Simple, direct, and deadly-it's the art of ngo cho kun, or fists of the five ancestors. In its approach to iron body training, its reliance on the sam chien stance, and its special emphasis on hard and soft techniques, this Fukien style of kung-fu is believed to be the root of Goju-ryu and Uechi-ryu Okinawan karate systems. During the declining years of the Ching dynasty, Sijo Chua Giok Beng combined the salient features of five styles from five masters into the formation of ngo cho kun, a distinct blend of both external and internal Chinese martial arts. Aside from being an effective form of self-defense, diligent practice of ngo cho kun can balance the body's metabolism, strengthen internal organs, and improve general well-being. Ngo cho kun is at once historically significant and practical for modern-day self-defense needs. Five Ancestor Fist Kung-Fu is a must for those who are interested in the historical connection between kung-fu and karate, or who wish to expand their self-defense repertoire. Alexander Lim Co wrote the first kung-fu book published in the Philippines, and was the publisher and editor of Martial Arts Magazine. He was an "in-door" disciple of ngo cho kun's late grandmaster Tan Ka Hong. In addition, Co studied praying mantis ung-fu under Master Shakespeare Chan, Wu-style tai chi chuan under Master John Hu Tuan Hai, and hsin-iliu ha pa fa under Master David Chan. Co is vice-chairman of the Philippine Beng Kiam Athletic Association, chairman of the Hsin-I Society of Internal Arts, and chairman of the Tsing Hua Ngo Cho Kung-Fu Center.

Contents Introduction Part One: General history 1 The history of Ngo Cho Kun-Introduction; Sijo Chua Giok Beng; Sigung Tan Kiong Beng; Sifu Tan Ka Hong 2 Reminiscences of Tan Ka Hong-Chua Giok Beng and His Hgo Cho Kun; Thirty-six years of Beng Kiam 3 Ngo Cho Kun and Okinawan karate-Introduction; Fukien's Shaolin temple; Ngo Cho Kun's influence on karate; A comparison of kata Part Tow: The foundation of an art 4 Fundamentals of practice-Proper form; Stances; Footwork; Five parts power 5 Basic techniques-Introduction; Hand techniques; Leg techniques 6 Applications of the basics-Introduction; Hand techniques; Leg techniques Part three: Empty-hand forms of Ngo Cho Kun 7 Overview of the forms-Introduction; Classification of the forms; Opening and closing the forms 8 The Sam Chien Tension form-Introduction; Description of the form; Application of the form 9 The In Tin Tat fist form-Introduction; Description of the form; Application of the form Part four: Supplemental training 10 Weapons of Ngo Cho Kun-Introduction; Wooden weapons; Metal weapons 11 Iron weight strength training-Introduction; Iron weight exercises 12 Partner conditioning exercises-Arm hitting exercise; Gab and punch exercise Afterword Appendixes: 1 The 44 forms of Ngo Cho Kun 2 Lienage of Ngo Cho Kun Glossary of terms Famous Ngo Cho Kun masters