Knowledge Center
Enroll in Our Fall Semester Meditation And Qigong Classes
In a world of constant stress and distraction, mindfulness and meditation offer a way back to balance. At Northern Sage Kung Fu Academy, our classes combine the Eighteen Luohan Qigong (moving meditation) with seated breath meditation to strengthen the body, calm the mind, and reconnect with your authentic self. Discover the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of this timeless practice.
The World As It Is And The Realities of Violence
This article examines the ecological and relational realities of interpersonal violence in contemporary society. Drawing on empirical data, typologies, and conceptual analysis, it argues that violence is not episodic but a patterned and persistent feature of everyday life. It distinguishes violence from force, conflict, and aggression, then explores social contexts—family, peers, public spaces, and institutions—that shape vulnerability. A typology is presented by relationship and type of harm, supplemented by classifications of proactive versus reactive and direct versus indirect violence. The key takeaway is that preparedness against violence is not only tactical but fundamentally conceptual: to defend well, one must first understand.
Shanghai Summer 2025: City Life, Family Ties, and the Kung Fu Path
My time in Shanghai this summer has gone by quickly, as it always does. Each visit is both meaningful and productive, but more than that, this city never fails to leave me inspired and reinvigorated as I prepare to return to Canada. Follow Nathan's recap here.
Historical Context Of Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu In The Late Qing Dynasty And Republican Era
Part I of this article explores the contextual backdrop in which Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu emerged amidst political collapse, foreign incursion, and communal insecurity in Shandong from 1794 to 1949. It traces how rebellion, rural militarization, and warlordism shaped martial traditions as tools of defense and transmission. Grounded in historical analysis, the study highlights how martial arts were forged in adaptation and resistance. Part II will examine Luo Guang Yu’s pivotal role in preserving the tradition through the Shanghai Jingwu Athletic Association.
Reflections On Tradition And Return To Meaning in Martial Practice
This article reflects on the living tradition of Luo Guang Yu’s Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu, warning against its dilution in modern times. It defines tradition, outlines the art’s three inseparable pillars—combative skill, longevity cultivation, and Confucian moral practice—and stresses the vital role of lineage and transmission. Through these, martial capability and civil refinement unite in a coherent way of life. The call is clear: preserve not only the art’s technical content, but its integrity, unity, and spirit across generations.
Primer to Starting Kung Fu
In this Primer to Starting Kung Fu, we’ll guide you through the essential steps needed to prepare both your body and your mind for traditional training. Whether you’re new to martial arts or returning after a long pause, this guide introduces the historical roots and philosophical foundations that give Kung Fu its depth and purpose. It also offers practical advice on how to develop basic physical conditioning, cultivate the right mindset, and set realistic goals for your early practice. By grounding you in both knowledge and readiness, it will help you take your first meaningful steps on the long and rewarding path of becoming a martial artist.
