The Club
Lineage
Seven Stars Praying Mantis Kung Fu Lineage Legendary Instructors
Kung Fu is taken seriously in China and our club can trace it’s lineage back hundreds of years to men who trained during ancient China. Each number represents a generation, so if two masters have the same number, they achieved an instructor level within the same time frame. Also if the number changes this shows that the higher number trained under the lower number. Our current instructor can be found at the bottom of the family tree.
(Si Ti-Ti-Ti Kung) Low Kwon Yuk
Around the early 1930’s, (Si Ti-Ti Kung) Kwok Cho Chiu was requested by the Hong Kong Jing Wu or Ching Mo Association to come to Hong Kong and teach, and from then on Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu was then propagated to other parts of China besides Shan Tung Province. (Si Ti-Ti-Ti Kung) Low Kwon Yuk who made a name for himself as one of the Ten Tigers of China as well as the first instructor of the famous Ching Mo Athletic Association. After which he returned to Shan Tung Province. (Si Ti-Ti-Ti Kung) Low Kwon Yuk had six children, 4 sons and 2 daughters and he mentioned that none of them are involved with martial arts. However, according to Shifu Zhao Zhi Min, (Si Ti-Ti-Ti Kung) Low Kwon Yuk had 5 sons and 1 daughter and one of his sons learned the mantis system, but he never took interest in teaching and did not follow in his father’s footsteps. (Si Ti-Ti-Ti Kung) Low Kwon Yuk’s favorite fist set was Tong Long Bung Bo. He also opened a security company traveling China for royalty, and becoming more famous for his skills, and ability to defend off robbers, vigilantes and becoming a professional bodyguard.
Special thanks to our Great, Great, Great Grand Master for coming to Hong Kong to share his knowledge.
(Si Ti-Ti Kung) Kwok Cho Chiu
Great Grand Master Kwok Cho Chiu, one of Lo Kwon Yuk’s most dedicated students, became the next disciple of the style. Great Grand Master Kwok Cho Chiu became Yuk’s most masterful student and taking on many challenges in Hong Kong and mainland China and was victorious. His son carried on the art. Great Grand Master Kwok Cho Chiu out lived his first wife and remarried half his age and almost out lived her. Grand Master Kwok Cho Chiu was a great man and a great teacher.
(Si Ti Kung) Kwing Fai Kung
In 1975, Great Grand Master Kwok Cho Chiu gave leave to his most decorated student, Grand Master Kwing Fai Kung, to travel to Canada to study at the University of Alberta, but his English was not too standard. He had to go to Red Deer College for 2 years to work on his English. After that he was gladly accepted and was able to attend the U of A where he achieved his Master of Fine Arts. As amazing as it seems, Grand Master Kwing Fai Kung, began teaching Seven Starts Praying Mantis here in Red Deer at the College. Again, by way of chance, a young Shifu Mike Purnell met with Grand Master Kwing Fai Kung, and decided to join his class. Shifu Mike Purnell had trained in nearly every type of martial art starting in boxing but was impressed to the point of awe by the style. After Grand Master Kwing Fai Kung received his Master of Fine Arts 1984, he traveled back to Hong Kong to open up a graphic arts studio. Grand Master Kwing Fai Kung doing quite well, is now residing in Vancouver British Columbia. Loving the fresh air and the Canadian lifestyle and completing his study in Fung Shui, becoming a master.
Special thanks to Si-Ti Kung, Kwing Fai Kung for coming to Canada.
Our Instructors!
Si-Gung Mike Purnell
Sifu Mike Purnell has trained in many different disciplines throughout his life. Though he started with boxing at a very early age (his grandfather fought bare knuckle boxing during the depression), and later Karate and Judo, it was Kung Fu under Sigung Kung that left its mark. Sifu Purnell has over 30 years experience teaching Praying Mantis Kung Fu.
Sifu Kevin Chan
Kevin assists most regularly with the advanced kids and adults class. With 9+ years of training under his belt, Kevin is the most advanced student currently at the club. Earning his black sash in 2010, Kevin continues to show patience, precision and dedication to the new and upcoming students. Currently, Kevin is working on becoming an electrician.
