Stu Charno
Shing-Yi
Shing-Yi is an Internal Martial Art from China, created by the famous General Yu Fei, almost 900 years ago. Historical information about the system is available elsewhere. For my purposes here, I’ll write about myself and my teacher.
Sifu Kenny Gong
(1938?-1996)
I began learning this rare Internal martial Art from Sifu Kenny Gong in 1978 in Chinatown in New York. He was a doctor of Chinese Medicine, a teacher and a martial artist. This corresponds to heaven. earth and man. The Medicine, the philosophy and the martial art, making Sifu Gong someone worthy to be called "Sifu". The term Sifu, literally translated, means teacher (si) father (fu). This implies that the relationship between a teacher and a student is more than a customer and a service provider. It’s closer to what we in American culture think of as a family relationship, and this was the case with Sifu Gong.
Stu Charno and Sifu Kenny Gong
circa 1983
My emphasis with the Shing-Yi that I learned from Sifu Gong is also influenced by the idea of heaven, earth and man. As Sifu Gong said, "heaven, earth and man all change. This is a different time, a different place and different people than when Shing-Yi was created. The purpose of the study of Shing-Yi could be different for someone in this time and place… You may never have to fight, but you need your health every day."
Click picture to watch movie of the
Five Element Form
So, while this system does develop amazing fighting skills, my personal emphasis is on the powerful physical evolution triggered and sustained by the practice.
I’ve taught over a thousand men and women in the twenty years that I’ve been in Los Angeles. It’s delightful for me to watch how each person’s body finds an understanding of the material, and gradually develops their own personal power and natural grace.
Classes are held in my home. Contact me if you'd like more information.
Private Instruction, and Seminars, also available.
More Shing-Yi info
Argonaut Article 933kb pdf file
