I must present some context and a disclaimer to frame this fascinating topic correctly. I first learned the Tall Monkey style (including the Stone Monkey and Lost Monkey styles) of Tai Shing Pek War from a student of Sifu Paulie Zink, my Sifu James Zimmerman, or as I affectionately called him, Mr. Z, in 1993 or 1994. I referred to it as Monkey Kung Fu or Shaolin Monkey Kung Fu; later, I learned that Tai Shing Pek War was its own system, a relatively recent creation, utilizing monkey-themed boxing.  Recently, a Sifu began online instruction in Tai Shing Pek War. I subscribed to his main course. I immediately recognized his high-level skill and power in the applications he demonstrated. After 30 years of practicing what I was most attracted to in the Tall Monkey style (Stone and Lost Monkey, too), I wanted to see what I had possibly forgotten. So far, I am incredibly pleased.  Certain vital elements of the Monkey styles I had previously learned exist that I was never taught or w...

"If you intend to waste time learning something other than Baguazhang, it should be Bung Bo Kuen. Anything else would be a complete waste of time."  My Sifu said that to me over twenty years ago. I didn't strictly follow his advice, as I studied several other systems of Kung Fu. Still, I heeded his wisdom and did a dedicated Bung Bo Kuen or Crushing Step Fist practice. Bung Bo Kuen is an exceptionally ferocious set worthy of its Praying Mantis association. I am grateful I did.  Crushing Step Fist is  the  foundational form for the Seven Star clan's Northern Praying Mantis Kung Fu style. It sets a formidable pace and tone, a catalog of fast, heavy-handed techniques arranged in a highly logical fashion, dictating the Seven Star clan's military science and fighting strategy. Crushing Step Fist subscribes to the theory that "the best defense is a strong offense."   The Praying Mantis is a consummate hunter, and Bung Bo Kuen reflects its nature. The system ut...

The Monkey is an animal that mirrors human-like characteristics and, in truth, a creature we likely share a distant common ancestor. Like man, the desires and morality of a Monkey reflect the qualities of a lake. Often shallow but can be dangerous and unexpectedly deep. The surface of the Lake reflects all of heaven above. It is a mirror for man to see his reflection in the significant mandate of Celestial movements. Humanity's place in the universe. Monkey is also a mirror for man, seeing himself in the lower world of the base and animalistic. As above, so below. There are profound truths held by both worlds.  Monkey wears its emotions on its sleeve. Hyperexcitable and easy to rile, Monkey is expressive in its displays of surprise and wonder. The Monkey is not far off, emotionally, from the wild exhilaration of a man when he first made a fire (perhaps the defining moment when "man" split from or defined himself as distinctly separate from the Monkey). Monkey is exception...

The Thunder trigram of the I-Ching expresses the energy and birth rank of the eldest son, Dragon. Dragon is not the pinnacle of Yang's energy that his father, the Lion, but a close second. The eldest son possesses the elemental attributes of wood or bursting, growing, and coiling power. We see this as tree roots breaking through concrete, uplifting objects weighing thousands of pounds, wrapping around pipes, or whatever else they find. Thunder is twin to lightning, which causes sudden fear and awe. Dragon has excellent strength. Only his youngest brother, Bear, and his father, Lion, surpass him in this. Dragon's power is that of tensile and tendon strength. He possesses a near-unparalleled degree of movement. Dragon's fighting skills are worthy of his air of superiority and arrogance.  Dragon is smug and aloof due to his prowess. He delights in the inevitable defeat of his enemies. Dragon is the eldest and firstborn son, reflecting his brash personality. His birthright is t...