A Brief History and Description of Northern Praying Kung Fu
The Praying Mantis system is a dynamic sequence of physical movements based on the fighting technique of the praying mantis insect. It develops great speed, power, and flexibility. This fighting technique was developed in the Shaolin Temple in northern China at the end of the Ming Dynasty and at the beginning of the Ching Dynasty (over 300 years ago). With regular practice, Northern Praying Mantis Kung Fu will promote a strong, powerful body, and may be used effectively for self-defense purposes.
Historical Background
The Praying Mantis style was created by Master Wang Lang over 300 years ago in Northern China. At that time, the Chinese people were rebelling against a new dynasty, which was imposed by the Manchu invaders.
Master Wang Lang was deeply concerned at the invasion of his country. At first, he became a leader of his local people’s resistance to the hated Ching Government. After the local resistance was crushed, Wang Lang joined other warlords from the former dynasty (The Ming Dynasty) in secret training at the Northern Shaolin Temple. Their hope was to build up an army to overthrow the invaders. However, the plan was exposed before it could fully develop. The government burned down the noted temple and Wang Lang was one of the few who escaped. He returned to Shantung and continued his own study of the Chinese Martial Arts.
Derivation of the Style: Imitation and Creation
Master Wang Lang, although one of the best martial artists among his contemporaries was never self-content. He was always searching for ways to improve his technique. He had managed only minor improvements before an insect and an animal inspired him.
The Mantis Skill
One summers day, Wang Lang was walking in the woods. The silence he was enjoying was broken by a hum. He looked closely and saw a praying mantis fighting a cicada.
With very swift movements, the praying mantis seized its prey. Wang Lang felt sorry for the cicada and tried to drive the mantis away with his sword. Instead of giving up, the mantis jumped onto his sword. It seemed to be complaining of Wang Lang’s unfairness. Suddenly, the insect leapt up onto Wang Lang’s arm and reached to attack him. Wang Lang was surprised by the tiny insect and tried to sweep it off his arm. But the mantis avoided his hand, swayed its forearms, and made several cuts on his arm within seconds. Wang Lang was amazed at the praying mantis’ skill and agility. After capturing the insect, he decided to see its way of fighting.
After Wang Lang returned home, he studied hard to uncover the techniques of the mantis. He used a straw to attack the insect. He repeatedly watched out for the mantis would avoid, approach, and attack the straw from many angles. After months of research, he established the Praying Mantis 13 Basic Arm and Hand Techniques. These techniques involve almost all hard and soft movements of one’s hands, fists, elbows, and arms.
In martial arts, both hard and soft techniques have their good and bad points. The proper use of hard techniques can help break into the soft, while the soft techniques can gain control over the hard. As the Praying Mantis system has combined both, it is a powerful masterpiece.
After a long time, training in his new style, Wang Lang had greatly increased his capabilities as a master of martial arts. He was quick at guarding as well as attacking. His only weakness was that his feet sometimes could not match the speed and versatility of his hands. Wang Lang was constaant1y. looking for some way to improve his leg and foot techniques, to bring his style to perfection.
Derivation of the Style: Imitation and Creation
Once again, Wang Lang found, his breakthrough while walking through the forests in the mountains. He saw monkeys tricking fruit from one tree. He tiptoed to the tree, but before he reached it the monkeys saw him and, all at once, jumped away. Without thinking, Wang Lang raced after them, using his well training “nimbleness technique”. Amongst the trees the monkeys rolled and trotted and jumped, and soon he was left far behind, panting. Wang Lang wiped his sweaty brow and laughed. Thinking back: to what he had seen, he imitated and analyzed the monkey’s movements. They were exactly what he had been searching for!
The way the monkeys advanced, reheated, dashed, jumped, and turned proved to be more alive than all the broad stance using all the other martial arts at that time. Therefore, he designed the “Monkey Steps”, while able characterized by narrow spaces and quick legs. This would enable better speed and spirit in moving. The “Eight Basic Stances” were combined with the well known “Thirteen Arm and hand Techniques”. Thus, the skill of the praying mantis and the liveliness of the monkey was joined.
