Sil Lum Kung Fu

 

Sil Lum

The exact origins of Kung-Fu are not known. To give a complete and accurate history of Kung-Fu would be impossible due to the lack of records or those which were destroyed by time. Kung-Fu historians believe that the art immigrated from India to China around 525 A.D.

Wong Tim Yiun was the first practitioner to bring Sil Lum to the United States.

The self-defense movements of Sil Lum resemble those of animals whose methods of fighting inspired the intricate martial arts techniques including: Monkey grabbing the branch, Nine dragons at sea, Tiger descending the mountain, Bear crossing the bridge, etc. The word Sil Lum means "Young Forest". Kung-Fu does not meet force with force. Its basic philosophy emphasizes the ideal of giving with the adversary, to bend slightly and spring back stronger than before, to adapt oneself to the opponents movements without straining or resisting.

Sil Lum was the father style of a Northern Kung Fu System called Lin Wan Kun (Continuous and Returning Fist).

Kung-Fu is as much mind as it is body. Concentration is an indispensable and integral part of Kung-Fu training. Each movement is designed for a purpose--to block or parry an attack and to ready for a counter attack.

The Philosophy: It is better to master two methods perfectly than to learn a thousand haphazardly.

The effectiveness of Sil Lum Kung-Fu depends on split-second timing and reflexive action, which is achieved only through constant practice! Use your imagination when practicing. Picture your opponent attacking and then use your move. Kung-Fu practiced diligently and constructively can be a vehicle towards a keen, positive mind and a healthy body.

T'ai-Chi Ch'uan:

1] Philosophy: He will not interrupt his labor. If another succeeds by one effort, he will use a hundred; if another succeeds by ten efforts, he will use a thousand. If a man proceeds in this way, though dull, he will surely become intelligent; though weak, he will surely become strong. Therefore, if lacking in natural aptitude, do not despair. All that is required is more work!

2] Movement: All movements are done with a relaxed body and a calm but concentrated mind. Walk like a cat - light and firm. In moving backwards touch the toe down first; in going forward, let the heel touch first. Make the hands and the head move as a part of the body and not independently. Almost all movements are made circularly.

3] Slowness: Movements must be done at the same speed throughout.

4] Linkage: Although movements are done slowly, there is no interruption. The postures flow evenly without pause from start to end.

5] Tranquility: Slowing down the natural processes will not help if the mind is not calmed.

6] Breathing: Inhale through your nose as you extend your arms outward or upward and exhale through your nose as you contract your arms or bring them downward.

7] Reminder: You must be quiet like the cat, fast like the cobra, deadly as the tiger, graceful as the swan, and see like the eagle.

Kung-Fu Meditations

Om (or Aum) is the mystic equivalent for the name of God, also symbolizing the triple constitution of the cosmos, the absolute, the relative, and the relation between them. You can meditate on anything that keeps other thoughts out of your head such as the song of a bird, rain, wind, the sound of a bell, etc. Tao (pronounced Dow) means the way. The way is to find peace and meditation in everything you do - no matter what! A violent man will die a violent death. That will be the essence of the teaching.

Meditation I:
Two gives birth to one.
One gives birth to two.
Two gives birth to three.
Three gives birth to ten thousand things.

Ten thousand things find harmony by combining the forces positive and negative.

Meditation II:
The wise person embraces the Om and sets an example to all.
Not putting on a show, he shines;
Not justifying himself, he is distinguished;
Not bragging, he receives recognition.
He does not quarrel, so no one quarrels with him.

Meditation III:
We barely know that which is highest.
We know that which we love, that which we fear, and that which we despise.
Who does not trust enough will not be trusted.

Meditation IV:
He who knows others is wise.
He who knows himself is enlightened.

Meditation V:
Who has little shall receive.
Who has much shall be embarrassed.