The Legacy of the Su Family and Luo Han Quan (羅漢拳)

 

Shun Wu Tang (順武堂) is a traditional family martial arts system rooted in the rich cultural heritage of Chinese Kung Fu (功夫). It is currently taught and preserved by the Su (蘇) family of Taiwan and shared around the world through their students. The system represents a unique fusion of history, philosophy, and martial excellence, passed down from generation to generation.

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The Origins and Influence of The Art of War (孫子兵法)

 

The strategic principles of Shun Wu Tang draw deeply from the teachings of Sun Wu (孫武) (Sun Tzu), author of the classic Chinese military text The Art of War (孫子兵法). Revered as one of the most influential thinkers in military history, Sun Wu’s principles transcend warfare and are now studied in business, leadership, and martial arts.

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The name "Shun Wu Tang" (順武堂, pronounced "Sun Wu Tung") was chosen in honor of Sun Wu, reflecting the system's emphasis on discipline, adaptability, and strategic thinking. Though originally misunderstood and often mispronounced, the name has become synonymous with the Su family’s martial tradition.

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The word Tang (堂) in “Shun Wu Tang” means “hall” or “school,” signifying a place of gathering, study, and cultivation. It reflects the traditional Chinese concept of lineage-based transmission within a dedicated space of learning.

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Historical Roots in Times of Conflict

 

According to tradition, the foundations of Shun Wu Tang trace back to the era of the Taiping Rebellion (太平天國之亂) (1850–1864), the deadliest civil war in human history. Amid the chaos, many militia groups formed, leading to the development and rapid dissemination of battlefield tactics. The famous Xiang Army (湘軍), led by Zeng Guofan (曾國藩), was one such force that inspired regional martial systems.

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It is within this historical backdrop that the early concepts of the Shun Wu Tang system are said to have emerged. Focusing on efficiency, adaptability, and the integration of civilian and military combat strategies.

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Bing Zhen (兵陣) – Military Tactics and Battlefield Efficiency

 

Central to the system is the concept of Bing Zhen (兵陣)—battle formations and military strategy. These were not tied to any one martial style but rather focused on practical, effective techniques that could be taught quickly and applied immediately. The system integrated striking, grappling, joint manipulation, throwing, trapping, and weapon use.

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Over time, these methods were refined and preserved within the Su family's own martial tradition, forming the structural basis of the Shun Wu Tang system.

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The Su Family (蘇家) Legacy

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The Su family has lived in Guang Gou Village, Yunlin County, Taiwan, since 1736. Their earliest martial training was in Tai Tzu Quan (太祖拳), a traditional Hokkien system. Around the mid-19th century, a mysterious master known as Lou Loong introduced the art of Luo Han Quan (羅漢拳) to the family.

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Great-great-grandmaster Su Sing, trained with Lou Loong, while later generations—including Grandmaster Su Mo—studied under Wu Chi, a Bai He and Luo Han master. It was Grandmaster Su Mo who synthesized the original Su family Tai Tzu system with the teachings of Shun Wu Tang, creating the unique style practiced today.

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Today, Master Su Jin Miao, son of Su Mo, continues this tradition. He began training at the age of 3 under his grandfather, uncles, and brothers. In his youth, he studied Northern Shaolin (北少林), Tai Ji Quan (太極拳), Bai Ji Quan (白鷄拳), and other systems. During military service, he excelled in Tae Kwon Do (跆拳道) and Chinese wrestling (摔跤), eventually serving as a bodyguard to the President of Taiwan. From 1980 to 1992, he taught and established the Shun Wu Tang system in South Africa. He now lives in his ancestral village in Taiwan.

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Integration into Taiwanese Schools

 

Grandmaster Su Jin Miao has played a key role in integrating martial arts into the educational system of Yunlin County. By the 2002 school year, 90 local schools incorporated martial arts into their curriculum, with 85% teaching traditional Kung Fu, 10% Tae Kwon Do, and 5% Tai Chi. Grandmaster Su personally taught Kung Fu, Tai Chi, and lion dancing to approximately 30,000 students across 82 schools, ranging in age from 5 years old and up.

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Cultural Events and Community Engagement

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Shun Wu Tang actively participates in preserving and promoting traditional Taiwanese culture. Under Grandmaster Su’s guidance, students have practiced traditional formations such as the Song Jiang Battle Array (宋江陣) and performed in local cultural festivals, helping to foster deeper appreciation of Taiwan’s martial arts heritage.

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Luo Han Quan (羅漢拳) – The Boxing of the Buddha’s Disciples

 

The core of the Shun Wu Tang system is Luo Han Quan (羅漢拳)—the Boxing of the Buddha’s Disciples. Rooted in the teachings of the Shaolin Temple (少林寺), Luo Han Quan is known for its spiritual, circular, and flowing movements. Shaolin martial arts emphasize redirection, fluidity, and internal development.

 

“The circle is its shape.
The sphere is its presence.
Circle and sphere are the symbols of everything.
The spiral is its movement.”

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Shun Wu Tang’s version of Luo Han is a refined blend of Northern and Southern schools (南北派). Grandmaster Su Mo successfully integrated both lineages (known as "pai 派") into a harmonious and effective system.

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Every family system has its unique signature. In Shun Wu Tang, each form (tao lu) begins with six opening movements, known as the “opening of the gate.” This signature movement allows trained eyes to identify the family system behind the form.

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The Four Pillars of Kung Fu (功夫) Practice

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1. Build Moral Character (品德)

2. Cultivate Physical and Mental Health (身心健康)

3. Develop Combat Ability (戰鬥能力)

4. Express Artistic Spirit (藝術表達)

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Kung Fu, or Gong Fu (功夫), in Chinese culture refers not only to martial skill but to any pursuit mastered through time, effort, and dedication—be it art, scholarship, or cuisine.

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Philosophy and Martial Ethics (武德)

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• Train your mind in non-aggression. 

• Be humble and avoid anger.

• Be rigorous in your practice. 

• Smile as a form of expression. 

• Do not criticize other arts or styles.

• What you do or say will one day return to you.

• Friendship is the purest of human emotions. 

 

“Victory over another is less important than victory over oneself.”

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Shun Wu Tang Today

 

Today, the Shun Wu Tang (順武堂) system remains active and vibrant in Taiwan (臺灣), Hong Kong (香港), South Africa (南非), France (法國), and now also in the Netherlands (荷蘭).

 

Shun Wu Tang was first brought to France by Shi Bo Christian Mallants, who established the initial school in 1997. His son, Shi Bo Cédric, began expanding the system in France in 2008. Since 2023, he has been assisted by Shi Bo Martin, who received the official title of Shi Bo and now supports the growth of Shun Wu Tang in France.

 

Shi Bo Cédric is now the official European representative of Shun Wu Tang, while Shi Bo Martin is the official representative for France. Today, Shi Bo Cédric continues to promote and develop the system by opening a new branch in the Netherlands, maintaining the tradition and values of the Su family lineage. Under the guidance of the Su family and their certified instructors, the system continues to be shared with students around the world, preserving the heritage, philosophy, and martial integrity of this unique lineage.

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Shun Wu Tang (順武堂) – The Art of Continuous Combat

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