The Northern Shaolin system of self defense has its roots deeply woven into the fabric of time. In Chinese history, records of a wrestling style can be traced back to 2697 BC. When iron was first developed in around 1000 BC, archery, horsemanship, swordsmanship and Shuai-Chiao (a type of wrestling) were required for all military personnel.

The first Shaolin temple was built in 495 AD, in the northern province of Honan. It was built at the base of Song Mountain near a forest of young trees (Shaolin translates into young forest). The monks followed a simple life of farming, literature, philosophy and meditation. Their personal view on life was that of nonviolence, tolerance, honor and humility. In 527 AD, an Indian Buddhist (Ta Mo) traveled east into China, preaching the ways of Buddhism. Upon reaching temple in Honan, he found the monks weak and without physical ability. There pious lifestyle was that of constant seated meditation. There lack of activity left them weak and vulnerable. They also would fall asleep during meditation or would not be able to defend themselves if attacked. Ta Mo then spent the next 9 years developing a series of exercises designed to strengthen the monks physically and mentally. They were called "Muscle Change Classics", "Marrow Washing Course" and "The 18 Hand Movements of the Enlightened One". During this time, Ta Mo meditated for long periods. They say his constant gaze bore a hole in the cave wall where he faced.

During the Tang dynasty (618-906 AD), civil war broke out. The peace and tranquility shared by the Shaolin monks was over. Fearing an attack by any of the warring factions, the monks took Ta Mo's exercises and blended them with local self defense techniques, creating what was known as the Lo Han style. A stone tablet still visible at the temple shows 13 monks aided the Emperor Tai Tsung in 620A.D. From that point on, the monks at Shaolin dedicated themselves to their fighting arts. Continuously upgrading and developing their system of self defense, the monks added the techniques of Chin Na (joint locks), Shuai-Chiao (wrestling/throwing) and Chi Kung (internal energy). The Shaolin monks were quickly recognized for their superior skill. It was said a Shaolin monk was worth a 1,000 soldiers.

In 960 AD, Emperor Tai Tsu created several kung fu styles including Chang Chuan (Long Fist). Emperor Tai Tsu was also a skilled disciple of the Shaolin Temple. The Emperors Long Fist style had very long movements, circular arm motions and many leg attacks. Since the people of the north were tall, the long movements appealed to their size and type of body. Long fist became a popular kung fu system among the people. Even the monks at Shaolin noticed the quality of this self defense style. They decided to add the techniques of the Long Fist style to their repertoire.

Turmoil followed the next several hundred years. The Mongolians had taken control over China. The Chinese people hated the Mongolian rule. Underground societies of rebels were springing up everywhere. During this period, traveling rebels would hide at the temple. To repay the monks for refuge, the rebels taught the monks all of their secret fighting techniques. Many great heroes sought refuge at the Shaolin temple, exchanging ideas and increasing the monks knowledge in the fighting arts.

There was another style that had affected the Northern Shaolin system in the 1300's called Tan Tui or Springing Legs. This system was developed by Muslims (Israeli/Islamic) who immigrated into China from the east. Many “Tan Fighters” emerged from this style including: Northern Shaolin Great Grand Master Ku Yu Chong’s father Ku Li Chi. Consuming vast amounts of fighting techniques, the Northern Shaolin style had become the premiere fighting art. In 1674, 128 monks went to the aid of the Ching Emperor against foreign invaders. Although they were victorious, when the Emperor asked if they join the Ching army, the monks declined. This enraged the Emperor and he had the temple destroyed. Most of the surviving monks fled to countryside and practiced in hiding or led rebel groups to help over throw the Ching government.