The practical use of Praying Mantis forms and techniques, Wang Lang included a number of mottos to high1ight key points of his new style.
- Hands are doors; legs reach out.
- Hands be brisk as shooting stars, Eyes keen as lightning.
- Body goes like dragon and legs like arrows.
These mottos mean that in this martial art, most of the upper body techniques are mainly to block, protect or undo the attacks of the opponent. The major task of counterattack lies in the legs. That is, one uses hands and upper body to safeguard oneself and occupy your opponent’s attention, while exerting attacks chiefly with one’s legs. To do this, you must skillfully match hand and leg movements, making most use of the right timing, distance, and position.
Wang Lang also set down rules (Do’s and Don’ts) in fighting for his students to follow. Such laws described parts of the body you could or could not hit, for morality’s sake. He wanted his followers to value high morals as well as excellent fighting techniques, to develop a supreme martial art.
The Club
The Quan is a true reflection of a traditional Chinese temple, designed to inspire peace of mind and the spirit of martial arts. It is place of learning but also a place to come and enjoy the physical and mental rewards of practicing and studying martial arts.
Equipment
- 4 kickboxing bags
- 3 speed bags
- spring board hard wood floor
- 2 kung fu sparring dummies
- Kung Fu weapons
- Sparring gear
- Kick pads and focus mitts
Facilities
- lockers
- change room
- bathroom
- shower
“Creator” Wong Long ( Great, Great, Great, Great Grand Master)
Wong Long a Shaolin monk. Long had opposed the Manchurian takeover of China and joined a temple in Honan province to learn Kung Fu to become a skilled fighter and defender of his people.
The emperor, after hearing tales of defiance at this temple sent his army, thousands strong, to eradicate the monks. Long and his fellow monks defended the temple for a day and night, escaping into the mountains at dawn. Only 128 monks survived the attack, less than half of the original number.
Once the remaining monks felt safe, they settled in Shang Tung province. In a few short years, their elderly Shifu passed away and Long and his brother Feng became the leaders of the survivors. To determine supremacy, Feng and Long battled in front of the group with Feng defeating Long. Feng thus became the Abbot (leader) and Long the Si-Hing (Eldest Student).
Over the next five years Long could never best Feng in combat and seemed destined to remain a loyal advisor to his brother. Feng left the group to travel and gain knowledge for a 3-year pilgrimage. Long challenged many opponents and never lost and was left to lead the order.
One day after practice, Long observed how a praying mantis fought and defeated an enormous cicada. Long was so impressed that he captured the insect and spent day and night studying the movements. To complete the movements, Long infused strength and powerful footwork into the Shaolin style. He accomplished this by studying the monkeys of China, renowned for their deft and powerful movements.
Long built forms and infused the mantis movements into the 18 systems of shaolin. When Feng returned, Long dominated his brother in sparring matches and quickly overtook his brother as Abbot. Long taught Feng his new style and it became known as Praying Mantis Kung Fu. It became the highest level of fighting within the order and taught only to the students who had proven their dedication and skill at the craft. Decades passed with Long and Feng passing away, leaving the knowledge with the new Abbot. Becoming one of the Highest levels in the shaolin system (18 systems of shaolin). Long integrated with the praying mantis system. One of the mantises that Feng worked with had a 7-star pattern on its back resembling the Big Dipper. That’s how 7-Star Praying Mantis system evolved.
Many thanks to the previous Masters and Grand Masters so that we could practice the art ourselves.
Thank You
Cantonese (Do-Jay)
Mandarin (Xi-Xi)
Lineage
Seven Stars Praying Mantis Kung Fu Lineage Legendary Instructors
Kung Fu is taken seriously in China and our club can trace it’s lineage back hundreds of years to men who trained during ancient China. Each number represents a generation, so if two masters have the same number, they achieved an instructor level within the same time frame. Also if the number changes this shows that the higher number trained under the lower number. Our current instructor can be found at the bottom of the family tree.
