Li Youshan
Semi-legendary figureFounder of the Li Gar style from Xinhui in Guangdong and teacher of Chan Heung; the Choy Li Fut style was named, among other things, in his honour.
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ChinaBiography
Li Youshan (also Li Yau-san) is the founder of the Li Gar style, the style of the Li family. He came from Xinhui in Guangdong Province, according to Chinese sources from the Qi Bao area (Seven Fortresses). We have not been able to verify the dates of his birth or death. English-language sources note that the founder of the Li family style is elsewhere attested as Li Yi (1744–1828) of Guangdong, and allow that it may be the same person. Many claims about his life remain unverified there.
He entered the Shaolin monastery and became a student of the monks Jee Sin Sim See and Li Sik-hoi; Chinese sources name his teacher as Zhishan chanshi of southern Shaolin. The style he created rests on the method of five forms; it is a style with a short bridge and changeable footwork, which according to English-language sources combines solid southern boxing with the mobility of the northern school and is best known for the long staff and foot techniques. Its forms include Wu Lien Shou, Chi Lien Shou (seven linked hands) and Ng Ying Kuen (five-form fist).
He was an older fellow student of Chan Yuen-wu, the uncle of Chan Heung. When Chan Heung was fifteen, his uncle introduced him to Li Youshan and Chan Heung studied Li Gar with him for four years; Chinese sources place the teaching in 1823 and state that he passed on the five forms, the staff and foot techniques. Li Youshan then advised him to keep studying under the monk Choy Fook and gave him a letter of recommendation. Chan Heung later founded the Choy Li Fut style, named, among other things, in Li Youshan's honour.