Sil Lum is the Cantonese pronunciation of the Mandarin "Shaolin", the Kung Fu style made famous in America by a television series from the 1970's. It originated in the Shaolin Temple in about 550 AD under the teaching of Da Mo, a Buddhist monk who arrived from India with an innovative approach to Buddhism, which eventually became known as Zen. Da Mo arrived at Shaolin and found the monks to be weak and unable to maintain meditative practice. Da Mo shared a series of exercises with the monks, whose health and vitality improved immediately. These monks continued to practice and expand Da Mo's art, eventually leading to the creation of the 5 Animal Kung Fu system, which they used to defend themselves from local bandits.

As the name implies, this Kung Fu system draws its techniques from the characters and abilities of animals. The 5 fundamental animals are the Tiger, Crane, Snake, Leopard and Dragon, but there are many animals which lend their particular skills to the art. Techniques are grouped together into long series of movements called "animal acting" or "forms" (kata in Japanese). These forms provide a framework for practicing techniques, and developing the flowing, yet powerful movements, which set Sil Lum apart from many other martial art styles.

At The Energetic Arts Center, we practice 5 Animal 5 Family Kung Fu, a system brought to America by Grand Master Ark Wong in the 1920's. Richard Barr was fortunate enough to study this system since 1973, and to eventually train directly from Master Wong himself (who was then in his 80's and still going strong). The system combines the 5 Animal styles described above, with the styles created by 5 famous martial arts families- Toi, Lee, Fut, Muk, and Hung. In addition to unarmed Animal and Family forms, advanced training includes the use of traditional Chinese weaponry. While learning to use a sword, spear or ax may seem impractical in our day of automatic firearms, what these ancient weapons can teach about muscle control, concentration and flowing strength is invaluable to anyone seeking to integrate the body mind spirit.

It is important to note that training in Kung Fu at the Energetic Arts Center is not like signing up for boot camp. Techniques are taught in an informal, noncompetitive environment. There is no free sparring, and no tournament mentality. This is not to say that you won't work up a sweat! Kung Fu provides an excellent cardio workout, develops strength, stamina, flexibility and the ability to remain calm and connected during stressful situations. The forms are challenging both mentally and physically, and therefore much more satisfying than a spin on a stationary bike or a trot on a treadmill. And while you are getting fitter, you are learning traditional and effective self-defense techniques that trace their beginnings back 1500 years.