U. S. Chuk Kai Tai Chi Praying Mantis Federation
Grandmaster Chiu Chuk Kai
1900-1991
Master Chiu was born in Loo Wan Village, Sha Ho Town, Yick County, Shun Tung Province, Chiu's family. His mother died when he was 5.His grandmother looked after him for 2 years and eventually returned him to his father. Unfortunately, his father was a fanatic opera fan, therefore, he hardly saw his father. Chiu was cared for mostly by a neighboring lady who lived next door. One hot day, Chiu was resting in front of a temple; an old monk saw him and realized this person could be a good martial artist. The old monk asked the old lady's permission if he could take Chiu and teach him martial arts. Because Chiu's father had died when Chiu was 12, the old lady agreed and gave the monk her address so Chiu could be returned to her. The monk took Chiu to the Chi Chong Temple on Dai Wah mountain, in Ping Do county, Shun Tung. Chiu studied from two other monks: "Clear Stream (Ching Chuen)" and "Wise East (Gok Dong)". They taught him Shao Lin Long Fist, single moves, short distance fighting using hand method, changing method, control, fight back, attack, falls, chi gung, iron body, weapons, weight lifting, riding, and archery.
Chiu spent 10 years at the mountain until his two Sifus passed away. Chiu returned home and found a job at Dough Sing Security, where he was a security guard protecting valuable shipments like jewelry. Dough Sing Security closed down after its owner died. Afterward, Chiu went to stay with his uncle who lived in Yin Tai. There, his uncle offered him a job in his trading company. Chiu did not accept the offer because he was not interested in becoming a business man. He also didn't think he had mastered all the martial arts techniques yet. Therefore, he and a few of his rich friends hired a famous martial artist, Yum Fung Suey to teach them Praying Mantis style for 3 years. After the three years, they then followed Master Chi Sau Jun for another 4 years. Yum and Chi were the sixth generation of the Tai Chi Mantis. After 7 years of training, Chiu's level had progressed immensely. Later, Chiu was hired by the Mow Ping county. In the Dai Yew village, he taught Kung Fu. A year later Chiu's uncle invited him again to help him in his business. Chiu returned to Yin Tai and was stationed at Dai Lin doing trading business. However, he resigned his post because at that time, the Japanese ruled Dai Lin. Chiu also started a martial arts training center in Yin Tai, hoping to train some students to help spread the Mantis style.