1. Wong Long
2. Various Monks at Shaolin temples followed Wong Long, these monks branched off at this time and their names were lost to history.
3. Shen Xiao Dao Ren
4. Li Zhi Zhan
5. Li TAi Bao
5. Hao Shun Chang
5. Wang Yong Chun
6. Huang Kai
6. Wang Jie
6. Fan Xu Dong
7. Guo Jia Lu
7. Yu Chuan Yi
7. Xiao Yu Liang
7. Yang Wei Xin
7. Chan Chen Wen
8. Mo Lam (England!)
7. Li Jing Shan
8. Xiao Hua Ting
8. Wang Chuan Yi
8. Wang Chun Shan
8. Yu Tian Lu
8. Yu Ren Zhu
8. Yu Zhen Hai
8. Zhong Lian Bao
8. Yu Tian Tang
8. Leung Wa Ting
8. Yu Tian Cheng (Yantai)
9. Yu Yong Sheng
9. Ba Kun
9. Lu Ting Bo
9. Wang Li Qiang
9. Chu Yong
10. Slawomir Milczarek (Poland!)
8. Hu Yong Fu
9. Li Zhan Yuan (Qingdao)
10. Qui Fang Jian
10. Qin Gui Hua
10. Ji Xue Ling
10. Liu Chong Xi
10. Jie En Li
11. WAng Xiao Hua
10. Kang Zhi Da
11. Bai Ren Da (Australia!)
12. He Neng
7. Si-Ti-Tigung Luo Guang Yu (Hong Kong)
8. Ma Sheng Jin
8. Chiu Fui Sam
8. Wong Sing Chun
8. Lay Yi Let/ Loy Y Lot
8. Pon Hon Chuen
8. Cheung Poi Hou
8. Feng Wing Chun
8. Chi Lun Chi
8. Wong Gum Hon/ Wing Gorn Hun
8. Lom Ba Flum
8. Gok Jow Chu/ Gok Jor Chin
8. Lay Gwon Lan / Loy Guy Lan
8. Jow Hai Gon / Joe Hei Gun
8. Yo Lai Chun
8. Chiu Sow Ting/ Chui Sam Tung
8. Nig Hon Sum/ Ng Hun Soe
8. Ou Hing Hong/ Chi Hung
8. Cheung Bo Chin
8. Chan Wan Ho
8. King Lok Gong
8. Wong Kam Hung (Singapore)
8. Si Tigung Kwok Cho Chiu
9. Kwok Wah Wai
9. Peter Tsang
9. Sigung Kwing Fai Kung
10. Sifu Mike Purnell (Canada!)
Luo Guang Yu (Hong Kong)
Trained Master Chui, who then trained Master Kung, who then trained Sifu Mike Purnell.
Kwok Chu Chui
Trained Kwing Fai Kung, who trained the current Sifu of the Red Deer branch, Mike Purnell.
Kwing Fai Kung
Trained Current Sifu Mike Purnell.
Sifu Mike Purnell
Sifu Mike Purnell has trained in many different disciplines throughout his life. Though he started with boxing at a very early age (his grandfather fought bare knuckle boxing during the depression), and later Karate and Judo it was Kung Fu under Sigung Kung that left its mark. Sifu Purnell has over 30 years experience teaching Praying Mantis Kung Fu.
Master Kung Visits this Summer!
Grand Master Kwing Fai Kung visited Seven Stars Praying Mantis this summer for two weeks. During the visit he imparted a wealth of knowledge and skills to all the age groups. Included was sage-like wisdom from his 35+ years teaching Kung Fu.
Pictured above is Sifu Mike Purnell and Si-Gung Kung. Si-Gung was honored by the club for his dedication and long teacher career. While he stayed only a short two weeks, his impact was keenly felt by all students. His tales of taking Kung Fu from Hong Kong and travelling to Red Deer to teach left the classes mesmerized. Speaking little English, Kung worked at setting up a club as well as teaching and taking classes at Red Deer College and the University of Alberta. Over the years, his love for Canada grew as did his command of the English language. Today he speaks English with a flourish and has made his home in Hong Kong, teaching Design at one of the colleges.
