Korean Kung Fu
Who am I and Why Should You Listen to Me?
My name is James Theros. I have been actively involved in the Martial Arts since 1976. I began my studies as a martial artist in the art of Shorin Ryu. I then moved to Shorei Goju Ryu and finally found my passion in 1983 when I began studying Sip Pal Gi Kung Fu and Tae Kwon Do.
I've gone through all the trouble of traveling and investigating so that you don't have to. I even visited Seoul, Korea in 2008 to train with 2 of the highest ranking masters in this art, which also allowed me to complete the first book about the art.
You'd have to be INSANE not to want this information if you're a Korean Martial Artist!!!
Why Am I Making These Video's Available to You?
During my extensive search I found that there was absolutely nothing available in America on the art of Korean Kung Fu. I mean "nothing."
Since that was the case, I decided to begin sharing my findings with other curious martial artists in the Korean martial arts community to spread the art, as well as the historical background that traces its roots back to the Shaolin Temple and Traditional Northern Shaolin Kung Fu.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TESTIMONIALS:
“Educational and informative, these videos are exactly what I needed.. Master Theros has a unique way of teaching and really understands how to teach by video. I can’t recommend his videos enough. An excellent investment for any Korean Style martial artist..”
~Andrew Barrientez, Clinton, Maryland
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"For years I searched for the way to learn this beautiful Martial Art! I found you in one of last years Tae Kwon Do Times and knew it was a blessing to come my way. I just love the DVD'S, I study them every day and for a few hours when I retire for the evening. I've already started teaching the Art at the school to help me to retain it, as an add on to the Kang - Duk - Won / Kwon - Bop.
~JIM MUSE FURTADO, Whittier, California
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"I wanted to comment quickly on your So Chu Kwon video. I thought it was put together and filmed very well. The multiple angles was very helpful in order for an individual to learn the form. I especially liked the self-defense techs associated with this form. I look forward to obtaining your book and learning more about the history of Ship Pal Gi Kung Fu.
~ Anthony A. Compagnone, Bronx, NY
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Great work! Your form is excellent. I am from the old school and position and form were always stressed and it is nice to find others, such as yourself, who share this quality of excellence. Further, having been in kung fu for a long time and meeting many people, I have an eye for authenticity and your forms are as authentic as they get....... Your videos are a treasure and anyone looking for authentic kung fu videos should contact you."
~Mike Shaw 6th Dan Tang Soo Do (London, Ontario, Canada)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“I just wanted to take a moment to mention how much I enjoyed reading your book, Korean Kung Fu: The Chinese Connection. Not only does it provide an excellent overview of the various systems of Chinese martial arts (Northern and Southern Shaolin, external and internal arts, and classical Chinese exercises), it was thoroughly enlightening to learn the detailed history of Sip Pal Gi and how this rare Northern Shaolin system of kung fu made its way from China, to Korea, and eventually to the United States.
The sections that describe and explain the Eight Section Brocade and Iron Body Conditioning should enable every martial artist to add these longevity and conditioning exercises to his daily regimen. The explanation of Sip Pal Gi forms and especially the sections that provide pictorial step-by-step instruction of the entire Tan Tui (Spring Leg) set and Xiao Zuo Quan (Small Reduction Fist) perfectly encapsulate the characteristics and techniques inherent in this system of Northern Shaolin kung fu.
I have studied Sip Pal Gi for about 30 years. After reviewing your Beginner’s videos, I find them to be an excellent tutorial of these foundational forms. You explain the stances, the techniques, and the movement very clearly. The various angles and different speeds that you employ in presenting the forms make it very easy to follow and learn the forms.
And the applications demonstrated show the depth of practical possibilities hidden in each movement.”
~Sifu Keith Birch (Philadelphia, PA)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hello Sir.
Thank you very much for the files. I am really excited about working on this fan form. All the files download with out any problems.
I have to admit that I ordered this download to get a good idea about your teaching style,methods and I am very glad I did.
I live in middle Tennessee and am not too far from your school. I will be ordering the other downloads from you. I look forward to learning more from you. It is refreshing to come across an experienced martial teacher who is willing to share his knowledge.
Thank you.
~Larry Dicus (Leoma, TN)
What Exactly IS Korean Kung Fu?
Korean Kung Fu (sometimes referred to as Sip Pal Gi) is a style of Kung Fu that incorporates skills and basics from the arts of Northern Long Fist and Northern Praying Mantis Kung Fu.
There are a core set of basics used within most schools, as well as a recognizable set of short, medium and long forms taught from white sash up through black sash.
Any practitioner of hard style Korean Martial Arts, such as Tae Kwon Do, Tang Soo Do and even arts such as Kuk Sool Won will benefit by studying this rare Martial Art.
Self Defense applications from these forms will help a Tae Kwon Do or Tang Soo Do practitioner better understand the applications of the techniques in their own forms, and will help to add a bit of additional grace and power to their movements.