What kind of style is Shaolin Chuan Fa Martial Arts? Simply answered CFMA is a well formulated
and evolution of kenpo and tai chi. For some that explaination is sufficiant; for others, there are a lot more questions
that are now needing answers.
Shaolin Chuan
Fa Martial Arts Association was evolved into a martial art system by Soke Dr. Dennis Fitch in the mid 1960's.
His lineage allows a person to truly study an art that is more relative, and comparible, to the arts of old China than
most Americanized martial art systems found today. CFMA allows a person to study both "hard and soft" aspects
of martial arts while studying only one system. By presenting kenpo and tai chi as a whole a student can benefit from
the traditional values and education found within the art; unlike the Americanized "stripped down" version of martial
arts that one typically finds in the "commercialized" arts.
By being
a traditional martial art one shouldn't think the art old, or not modern. Instead one should think of the art as
having a strong solid base, in which to support the growth of the art. Much like all martial arts have literally
done.
It is excepted history that martial
arts was introduced into China by a Indian monk named Tamo. Tamo, whose Indian name was Bodhidharma, came to a Buddhist
temple in Shaolin to pray, it was at this temple that Chuan Fa was brought forth (Not to be confused with the modern Wushu
that is taught in Shaolin today). Hence, it is out of respect to the founders of martial arts that CFMA uses the word
Shaolin in its name. However, a more recent concept of the origin of martial arts have come to light.
Bodhidharma, who was an indian monk, was also a member of the Ksatreya (warrior) caste. This cast was known for their
unarmed fighting ability; an art known as Vajramushti (also known as Vajramukti), which had mudras (ritual hand techniques)
that predate Shaolin. Regardless of the true origin of martial arts, Shaolin is definately the spring point of
the arts.
Once martial arts was introduced to Shaolin, its growth would be
worldly. Given any martial art, its lineage can be traced back in degrees to Shaolin. CFMA is no different,
from Nidan Schoonover to Soke Fitch; Soke Fitch to Pensacola, Florida; from Pensacola to Hawaii; from Hawaii to Japan;
from Japan to China.
Soke Fitch developed Shaolin Chuan Fa by evolving Tai Chi
Chuan and Hawaiian Kenpo (not Parker Kenpo) into one complete art form. The style of CFMA includes the subclasses
of kenpo: grab arts, rotations, club arts, combinations, special movements, basic dances and death dances. The Tai Chi
subclasses include: the "long form" also known as the 108 movements, the "dance of life" also known as
the 64 movements, the chien sword form also known as the 32 movements, the Four elements, and lastly the technique of push
hands. These are only the bear basics of a martial art. "For ever technique there are a thousand applications"
CFMA not only includes this foundation, but it includes knowledge in Chi energy, through internal process of Qi Gong and other
eastern sciences and philosophies.
While Nidan Schoonover is an instructor of
Shaolin Chuan Fa Martial Arts, he is still a pupil of Dr. Fitch and continues to learn the system over time. LIke Dr.
Fitch, Nidan Schoonover wishes to promote traditional values in martial arts, in order to allow a person to develope
their mind, body, and spirit.
