History of Chi Tao Chuan Gung Fu 8 Animal Systems

It was around 120 years ago, give or take a few years, that Professor Ho the Modern Day Founder of our school achieved reknown as one of the foremost Gung Fu teachers of Southern China. He had studied Hsing I Chuan (Xing Yi Quan), Shaolin Kung Fu (Shaolin Gung Fu), Tai Chi Chuan (Tai Ji Quan), Pa Kua Chang (Ba Gwa Zhang), and several other martial arts systems. However, he became perplexed about the arts because he was constantly asked which arts was the best. He perceived Taoist Priests and Chinese Chan Buddhist Monks who had been endangered by wild animals, or bandits, he observed that they had the ability to fade, like a shadow, through the clutches of the attacker. "These monks, having no training are untouchable" he observed. It was then after years of deep meditation and research he found his answer. Which became the foundation for the formation of what is now the International Green Dragon Society and Wu Chi Tao Monastery Temple.

What is the International Green Dragon Society? It is a very old organization. Such organizations and benevolent associations have existed in Chna for centuries on in, especially during times of great social unrest, strife, and lack of central authority in the empire. Therefore, these societies banded together for trade and protection. They provided insurance, burial, care of Orphans and Widows, they even had apprenticeships programs, and soforth. But some of them, (but not very many) also carried on the traditions of the Fighting Arts and Religious Training (striving for Enligthenment), or Peace of the Soul. Some these societies "hired out" Warrior-Priests to protect villages from marauders, bandits, and the caravans, as well as wild beasts. Some were actually in league with the Emperor who "unofficially" favored them. social breakdown was so great that what the Imperial Troops could not do with the troublesome War Lords, the feared "Secret Society" could.

When the first large numbers of Chinese moved to the United States, the Green Dragon Society arrived in the Midwest, West Coast, and East Coast as well. Around 50 years ago Non-Chinese could not study (that meant that even Cantonese who were "non" Chinese!). But about 45 years ago a few Caucasian Buddhists or Taoists who were adopted "Sons" and "Brothers", were granted permission to study. Then about 30 years ago, one could enter upon the recommendations of members of long standing respect, and be subject to 5 years of probationary study before being accepted as a full member of the Society. But today, we have quite a few Masters that are Caucasian, African American, Hispanic or Latino American, and of course Asian Americans. Some them are even Christians! In New York, quite often is the case where in the back of Dry Cleaners or a restaurant, is a Temple Hall (Kwoon), where often the employees work in the business to pay for their studies in Chi Tao Chuan Gung Fu. The Master has few students, In some areas of New York, a Karate Dojo, or Judo Dojo, or even Chinese Chuan Li (Kempo) Hall is open with many students. The Sifu or Master makes a living in the Temple Hall, but he selects only a few (very few) after two or more years as personal students or spiritual sons or daughters.

The Green Dragon Society teaches primarily the feared, famed, formidable, and deadly "Animal System", called Chi Tao Chuan Gung Fu. This system teaches one to fight like a Tiger, Leopard, Panther, White Crane, Praying Mantis, Black Cobra, Wild Boar, and Eagle Spirit Arts. These are not taught in the same manner as Shaolin (Buddhist System), but like the Taoist Systems taught on Wu Tang Shan (Mountain), in Hebei Province. So a student is not taught to immitate the animals by holding various animal hand weapons. The Animals are not for developing Muscles, Bones, etc., but through secret meditation techniques, the Spirit of the Actual Animal fills the Mind of the student so he or she can become... the Animal itself, in strength, action, thinking, and spirit. This is highly dangerous and only this society traditional teaches the classic animal (8 lower trigrams) system.