The Eagle Claw Kung Fu can be traced back to the end of the Sung Dynasty, about 1140 AD. A Sung general named
“Gnok Fei” devised the famous “108 Fighting Techniques” and taught his soldiers who subsequently defeated the
Mongolian invaders. This system combines simple blocks and punches with intricate grabs, locks and pressure
point strikes. Years later, during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), a monk named “Li Chuan” combined the 108 hand
techniques with the leg techniques of the “Faan Tzi” system to form one complete system known today as the Eagle
Claw Kung Fu or Ying Jow Pai.

Eagle Claw Kung Fu is a dynamic system, featuring Chin Na and characteristic Northern Shaolin movements.
Familiarity with the vital areas of the body makes the Eagle Claw Kung Fu practitioner a formidable opponent. Eagle
Claw Kung Fu is a highly moral system that provides very effective self-defense without unnecessary injury to an
opponent. It is ideal for both men and women of any size because great body strength is not required to be effective
in a defensive situation.

This rare form of Chinese Martial Arts emphasizes the use of the eagle’s claw. The clawing hand provides a way for
grabbing an opponent, which enables better control over a defensive situation. The eagle’s claw strength is based
on finger power, finger joint power and wrist power. A well-developed claw can control an opponent without injury,
causing damage only when unavoidable. Eagle Claw Kung Fu uses also punches and palm strikes that are executed
relaxed, but firm, until the end when the hand and the arm are hardened. This gives the technique a snapping action
that adds power without a great need for strength.

Eagle Claw Kung Fu also uses kicks and sweeps found in most styles of Kung Fu. Jumps, flips and splits are also
distinguishing features. Movements in the Eagle Claw Kung Fu are fast then slow, yielding then advancing,
depending on the need of the situation and the technique to be employed. When practicing Eagle Claw Kung Fu,
breathing should be natural and stepping should be light like a bird. Power should always be controlled and come
from the whole body concentrated at one point.

Students of Eagle Claw Kung Fu start with stretching and conditioning the body with basic Kung Fu techniques
such as blocking, striking, and kicking. They then learn forms, self-defense techniques, weapons and sparring after
mastering the basic techniques. Every step and hand techniques in the form have a self-defense application.
Practicing the forms also develops discipline and focus in the student, advantages that become invaluable in
everyday life. In the end, Eagle Claw Kung Fu not only is designed to develop a physically, mentally and spiritually
well-rounded martial artist, but also a person as a whole too.