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Welcome to the United Martial Arts Association. The Shaolin Chuan Fa (Chinese) or Shaolin Kempo (Japanese) 5 Animal System (Leopard, Tiger, Dragon, Crane & Snake) taught by Master's Hall of Fame inductee Master Bill Mailman, 7th Dan, originated in the Honan province of China in the early 6th century. A traveling monk from India called Bodhidharma by the Indian people and Da-Mo by the Chinese traversed the Himalayas and traveled to the Songshan Mountains where he found the Shaolin Temple. After meditating for nine years to gain admission, Bodhidharma taught the Chinese monks three exercise forms, among which was the 18 Hands of Lo Han. Legend has it that by observing fighting animals and copying their movements, the succeeding generations of Shaolin monks were able to enlarge upon Bodhidharma's teachings. This is how Shaolin Chuan Fa, our art, was born.

Eventually, the Mongolians invaded China and the Shaolin monks were forced to flee. The resultant dispersal of the Chuan Fa (Fist Law) style throughout the Far East led to the development of many other fighting methods. Indeed, it can be said that Shaolin Chuan Fa is the ancestor of many modern martial arts styles. Our particular branch of Chuan Fa migrated through Japan, picking up elements of hard style Japanese and Okinawan Karate and combining them with the soft style Shaolin Kung Fu to create what we know today as Shaolin Kempo - a well-rounded style containing both hard (linear, power based) as well as soft (circular, technique based) elements!

Master Mailman, founder and Headmaster of United Martial Arts Association studios, has further refined and organized the art of Shaolin Kempo to a high degree. Feeling that many modern purveyors of this style have changed things, removed things and otherwise 'dumbed down' the art and the requirements for rank, Master Mailman has created a comprehensive system that begins by teaching beginners the hard style aspects of the art, and progressing to the soft style, more complicated forms and applications. What a blessing it is to train with a Master who still emphasizes technique and demands that his students demonstrate ability before being awarded their next rank!

Most importantly, at United Martial Arts, we still believe in developing character as well as muscles. We have 5 rules we strive to live by: Effort, Etiquette, Self-Control, Sincerity & Character. We believe in the connection between mind and body and in the martial arts ability to elevate every area of our lives. We practice courage and respect, and believe the martial arts gives us a way to live and move in this world with honor!