Northern Shaolin Retreat
Sifu Kisu
Is a 5th-generation disciple of Bak Siu Lum Pai (Northern Shaolin Gate), descending from the legendary Grandmaster Ku Yu Cheong through Master Kenneth Hui.
With over 50 years of dedicated practice, Sifu Kisu has devoted his life to the cultivation and transmission of traditional Chinese martial
arts—not merely as fighting systems, but as complete disciplines of body, energy, and consciousness.
He is internationally recognized as the chief martial arts director and cultural consultant for:
Avatar: The Last Airbender
The Legend of Korra
Through this work, he designed the iconic "bending arts," grounding each in authentic Chinese systems such as Tai Chi, Hung Gar, Northern
Shaolin, and Bagua—bringing real martial principles to a global audience.
But beyond recognition, his true mastery lies in his ability to transmit—to make the internal and external dimensions of Kung Fu accessible, functional, and alive.
About the Retreat
The Art: Northern Shaolin (Bak Siu Lum Pai)
Northern Shaolin is one of the most comprehensive and demanding traditional systems of Chinese martial arts.
It is defined by:
- Long, mid, and short-range combat integration
- Explosive kicking systems and agile footwork
- Wide stances and dynamic transitions
- Circular deflections and aggressive forward pressure
- The synthesis of striking, grappling, and throwing
Its curriculum—systematized by Grandmaster Ku Yu Cheong—is built upon 10 core forms, each representing a complete lesson in combat principle, not mere choreography.
This is a system designed to develop:
speed, mobility, power, structure, and awareness—without bias.
The Core Focus: Tan Tui (Spring Leg)
At the heart of this retreat lies Tan Tui, one of the foundational
pillars of Northern martial arts.
Tan Tui is not just a form—it is a training method, a conditioning
system, and a combative blueprint.
It develops:
- Structural alignment and body mechanics
- Explosive, snapping power
- Precision in hand-foot coordination
- Rhythm, timing, and breath integration
- Endurance and mobility
As the old saying goes:
"Hands are like two doors—but it is the legs that deliver the decisive blow."
Tan Ma Quan — The Signature Gate
Central to the training is Tan Ma Quan ("Springing Horse Fist"), also known as Three Rings Spitting the Moon.
This movement encapsulates the essence of Long Fist combat:
- Entry through precision striking
- Immediate transition to control
- Joint locking and structural breaking
- Seamless conversion into takedowns and throws
It is the principle of:
contact → control → domination
A classic strategy emerges:
Use finesse to break power, then use power to command the opponent.
Tan Ma Quan is not just an opening—it is a declaration of intent. A complete fighting philosophy encoded in motion.
Training Philosophy
This retreat follows the deeper progression of Northern Shaolin training:
- Mobility & Expansion — opening the joints and extending range
- Strength & Endurance — forging structural power
- Self-Awareness — internalizing movement and intention
- Application & Combat — expressing function under pressure
- Integration — martial arts as a way of life
- Each phase overlaps—each informs the other.
This is not linear learning.
It is layered refinement.
The Experience
At Dao House, surrounded by mountains, forest, and open sky, training becomes something more:
- Morning foundational training (Tan Tui lines & mechanics)
- Internal work: breath, structure, and energy (Qi Gong principles)
- Application drills and partner work
- Weapon integration (where applicable)
- Philosophical discussion and transmission
- The environment strips away distraction—allowing direct contact with the art.
Final Word
This retreat is for those who want more than surface-level martial arts.
It is for those seeking:
Depth over display
Function over formality
Transmission over information
"Fists are like shooting stars, eyes like lightning.
If steps are not swift, hands are useless.
If steps are not rooted, everything collapses."
— Tan Tui Axiom