Questions and Answers

WHERE IS THE BAMBOO TEMPLE?
There are four Jook Lum Temples in China; Shanxi, Jiangxi, Hong Kong and Macau.    

The Hong Kong Branch Temple, built in 1927, is listed in the Official Hong Kong Guide as one of HK's many tourist attractions, as are two others.  Find out which one of the Jook Lum Temples is not listed today and why in the China Southern Mantis Survey?

WHO ARE WE?
The Bamboo Temple Chinese Benevolent Association is a mutual aid fraternity with the purpose of preserving and promoting traditional martial arts culture.  Our leaders and members are prominent business men and citizens, just like you.  The Association was founded in New York City in 1963 for the purpose of preserving and promoting the traditional Bamboo Forest Temple Praying Mantis Style of Chinese Kungfu, thanks to Mr. Wong Baklim.   The founding was listed in NYC Chinatown newspapers and media. VIEW

WHY HAVEN'T YOU HEARD OF US?
Members of our Association do not practice martial art for self-aggrandizement, tournaments or competitions.  Our art is not a sport.  Our training is aimed toward developing supportive skills and habits which can be used in daily life.  Our practice is of an inner nature and therefore we don't boast or commercialize ourselves or our martial art.

WHO COMES TO LEARN?
People looking for an invigorated passion for life, a peaceful heart, a quiet mind, a healthy body and confidence in their ability to protect themselves and their loved ones.  People interested in their own health, personal growth and inner development as much as they are about the world in which we live.  Curious people. Interesting people. Courageous people.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAINING?
It is not necessary to be physically fit, but it is necessary to be morally fit.  And you must be at least 18 years old.  You must be able to study on average a minimum of two times per week.  And you must be willing to set goals to develop mental discipline and physical fitness. Martial art experience is welcome but not necessary.  (Many students come to us as black belts in other martial arts).

WHY BY INVITATION ONLY?
We are a fraternity of like minded men (and women) who believe in the Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man.  We believe we have a responsibility to leave the world a better place than we found it.  We believe men must have honor and live in love, faith, hope, goodness, kindness, generosity, and peace.  If you believe the same, WELCOME!  Seek a regular school today!

ABOUT OUR MARTIAL ART
Few "real" traditional martial arts still exist today.  The majority have lost their original purpose to tournament point sparring, demonstration, theatrical performance or entertainment.  Some have become nothing more than a gladiator sport, calisthentic exercise or child care activity.  Make no mistake.  Traditional martial art is simple and effective in matters of self defense and survival, yet, founded in a transcending philosophy of health, well being and long life.

At once simplistic, redirecting an attacker's force and striking straight to his weakest point, real martial art is also sophisticated.  Advanced training includes 108 vital points (36 lethal and 72 paralyzing) and 108 actions and reactions by two men in continuous exercise who become precise and skillful in attacking, defending and counter attacking those vital points.  When this training is understood, one can say any point stuck is a vital point.

HOLISTIC HEALTH
There is an essential component that is often missing from martial arts today - a way of life.  The way we think, feel, our attitudes, diet, everyday stress, relationships and beliefs all have an effect that can lead toward health or ill-being.  Martial art is a way of living which can result in a healthier, happier lifestyle.  Bamboo Forest Temple Kungfu is traditional self-defense, but, also an excellent holistic approach to life.  Feel free to contact us today!

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