition, try to become as one with the animal mentally when doing the form, to fully comprehend its

concepts and perception.

The dragon is representative of the mind and spirit aspect of kung-fu. It is said that a dragon can move so lightly and swiftly as to ride the winds, or become so heavy as to not

be moved by a giant. With a roar the dragon can cause the mountains to tremble, and shake the earth below with a stamp of his foot.

The tiger is known for its fearlessness and awesome power. By setting aside fear and focusing only upon destruction of the opponent, the tiger accepts nothing but complete

victory.

The crane is known for gracefulness and fluidity of motion. A crane always appears serene and calm, completely at one with its surroundings.

The leopard is speed and precession with every move he makes. Being a night hunter, he strikes out of no-where, unseen until the last second.

The snake has no limbs and therefore must be able to move away from a threat with little effort. Minimized movement and chi are learned from the snake, in addition to precession

striking.

The eagle for its agility and claw strength, the monkey for its evasiveness and trickery, and the mantis for its patience, cunning and strategy have also become part of the Black

Dragon style.

History Of Black Dragon Kung Fu

According to legend, in the year 520 A.D. a Buddhist monk named Bodhiharma (Da Mo to the Chinese) entered China bringing a new form of Buddhism called Ch’an (Zen in

Japanese). He ended up at a Buddhist temple located at the foot of the Sung Shan mountains next to a small forest. It was called the Shaolin Temple for shaolin means

small forest in Chinese. It was his intent to spread the Ch’an sect of Buddhism. This new sect was a more direct form Buddhism which involved long periods of static meditation.

Finding the monks of Shaolin to be in less than top physical form, Da Mo, who was believed to be trained in both Yoga and the fighting arts of India and Persia, developed a set of eighteen exercises based on breath work and isometric stretches called Ji Jin Ching, or Muscle Change Classics. He taught these to the monks of the temple and they became a part of their daily life. There is no doubt that forms of boxing already existed in China.

But from the Shaolin Temple with its mandatory practice came a reputation of monks who were highly skilled in martial arts. Various styles of fighting developed, some based

on the defense maneuvers or characteristics of animals.

As time passed, Kung-fu styles spread throughout China. In the year 714 A.D. legend has it that the Black Dragon style of Kung-fu was developed at the temple in Honan, China

by a man named Wu Chen Pai. He is referred to as Si Jo which means founder. He named his style Sillum Wu Hok Lung. Sillum is Cantonese for Shaolin, Wu is his family name, and Hok Lung is Cantonesd for black dragon. In Mandarin it is Shaolin Wu Hei Long. At the temple in Fukien province a style had developed known as Five Animal Style. Black Dragon was a "cousin" style to this also using the animal styles of dragon, tiger, crane, snake, and leopard. Later, Black Dragon added eagle, monkey, and praying mantis as

well as a drunken form which gives us the eight animals which we learn today.

Below are the Eight Virtues of the Shaolin Warrior

Compassion Courage Honor

Patience Respect

Self Discipline Strength Wisdom

ABOUT THE BLACK DRAGON STYLE The Black Dragon style is mostly known for its trapping and infighting preference.

Although kicks are used, it is primarily a close range style. It also contains drills such as rolling hands, sticking hands, and push hands designed to increase your sensitivity to an

opponent's movement thereby improving your fighting skill.

In the 1940's Si Gung Tai (grandmaster) Wu Han Su brought the system to the United States from China. Settling in Seattle, he worked and practiced his kung-fu but had no

students. In the early 1970's he moved to St. Louis Missouri.

In 1973 Si Gung Tai Wu met Ike Bear.

Thirteen years later, In 1986, Master Wu conferred upon Ike Bear the status of lineage holder of Black Dragon Kung-fu. Two years later, living with family In Chicago, Master

Wu passed away.

Black Dragon is a well rounded system containing grappling aspects (Chin'na), wrestling and throwing ( Shuai Chiao), pressure point strikes (Dim Mak), energy development

(Qigong), as well as kicking and striking techniques.

The dragon is symbolic of the warrior's inner spirit, and since inner growth is one of kung-fus goals, it became representative of some styles. The eight animals allow any body type or mindset to find a fighting style that suits them while learning from and

growing through study of the others.

The following is a list of all Wu Family Black Dragon lineage holders, the time period of their position as Grand Masters and their geographic locations.

