Master Luo Guangyu was born in 1888 in the town of Penglai, a small coastal fishing village on the Shandong Peninsula. Luo was a simple family man of virtuous character, resilient spirit, balanced temperament, and formidable martial skill. From humble beginnings he would make his way into discipleship under one of the most prominent kung fu family’s in Yantai, and eventually go on to represent the style of Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu on the national stage of Shanghai Jingwu. Luo’s era was a tumultuous one marked by continuous states of upheaval, banditry, revolution, violence, famine and near chaos. His story is one of commitment, compassion, and cultivation.
Contents
Part 1: Dynastic Transition and the New Republic
Part 2: Praying Mantis Kung Fu in the Imperial Era
Part 3: Shanghai Jingwu the Early Years
Part 4: Luo Guangyu in the 20th Century
Part one provides a high level overview of some of the key political events directly impacting China and the region of Shandong in the 19th and 20th century. This is important to understanding the complex contextual backdrop in which past venerable masters were born into including Luo Guangyu. Part two briefly outlines the historical transmission and family lineage of Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu in the 19th century starting with Li Sanjian (1821). Part three introduces the city of Shanghai in the 1900’s and the newly formed Jingwu organization setting the stage and context for Luo’s appearance. Part four follows Luo’s story through Jingwu in the 20th century.
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MAY
2023