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.

His influence extends across major productions including Kung Fu Panda:

Legends of Awesomeness, and he continues to shape the cultural and

technical portrayal of martial arts in modern media.

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.

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.