• Lineage(founder) Wu Chen Pai 714-762 Honan • Wu Mai (female) 762-780

• Wu Ho 780-792 • Wu Peng 792-827

• Wu Chen-Wu 827-859 • lineage break

• Wu Hng-Tan 872-898 • Wu Tai 898-920

• Wu Cho-Pu 921-968 • Wu Hng 968-991

• Wu Ti (female) 991-994 • Wu Li 994-1023 • Ho Li 1024-1076 • Wu Pak Fu 1078-? • lineage break

• Wu Bin Lun 1120-1142 • Wu Su-Lo 1142-1160 Fukien

• Wu Jan-Fat 1160-1181 • Wu Bin-Lo 1181-1212 • Wu Tu-Rui 1212-1214

• (shared lineage) Wu Han-Ti 1214-1242 • Wu Han-Li 1214-1251

• Wu Ji 1251-1276 • Wu He 1277-1301

• Wu Chen-Mi 1301-1330 Fukien • (shared lineage) WuFat 1330-1352 Fukien

• Wu Han-Po 1335-1361 Kwangtung

• (shared lineage) Huang Chen 1352-1380 Fukien • Wu Mao-Su 1361-1394 Kwangtung • Wu Chen-Li 1380-1412 Fukien

• Wu Fat 1412-1442 • missing period

• Wu Ping 1523-1576 Kwangtung • Wu Bin-Bai 1576-1578

• Huang Jing-Lun 1578-1601 • Bei Shang-Huan 1602-1643

• Wu Bai 1643-1684 • Wu Yi-Kuang 1685-1693 Vietnam • Wu Man-Kou 1693-1742 Vietnam

• break or missing • Wu Too-Rong 1791-1801 Kwangtung

• Wu Chen-Mai 1801-1842 • Wu Chen-Lee 1843-1891 • Wu Cheng-Fu 1891-1923

• Wu Han-Su 1923-1987 USA • Ike Bear 1987-2008 USA

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What do you teach?

A. We teach Black Dragon Kung-fu which includes vital point striking(dim mak), grappling (shuai chiao), joint locks and pressure points(chin' na), free

fighting(san shou) and energy work(qi gong). We also offer classes in sport fighting with emphasis on Thai kick boxing. Women's self-defense is also offered

as a sperate course for those who don't wish to study the entire art, but are seeking some practical self-protection methods.

Q. How is it different than Tae Kwon Do, Karate, ect?

A. Tae Kwon Do and Karate both have some similarities with our art and kung-fu was an early influence on the development of those arts, but there are also

some significant differences.

An example of that would be the high kicks of Tae Kwon Do. we do have some high kicks, but they are mostly for sport fighting.

Our defensive methods typically do not kick above the waist. Forms or as karate calls them kata are stressed in Karate and Tae Kwon Do and are usually taught

very specifically. Ours are used mostly as drills and are mostly fluid, where as they adjust to fit the distance and angle of the opponents attack. There

area number of other differences and I usually suggest people try a class at several places to see what fits their needs best. watch out for places that

don't give you take a trial class or try to push long term contracts.

Q. Who teaches the classes?

A. Professor Ike Bear is the main instructor.

Black Dragon also occasionally has a special guest instructor of different styles come in to teach including boxers, Brazilian Jujitsu, JKD,

Kali, Catch Wrestling and more.

The following are the ONLY people currently certified as full instructors to teach and certify people in Wu Family Shaolin Black Dragon Kung-fu:

Grandmaster Professor Ike Bear (8th degree), Michael Lauck (4th degree), Tim Beuchel (4th degree),

John Kohl (4th degree), Kevin West (3rd Degree), Rhonda A. Gill-Bear (3rd degree), Haris Lalic (2nd degree),

John Brich (2nd degree), Joseph Holt (1st Degree)

Black Dragon also has a modified contemporary fighting system called Black Dragon Progressive Combat Art.

The following are certified under Professor Ike Bear to teach Black dragon PCS: Mike Sanders (3rd degree), Shawn Ford (2nd degree), Andrew Russel (1st degree)

Q. How much does it cost?

A. It is recommended to call and speak with Stephen Tomko regarding class costs. Due to specials we run, prices may vary.

Q. How do I advance in rank?

A. Black dragon Kung-fu has 'chih' eight levels and eight tuan levels. Each chih level is associated with one of the eight animal styles within our system

and has specific criteria for advancing to the next level.

