Power of Shaolin Kung Fu. Ronald Wheeler

in the art of kung fu, he had no choice but to open what would be the first traditional kung fu school south of New York City. In 1968, Dean Chin along with Hoy Lee, the most senior Jow Ga practitioner in the United States, opened the first Jow Ga school on 8th and H Street in the Chinatown section of the city.

      The school was an instant success with many men, women, and children studying the art made famous by Jow Lung and his brothers. With student enrollment at an all time high and space in the school becoming increasingly crowded, Dean Chin decided to relocate the school to a larger space in order to better train the next generation of Jow Ga practitioners. In 1971, the school relocated and was officially named the “U.S. Jow Ga Kung Fu Association Headquarters.” From this location came some of the finest kung fu stylists on the East Coast: Deric Mims, Paul Adkins, Robert Woods, Hon Lee, Raymond Wong, and many others. These kung fu stylists brought great fame and success to Dean Chin and the Jow Ga system. In 1976, the Oval Office of the White House asked Dean Chin and the U.S. Jow Ga Kung Fu Association to perform for then President Jimmy Carter. This marked an important milestone, as Dean Chin’s school was the second martial arts troop to perform at the White House. (Historically, the Beijing Wu Shu team which featured the young Jet Li was the first martial arts troop to perform for then President Richard Nixon.)

      Dean Chin with his students at a send off party before competing in Taiwan 1979.

      In 1979, Dean Chin and his students were given the honor of competing in the World Kuoshu Championships held in Taipei, Taiwan. Dean Chin’s students received awards in the individual categories of Forms, Weapons, and Full Contact Fighting. This victory was honored by the Mayor of Washington, D.C. and was featured in the Washington Post. In August 1985, the founder of Jow Ga kung fu in America, Dean Chin, suddenly passed away, leaving many to ponder the fate of his school. From 1971 until 1985, no one person did more to promote and pass on the teachings of the Jow Ga 5 Tigers than Dean Chin. Although his untimely passing was a great blow to the system, many of his American students continued to spread the art of Jow Ga kung fu as well as the legacy of Dean Chin.

      Students of the late Jow Ga Master Dean Chin.

       Seated left to right: Sydney Johnson, Raymond Wong, Hon Lee, Reza Moneman, John Chin.

       Standing left to right: Ron Wheeler, Chris Henderson, Gloria Grimes, Ed Howard.

      Student of the late Jow Ga Master Dean Chin: Tehran Brightheart and Rahim Muhammad.

      CHAPTER 2

      Before starting any type of rigorous and strenuous training, the body must be thoroughly warmed up through various stretching and strengthening exercises. Continuous practice of these exercises will provide a greater range of motion and build endurance. Sixteen warm up exercises are presented to increase stamina and flexibility.

      Exercise and Fitness

      The martial arts can get an individual into excellent shape and make a body strong and fit. Many times my si-hing (older kung fu brother) would tell me if I practiced hard it would get me into tip top shape. But if I wanted to compete in martial arts tournaments I would have to be in what he called “Super Tip Top” shape.

      I took his words to heart and since then have worked very hard to constantly try to improve my level of fitness. This has served me well over the years, as I am able to move in many ways better than I did when I was in my early twenties.

      Your fitness level is also important in the execution of every technique that you will learn throughout the course of your study. What good are all the punches, blocks, and kicks you are going to do you if you don’t have the strength or the stamina? There is an old Chinese saying: If all you do is forms and no training in energy when you get old you will have nothing.

      Warm Up

      Neck Turning

      Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart and gently turn your head from left to right. Be sure not to turn the head in a quick or jerky motion.

      Triceps Stretch

      Raise your arm up in a bent position. Using your other hand for support, gently pull your arm to stretch the triceps muscle. Hold this stretch for 30-45 seconds. Repeat sequence with other arm.

      Shoulder Stretch

      Lift the arm up and bring it gently across the chest while using the other hand for support. Be sure not to lift the shoulder of the stretching arm. Hold the stretch for 30-45 seconds and repeat the same methods with the other arm.

      Hip Rotation

      Start this exercise with your feet out shoulder-width apart and gently rotate your hip in a clockwise fashion and then repeat in the opposite direction. Perform 20-30 repetitions in both directions.

      Knee Rotation

      Begin by bending both knees and with smooth motion rotate the knees in a clockwise and counter clockwise direction. Perform 20-30 rotations in both directions.

      Ankle Rotation

      Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart extending the leg slightly outward. Rotate your foot away from the body for 15-20 repetitions. Repeat sequence on other leg.

      Hip Flexor Stretch

      This stretch will improve your flexibility and balance. Start off in the Dok Lop Ma position and bring your leg up to your chest and hold that position for 30-60 seconds. Repeat the same exercise on the other leg.

      Bow/Arrow Stretch