Summary:
00:00 - Introduction to Jiang Yu Shan, the grandmaster of monkey kung fu, and why this style is considered one of the most underrated and deadliest forms of kung fu.
01:49 - Jiang demonstrates the conditioning exercises used to toughen the body, including techniques to condition the skin, tendons, and bones.
04:50 - Jiang shows some of the unique striking techniques of monkey kung fu, including the "vibrating" strikes and the "monkey hook".
07:17 - Jiang explains the historical connections between monkey kung fu, Muay Boran (ancient Thai boxing), and Hindu martial arts like wrestling.
09:51 - Jiang demonstrates some of the grappling and joint locking techniques in monkey kung fu, emphasizing their deadliness.
12:12 - Jiang discusses the meaning behind the "Monkey Fist Door" and the importance of preserving the original teachings.
15:05 - Jiang explains the five key principles of martial arts: eyes, body, spirit, qi, and physical power.
20:08 - Jiang elaborates on the five internal principles: essence, spirit, qi, physical power, and skill/effort.
25:31 - Jiang emphasizes the importance of dedication and consistent training to truly master the martial arts.
27:18 - Jiang concludes by advising Jesse to ignore his critics and focus on his own development as a martial artist.
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WHO IS JIANG YU SHAN: Jiang Yu Shan (Hisham Al-Haroun) has lived 30 years in Taiwan practicing Kung Fu and Qigong. He is most notably known for being the master of the monkey style but he is also a master in Tai Chi, Bagua Zhang, Wing Chun, Xin Yi Ba and Wu Zhu Quan. Jiang is a 33rd generation Shaolin disciple and has been nominated 9th Dan (or “Duan”) in Chinese Kung Fu. In addition, he comes from a wrestling family and is well-rehearsed in other martial arts such as catch wrestling (he has a good relationship with the notorious CACC Snake Pit in Japan). Not only that, Jiang also worked as a special forces (CMC.SCC) drill instructor for over 10 years teaching hand-to-hand combat, tactical raid, entry team tactics, knife fighting and hostage rescue to Taiwanese special ops. Before that he was an army paratrooper in the German military where he got his initial military education. Due to his respected status in Taiwan’s society and his high expertise in self-defense, he has served as a bodyguard for several Taiwanese presidents and presidential candidates. A foreigner working as a bodyguard for a president is extremely rare and unheard of in almost any country in the world. To test his martial arts skills and proficiency in practice, Jiang has competed in various kickboxing, Sanda, MMA and Karate competitions, winning 7 gold medals. His biggest victory was winning the All Japan Karate MMA competition 2016 in Tokyo, Japan at the age of 45. Jiang has 40 years of training in Kung Fu and has operated as a respected teacher since he was in his twenties. Now, he is a grandmaster who comes from very rare and pure lineages of Kung Fu and Qigong. This is why his teachings are not only very unique but also more effective than many of the commercial forms of Qigong or Kung Fu you see today. It’s our privilege and honor to showcase his skills to the broader audience. Enjoy!