One starts as eighth chih and work their way through from 8th-1st chih, 1st being the most advanced. From 1st chih one move on to 1st tuan and advances through to eighth tuan. Advancement from one chih level to another is usually

measured in months, from tuan to tuan is measured in years.

Belts or sashes? In our chih level belts run as such 8th=white belt. 7=yellow, 6=orange, 5th=green, 4th=purple, 3rd=blue, 2nd=red, 1st=brown.

A red sash may be worn by any practitioner, a black by anyone who has reached tuan ranking and white by anyone who has achieved master rank,(master = a

minimum of 4th tuan level).

Q. Is there a contract?

A. We do require a minimum of a three month contract now.

Q. Do you allow the public to view classes?

A. Most classes. We have some closed door classes where special training is involved and those are kept private.

Q. How often can I attend classes?

A. The number of classes you can attend depends on your membership level. The basic membership level allows you to attend two classes a week. The

advanced membership grants you access to as many classes a week as you want to attend.

Q. Do you participate in tournaments?

A. Yes we do, but it is not a requirement for membership nor rank advancement.

Q. Do I need a uniform?

A. We like for the kids to have uniforms, but in the summer, we allow cooler clothes. For the adults a black kung-fu uniform, gi or sweats are preferred

along with either a traditional martial top or a T-shirt.

Q. Do I have to be in good shape or physically fit to learn a martial art?

A. While it helps, you don't have to be in any particular shape. Martial arts is an excellent way to get into shape and maintain your fitness level.

Q. I trained in a different style of Kung Fu, or in a different art, can I keep my rank?

A. Yes. We acknowledge and respect all arts, so you may continue to maintain your rank, but would still test up to be certified under us. It is up to the

instructor whether previous rank may be worn in their class.

Q. What do all of these terms that you use mean in English?

A. We use some Chinese terms in our art, but you can find a glossary of the terms here. Most of our system is taught in English in order to become more

absorbable more quickly. Some terms however do not have an English equivalent.

A Brief History of Kung Fu According to legend, in the year 520 A.D. a Buddhist monk named Bodhiharma (Da Mo to the Chinese) entered China bringing a new form of Buddhism called Ch’an (Zen in Japanese). He ended up at a Buddhist temple located at the foot of the Sung Shan mountains next to a small forest. It was called the Shaolin Temple for shaolin means small forest in Chinese. It was his intent to spread the Ch’an sect of Buddhism. This new sect was a more direct form Buddhism which involved long periods of static meditation. Finding the monks of Shaolin to be in less than top physical form, Da Mo, who was believed to be trained in both Yoga and the fighting arts of India and Persia, developed a set of eighteen exercises based on breath work and isometric stretches called Ji Jin Ching, or Muscle Change Classics. He taught these to the monks of the temple and they became a part of their daily life. There is no doubt that forms of boxing already existed in China. But from the Shaolin Temple with its mandatory practice came a reputation of monks who were highly skilled in martial arts. Various styles of fighting developed, some based on the defense maneuvers or characteristics of animals.

Grand Master Ike Bear

W. Ike James Bear began training in the martial arts October 6 1968, at age 7. His first style was Shotokan Karate in which he achieved Nidan, 2nd degree

black belt.

In 1973 he began training in Sil lum Hok Lung (Shaolin Black Dragon Kung-fu) under Grandmaster Wu Hng-Hsu(Han Su Wu.) Ike became lineage holder in 1987 when

Grandmaster Wu passed on. Ike Bear also holds teaching rank in Muay Thai and Tang-te Jutsu Kenpo, 5th degree black belt.

Additional studies include an orange belt in Kodokan Judo, a 1st degree black in Small Circle Jujitsu and a green belt in tae Kwon Do. Western medieval

fencing, kali/escrima and kempo were also studied by Ike.

From 1981 thru 1987, Ike also participated in professional fighting including full contact karate, san shou, 'No Holds Barred', Muay Thai and American

kick boxing. Ike held Missouri state titles in 1981 and 1986 and an Oklahoma state title in 1983. Ike Bear has also served as a consultant/trainer with a

number of law enforcement agencies and elite military units.

Ike Bear currently holds an 8th Tuan in the Black Dragon System and has produced 27 black belt students over his years of teaching.

Ike also studied and teaches Chinese massage, acupressure/acupuncture, qi gong and herbal medicine. Ike earned a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine

in 2004.

Ike has worked with a number of people having physical and learning disabilities and offers both kung-fu and self-defense for those with disabilities.