Black Tiger Kung Fu

Shaolin Shandong Black Tiger Kung Fu (黑虎拳, Hei Hu Quan, "black tiger fist") is a northern Chinese martial art which originated in Shandong Province. ["Shantung Black Tiger: A Shaolin Fighting Art of North China" by Leo Budiman Prakarsa (Author), Khek Kiong Tjoa (Author), Donn F. Draeger (Author), Quintin T. G. Chambers (Author) [http://www.amazon.com/dp/0834801221] ]

Techniques

It is characterised by its extensive footwork (similar to Shaolin Southern Eagle), acrobatic kicks, low, wide stances, and unique fist position (where the thumb is curled in the same manner as the other fingers, rather than wrapped around them). According to the Shaolin Grandmasters' text the style is the single most external style in the Shaolin canon; the longer the stylist practices, however, the more she or he comes to rely solely on internal power. In this respect it is similar to Northern Praying Mantis. This latter style incorporated some boxing forms (Tao Lu) recalling the origin. The most famous praying mantis set using this name is Ha Fu Gau Cha (Cantonese spelling) or Black Tigers Cross.

Origins

The traditional lineage of the system begins with master Wang Zhenyuan in the late nineteenth-century; but the style was originally formed at the Shaolin Henan Temple before being transferred to Wang. The style was then passed from Wang Zhenyuan to Wang Zijiu, then to Wang Zhixiao, and finally to Su Fuyuan (Cantonese: Souw Hok Gwan). Currently Shandong Black Tiger is actively taught in the Netherlands and Indonesia.Fact|date=February 2007

References

See also

* Sigung Wong

The tiger is usually the counter of the dragon in chinese phrophecy.