Wah Lum Tam Tui 
Northern Praying Mantis Kung Fu
Chief Instructor: Sifu Bob Rosen
Wah Lum Kung Fu Athletic Association Inc.
Boston's Chinatown, Massachusetts, USA

Wah Lum Kung Fu of the U.S.A. was started by Grandmaster Chan Pui in Boston’s Chinatown over 35 years ago. He was one of the first martial artist instructors to place a great importance on diversity and to open his school to all who would be willing to work hard to master the art.

WHAT IS KUNG FU?

The translation of “Kung Fu” is literally “hard work” and “time”. It further implies that a high level of skill is attainable, but only through diligent training over a long period of time. In America and other western societies, the term has also come to represent the hundreds of Chinese martial arts system as a whole. Many of these systems have been in existence for thousands of years. The proven benefits of practicing Kung Fu over the long term include strengthening mind & body, being able to protect oneself, gaining the knowledge of traditional weapons usage, understanding eastern culture & philosophy, and learning about Chinese herbal medicine.

HISTORY OF THE SYSTEM

Master Wong Long created the northern praying mantis system over 380 years ago in the Shandong province of China. Over time, several branches of this system emerged. The Wah Lum Tam Tui Northern Praying Mantis system was created by Master Lee Kwan Shan when he combined the mantis system he had learned while living at the Wah Lum Temple with his family’s fighting style (Tam Tui “seeking leg”). Master Lee’s last disciple and current grandmaster of the system, Master Chan Pui, has since brought the Wah Lum system to America, where it has flourished for over 35 years. 

The Wah Lum Kung Fu Athletic Association has been located in the Boston area since 1970. In 1984, Master Chan commissioned Sifu Bob Rosen to continue the proud tradition of teaching the Wah Lum system in Boston’s Chinatown, and Sifu Rosen has since developed a school of first-rate instructors and students, as well as national & international champions.

SIFU BOB ROSEN Sifu Bob Rosen has been instructing in the Martial Arts since 1972 and is the Chief Instructor of the Wah Lum Kung Fu Athletic Association, established in 1984. He is the first non-Asian instructor to operate a school in Boston’s Chinatown, and he has been a 7th generation student of Grandmaster Chan since 1976. Sifu Rosen was certified to teach the Wah Lum Northern Praying Mantis System in 1979 and has helped propagate the style in conjunction with Grandmaster Chan for many years. He traveled to China between 1986 and 2004 to demonstrate, compete and to research other martial arts. In 1989 he was a member of the first non-Asian group to study Kung Fu in the Shaolin Temple. In 1994 he won a Gold Medal in the Open Weapons division at the Beijing International Tournament in China. In 2001 he was the senior coach for the Wah Lum team at the Shaolin Wushu competition in Zhenghou, China, which won numerous awards. He has coached many students who have been successful in fighting, forms, and weapons at local, national and international events.

In addition to establishing himself as a traditional instructor of the Wah Lum System, Sifu Rosen has studied Tai Chi Chuan, Iron Palm (breaking), and Lion Dance from Grandmaster Chan and other U.S. and China based Masters. He has been invited to participate as a judge and to demonstrate at various Martial Arts events around the country. Sifu Rosen continues the proud tradition of developing first rate martial artists through the rigorous physical training balanced by a philosophy that stresses self control, respect for others, fellowship and hard work. OBJECTIVES OF THE WAH LUM KUNG FU TRAINING To promote the study of the Chinese Martial Arts and for the development of physical, mental, and general well-being of students, young and old.

The Association maintains a rigorous Wah Lum training regiment balanced by a philosophy that stresses patience, self-control, fellowship, and hard work. Below are some of the classes that prospective students may choose from:

• Beginner Class
  New student must first learn the system’s fundamental exercises, basic stances, and core techniques. This knowledge will continue to serve them as they progress through the program. Once students achieve a solid foundation in the basics, they will move into the school’s regular training schedule.

• Kung Fu Strength & Conditioning Class
  There are no shortcuts to learning Kung Fu. It is a complete body art that quickly uncovers each student's unique strengths and weaknesses. In order to learn more advanced forms and weapons, each practitioner must continue to build their foundation of strength and stamina. With the proper conditioning, one can execute martial techniques with explosive power, blinding speed, and unwavering focus. These classes emphasize muscular development through body-weight exercises, dynamic tension, contact drills, and cardiovascular endurance.

• Traditional Fundamentals Class
  The spirit of Kung Fu is experienced at the intersection of effectiveness and grace. Those who would follow this path must work to internalize both combat theory and an instinctive knowledge of body mechanics. These classes continue this tradition, emphasizing the core principles of the system’s hand and weapon forms, which together provide the traditional martial theory of the Wah Lum system.

• Sparring & Self-Defense Class
  The confidence to defend yourself and others is one of the many benefits of learning Kung Fu. These classes transform the theories into practical application by extracting techniques from their more traditional settings and allowing them to be used in a more realistic environment. The use of focus pads, partner drills, and sparring allows students to explore one of the major aspects of Kung Fu.

YOUTH PROGRAM
Our youth Saturday and After School Program provide a positive environment where youth members (ages 5-17) can improve both mental and physical abilities through traditional kung fu studies. They will learn empty hand forms, kung fu weaponry, self-defense, and philosophy. Through this program students develop self-discipline, confidence, flexibility, and a good work ethic which is valuable for their everyday routine.

PRIVATE TRAINING
The Wah Lum curriculum develops accomplished and well-rounded students. However, for those who seek specialized instruction, or just wish to tailor a program to fit their schedule and goals, the Association provides private training with Sifu Rosen in a wide variety of areas. This is one-on-one instruction with one of the most knowledgeable Wah Lum instructors in the New England region.

TAI CHI CHUAN
Tai Chi is a complete Chinese martial art system on its own, yet it possesses certain qualities that stimulate overall health and wellness, making it the perfect exercise for anyone. Providing cardiovascular development, body toning, joint massage, and a means to center one’s emotional ballast, Tai Chi is meditation through movement, culminating in the longevity of life itself. For the martial artist, Tai Chi brings an internal focus to a student's training, and helps to promote a deeper understanding of balance, weight distribution, and active & passive energies.

RANKING & CERTIFICATION
There is no belt system in the Wah Lum organization; attaining the next rank or title has little place in a training environment where self-improvement is the ultimate goal. All students wear a black sash that supports the mid-section, much like a weight-lifting belt. There are both written and physical tests that help recognize a student’s current understanding of the Wah Lum system. If passed successfully, students may go on to learn new material and expand their training.

COMMUNITY & CULTURE
The Association believes strongly in supporting the surrounding community. All interested school members will have a chance to learn traditional lion & dragon dancing, as well as join the Wah Lum Demo Team. From performing Chinese New Year ritual celebrations, to performing on stage at the John Hancock Hall and the Hynes Convention Center, Wah Lum practitioners are recognized throughout the Greater Boston area as committed supporters to the community. Come join our family!

Home Page | Help / Site Map | Contact Us | Top Page

@ 2006 WahLumPai.us.  All Rights Reserved.  Read Disclaimer under which this service is provided to you.

Wah Lum Kung Fu Athletic Association, Inc.
New England Headquarters
17 Edinboro Street, (Chinatown) Boston, MA 02111
Phone: (617) 350-7530
Website: www.wahlumpai.com