Wah lum pai
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Wah Lum Pai/Hua Lin Pai 華林派 (Elegant Forest Style) is one of many Chinese Martial Arts that has its origins in the Northern Praying Mantis System (螳螂拳) created by Wong Long (王朗) in the Shaolin Monastery (少林寺) some 350 years ago.
After several generations Master Ching Yueng, a student of Li San Jin (a.k.a.: lightning hands) settled down to become the Abbot of the Wah Lum Temple (華林寺) located in the Ping To District of the Shantung Province, China.
It was at the Wah Lum Temple (華林寺) that a Lee Kwan Shan, a exponent of his families' martial art Tam Tui style, would study Northern Praying Mantis to a level to be given the title of 5th Generation Heir/Lineage Holder.
Upon finishing his studies Lee Kwan Shan resumed his previous occupation as a guard and escort. After a successful career he decided it was time to retire. His remaining years he traveled extensively around China demonstrating his skill. Eventually he settled in a small village named Sha Cheng where he began taking on students.
Two of Master Lee Kwan Shan’s most recognized students are Chan Wan Ching and Pui Chan. Chan Wan Ching was Lee’s most senior student and continued his school in Hong Kong after his teacher’s death. Chan Pui finished up his training under Chan Wan Ching before resettling in the United States to open up his own school in Boston. He then opened a Wah Lum temple in Orlando, Florida. Since then, Pui Chan has taught many students. There are even schools outside America and China. Schools exist in Brazil and Switzerland. In October 2012, the system will celebrate its 37th annervesary in Knoxville, Tennessee, the first Wah Lum annerversary celebration outside China, Boston, and Orlando.