Animal Styles in Shaolin Kung Fu
The classical and non-classical animal styles are all complete fighting styles based upon the movement and character of animals familiar to the Shoaling monks. Each animal embodies a particular range of strategies; a well-rounded fighter is assumed to be familiar with all the animals, so as to be well equipped to choose strategies appropriate for different situations. At the same time, monks traditionally specialized in a style that was well suited to their physiques and characters.
The five classical animals each correspond to a particular aspect of training, and each embodies a strategy.
Praying Mantis
Praying Mantis style is a very famous style, developed to defeat the monks of the Shaolin Temple. He devoted years of his life to developing a fighting system with which the Shaolin had no answer and the result, as told, is the style after the praying mantis. The mantis moves with blinding speed, capable of capturing much larger prey.
Leopard
Two words. Muscle/Strength. More precise than a tiger and relies on great strength. The Leopard employs many crushing techniques and internal strikes with the hands. It’s an up close and personal type of style.
White Crane
Flexibility. They prefer to work at a distance and uses great flexibility to attack and evade. Strong arm and long leg movements are critical. Balance is also an asset and the disruption of balance in others is key.
Dragon
Spirit. The use of simple, basic techniques, with a challenging strategy of movement is important. Zigzagging motion is preferred. The Dragon has a floating motion with swinging and whipping.
Snake
Internal Energy. The Snake goes for vital points. The eyes and throat being most common.
Shaolin Bird
Hard, linear strikes and kicks derived from ancient techniques are the mainstay of this style. Leaping with a flurry of strikes, leaping back of out range and repeating combines to make a deadly series of movements. The bird emphasizes elbow and finger thrusts.
Monkey
Monkey style is a very advanced style that demands much. It assumes that the opponent is larger and compensates by making it hard to reach, hold or strike the practitioner. Jumping, flipping, rolling and attacking from peculiar angles are also important. Monkey stylists strike with the backs of the forearms, with the elbows, with hook kicks and tease their opponent into taking rash action. The Monkey, however, is no fool.
Eagle
Grappling. It relies on very powerful seizing, pinching and twisting techniques to lock, immobilize or punish a foe. Eagle claw stylists work hard on developing their grips to facilitate application of painful locks and nerve pinches. Like jujutsu, Eagle Claw employs leverage and joint manipulation to defeat an opponent.
Champions
Dave Robson
Dave Robson’s martial arts journey began in the mid-80s when he started practicing Kung Fu. At some point in his journey, Dave made the decision to transition from Kung Fu to kickboxing and Modified Muay Thai. This shift allowed him to explore different fighting styles and expand his knowledge and expertise in striking-based martial arts. He competed in various tournaments and fights, showcasing his skills and determination in the ring. Over the years of training, Dave held three titles, signifying his prowess as a fighter While pursuing his martial arts career, Dave also experienced another significant milestone in his personal life. He got married, which likely brought new responsibilities and commitments that may have influenced his martial arts journey.
Mark Fabris
Mark’s journey began in the late 80s when he joined a martial arts club. He dedicated himself to the study of martial arts and showed exceptional talent and determination. Through years of rigorous training, he progressed steadily and eventually achieved his black sash, a significant milestone in his martial arts journey. Mark’s commitment to his training extended beyond the walls of the club. He became a world traveler.
Within the club, Mark was regarded as one of the best students. His focus, discipline, and natural talent made him stand out among his peers. He was not only skilled in the physical aspects of martial arts but also demonstrated a deep understanding of its principles and philosophies.
However, in 2007, after nearly two decades of dedicated training, Mark decided to leave the club. Regardless of his reasons for leaving the club, Mark’s legacy as one of the best students and his achievements as a world traveler and martial artist remain an inspiration to others. His dedication, focus, and commitment to self-improvement have left a lasting impact within the martial arts community.
