Questions and Answers

WHERE IS THE BAMBOO TEMPLE?
There are four Jook Lum Temples in China;  Shanxi, Jiangxi, Hong Kong and Macau.  
The Hong Kong Branch Temple, built in 1927, is listed in the Official Hong Kong Guide as one of HK's many tourist attractions,
as are two others.  Find out which one of the Jook Lum temples is not listed today and why?

WHO ARE WE?
The Bamboo Temple Chinese Benevolent Association is a mutual aid fraternity with the purpose of preserving and promoting
traditional martial arts culture.  Our leaders and members are prominent business men and citizens, just like you.   The Association
was founded in New York City in 1963 for the purpose of preserving and promoting the traditional Bamboo Forest Temple
Praying Mantis Style of Chinese Kungfu, thanks to Mr. Wong Baklim (seated center in photo below).  The founding was listed in
NYC Chinatown newspapers and media.   VIEW

WHY HAVEN'T YOU HEARD OF US?
Members of our Association do not practice martial art for self-aggrandizement, tournaments or competitions.  Our art is not a sport.  
Our training is aimed toward developing supportive skills and habits which can be used in daily life.  Our practice is of an inner nature
and therefore we don't boast or commercialize ourselves or our martial art.

WHO COMES TO LEARN?
People looking for an invigorated passion for life, a peaceful heart, a quiet mind, a healthy body and confidence in their ability
to protect themselves and their loved ones.  People interested in their own health, personal growth and inner development as much
as they are about the world in which we live.  Curious people.  Interesting people.  Courageous people.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAINING?
It is not necessary to be physically fit, but it is necessary to be morally fit.  And you must be at least 18 years old.  You must be able
to study an average of two times a week.  And you must be willing to set goals to develop mental discipline and physical fitness. 
Martial art experience is welcome but not necessary.  (Many students come to us as black belts in other martial arts).

WHY BY INVITATION ONLY?
We are a fraternity of like minded men (and women) who believe in the Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man.  We believe we have a responsibility to leave the world a better place than we found it.  We believe men must have honor and live in love, faith, hope, goodness, kindness, generosity, and peace.  If you believe the same, WELCOME!  Seek a regular school today!

WHAT ABOUT THE DECATUR, AL BRANCH?
The Decatur Branch is located on the second floor of 112 East Moulton Street.  (Look for the red door beside London Antiques.) 
(Update 2008 - Decatur School students contact John Brown for current address drivingspirit@hotmail.com)  (Also contact Rick Gambao in the Chicago area rlg@chinamantis.com )

ABOUT OUR MARTIAL ART
Few "real" traditional martial arts still exist today.   The majority have lost their original purpose to tournament point sparring, demonstration, theatrical performance or entertainment.  Some have become nothing more than a gladiator sport, calisthentic exercise or child care activity.  Make no mistake.  Traditional martial art is simple and effective in matters of self defense and survival, yet, founded in a transcending philosophy
of health, well being and long life.

At once simplistic, redirecting an attacker's force and striking straight to his weakest point, real martial art is also sophisticated.  Advanced training includes 108 vital points (36 lethal and 72 paralyzing) and 108 actions and reactions by two men in continuous exercise who become precise and skillful
in attacking, defending and counter attacking those vital points.  When this training is understood, one can say any point stuck is a vital point.

HOLISTIC HEALTH
There is an essential component that is often missing from martial arts today - A way of life.  The way we think, feel, our attitudes, diet, everyday stress, relationships and beliefs all have an effect that can lead toward health or ill-being.  Martial art is a way of living which can result in a healthier, happier lifestyle.   Bamboo Forest Temple Kungfu is traditional self-defense, but, also an excellent holistic approach to life.

BAMBOO TEMPLE CHINESE BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION                
PO Box 7683
Algonquin, IL, 60102                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
Phone: 1-800-JOOK LUM                                              
Fax: 847-458-8219