Jow Ga Shaolin Institute

Mizong Chuan is a major Shaolin martial arts system. It incorporates elements from Tai Chi, Xing Yi, Ba Gua, Eagle Claw, Preying Mantis, Long & Short Range Boxing and Tan Tui. Emphasis is on the development and use of both external (wai jia) and internal (nei jia) power, combining soft and hard techniques within a single style. As with other ancient

styles, Mizong's early history is based on folklore. According to one popular story, it originated in the Shaolin Temple at Song Shan during the Sung Dynasty. A monk named Lu Jiaoyi learned the system and, in turn, passed on the art to Yan Ching, a legendary hero who fought against oppressive government forces. Yan Ching's followers, out of respect for their master, initially named it Yan Ching Boxing. However, to keep their master's identity hidden from the authorities, they later called it Mizong. Some modern day practitioners still refer to it as the Yan Ching style. The Chinese character for "Mi" is subject to different interpretations. Although pronounced the same, it can be written to mean either "deceptive" or "secret" or "enticing." The character for "Zong" means track. Hence, some refer to it as the "lost track" system because it is characterized by offensive and defensive moves designed to confuse an opponent. Lines of attack and defense are often diagonal, non-linear, constantly shifting and unpredictable.

Its modern history can be traced to the Ching dynasty. Around 1722, a martial artist named Sun Tong learned Mizong from a Master named Zhang. Sun Tong, in addition to mastering Mizong's unarmed and weapons techniques, was also an expert in "Dim Mak," Joint

Grandmaster Lu Zheng Duo, father and teacher of Master Lu Jun Hai

Dislocation, and "Iron Broom" techniques. He later returned to the Shaolin temple, and spent 10 years there perfecting his skills. He traveled throughout Northern China to test his art and eventually settled in Cangzhou, Hebei Province to pass on the system to his disciples. As the system spread to other parts of China, several different schools of Mizong were established, taking on the unique characteristics of their individual masters. One was started by Huo Yuanjia, who gained fame for defeating a Japanese strongman who challenged all-comers to barehanded contest during a time when China suffered from foreign domination and was seen as the "weak man of Asia." Huo founded the Jing Wu Physical Culture Society in Shanghai, an organization which continues to promote athletics, including martial arts. Huo used Mizong as a foundation, while adopting techniques from other martial arts systems into his particular style. It is popularly known in Hong Kong as the Mizong Lohan (or My Jong Law Horn) style and is taught at the South China Athletic Association.

Presently, the foremost expert and heir of the original Mizong system is Master Lu Jun Hai. According to Master Lu, Mizong is a comprehensive martial art with well over 280 unarmed and weapons routines. Among the best known hand forms are: Mizong Chuan, Mizong Jia, Lohan Chuan, Yan Ching Chuan, Yan Ching Jia, and Lian Shou Chuan. Well known weapons forms include: Qingping Sword, Kun Wu Sword, Fo Chen Sword, Moon Crescent Spade and the Sun-Moon weapon. Mizong techniques can be summed up in 16 words: Kao (bump, lean); Bao (embrace, hold); Zhan (stick, adhere); Ao (bend, break); Ti (lift, raise); Juan (twist, roll-up); Tan (spring, leap); Lu (capture, roll-back); NA (grab, lock); Ling (lead, draw); Tuo (pull, drag); Chuo (jab, poke); Shuai (tumble, trip); Ji (press, push); Lan (block, bar); and Kua (carry).