Vladmir Quijada
Starting in the club with his brother Willy in the early 2000s. Vlad went going on to winning events and kickboxing cards. It’s also commendable that they tried out for the Canadian muay Thai and kickboxing teams, showcasing their talent at a national level. Deciding to leave and start their own club is a significant step in their martial arts career.
Scott Allan
Scott’s kickboxing journey is truly remarkable. Starting at the age of 14 with his dad in the mid-90s, he quickly excelled in the sport. While he discovered other interests, he remained dedicated to his training. Scott found himself fighting on the Canadian karate team. In Canada, he displayed his exceptional skills by winning every fight, showcasing his talent and determination.
The recognition of Scott’s abilities led to an invitation to the Germany world tournament in 2007. Competing on an international stage is an incredible accomplishment in itself. Despite his exceptional performance, Scott faced a disappointing outcome due to judging and regulations, resulting in a second-place finish. However, it is clear that he deserved the first-place position based on his skills and performance.
Being recognized as one of the best fighters trained by Mike Purnell. A skilled trainer like Purnell can have a significant impact on an athlete’s development, and Scott’s success speaks volumes about his abilities.
Now, as a successful businessperson, Scott has likely taken the discipline and determination he learned from kickboxing and applied it to his professional life. The qualities that made him an exceptional fighter have undoubtedly contributed to his achievements as a businessman.
Past Champions
Kim Seery
Kim trained hard and fought hard in all sparing matches. She worked hard and received her green sash before moving on to pursue other interests.
Sam Seery
Sam Seery was a fearsome fighter who in many tournaments were spar boys older than her and twice her size. As her medal count shows many a young man learned an important lesson about the strength of the female character.
Drew Sequin
Drew placed first in sparing and forms at the Western Canadian Championships in his age/division and represented the club at World’s in Las Vegas, scoring a bronze in forms.
Bailey Carson
Gabriel St. Martin
Gabriel (top image) started studying Kung Fu at the age 4 and was so focused that he was one of the best students Sifu Mike Purnell ever taught. It was impressive to see how well he followed instruction at such a young age. He didn’t talk very much during the first year but once he got to know more students and his instructor, Gabriel would not stop talking. He started constantly asking questions about Kung Fu and received the nickname “Gabby”. Gabby received his adult 1st level black sash at 15 years old.
Competing in a Saskatoon tournament, Gabriel “Gabby” St. Martin (2nd image) walked away Junior Grand Champion shortly after receiving his black sash. All of the medallions are from the one tournament looks good Gabriel (Gabby).
1st place sparring
1st place forms
1st place weapons
Gabby has now finished 4 years university majoring in computer science and is excelling. Congratulations and kudos to Gabby, one of the Fighting St. Martins.
Justine St. Martin
Showing off some of her trophy’s (top), Justine started in Kung Fu at the age of 6 and 9 years later received her adult black sash.
Justine later studied kickboxing and excelled. At a Calgary kickboxing tournament she received 1st in the men’s division due to the cancellation of the women’s kickboxing division. (Don’t mess with Justine.) Justine competed at a tournament (bottom) in Saskatoon and cleaned up in the women’s junior competition. She walked away with junior grand champion at the age of 14.
1st place Sparring
1st place forms
1st place weapons
Congratulations and Kudos Justine. One of the Fighting St. Martins.
Rochelle St. Martin
Chris Rebiesz
Chris trained in Kung Fu and became a very well rounded fighter. He was a very hard worker. Kudos Chris and best wishes in the future.
Marci Johnston
Marci practiced Kung Fu for 4 years and was a very tough opponent in any division fighting men in team kumite matches. Marci always did very well.
Kudos to Marci and good luck in the future.
Trent Turner
Trent was a hard working individual who acquired his black sash in 4 years. Trent, being a world traveler, has seen martial arts all over the world. He displayed natural movement and has a natural body type for martial arts which allowed him to pick it up more quickly than the average student. Despite his obvious natural ability he always kept his humility and a cool head.
Lance Cipperly
Lance worked very hard to accomplish his goals. He trained with Dave Robson and became a very good kickboxer. Later he joined the Canadian forces and did a 2 year tour in Afghanistan.
