Gohn Dagow

[Dan Beougher]

For about eight years I have been a student of a rather obscure
art called Gohn Dagow (full name is Chin Li Tang Sung Gohn Dagow).
There seems to be a number of people on the net interested in
martial arts and their origins. I am posting the
contents of a small brochure we give to interested people.
Further information is at the end of the article.

INTRODUCTION
Gohn Dagow gung fu is a classical, southern Chinese, soft, monk
form of self development. This ancient system is a method of
self defense that develops the mind and conditions the body,
and it is a method of total mental, physical, and spiritual
development.

In Gohn Dagow we learn and practice physical techniques for health
and self-defense. Hand and foot techniques as well as holds and
throws are taught. Ancient philosophies are also shared with the
students. Through practicing the physical techniques students
develop their inner energy (chi) and learn the self discipline,
patience, perseverance, and humility that comes from within.

Classes are held to a maximum of ten students to insure individual
attention in the class. A person considering studying Gohn Dagow
should be willing to commit to at least one year of study.
Interviews are held to give more information about the art.
Those persons interested in total self development and in
raising their consciousness make the best Gohn Dagow students.

HISTORY
Gohn Dagow originated in 2800 B.C. The art centered within the
secrecy of religious temples until approximately 638 A.D. when a
monk named Chin Li brought the art out of the obscurity of the
temples. The art was most popular between the relatively peaceful
and culturally active Tang-Sung era. Fifth generation Grand master,
also called Chin Li, brought the art to the United States from China
in the 1940's while escaping the Chinese Communist purge. Futzu Treon
began studying with the Grand master in 1945 at the age of fifteen.
After years of training he became a Sien Seong (teacher), and in
1965 he became a Futzu (master). Also, in 1965 Futzu Treon
founded the American Gohn Dagow Association at the Center in
Tijeras, New Mexico. In 1985 Futzu Treon established a center
south of Ashland, Oregon. In 1986 Futzu and his senior student
Sien Seong Hickmond published the book "Gohn Dagow Movements for
Health and Self Defense".

Authorized personnel are presently teaching Gohn Dagow classes in
Ashland, Oregon; in Bend and Eugene, Oregon; and in Tijeras and
Rio Rancho, New Mexico.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
The book "Gohn Dagow Movements for Health and Self Defense" by
F.H. Treon and D.G. Hickmond can be found in libraries in the
following Oregon cities: Ashland, Medford, Bend, Redmond, Eugene,
Springfield, Grants Pass, Portland, and Salem.

Write to: The American Gohn Dagow Association; P.O. Box 3238;
Ashland, OR 97520.

(END OF BROCHURE)

To keep this posting in the spirit of the art, I shall not
"advertise" the book, but I will say it can be ordered.
It has a variety of philosophies, additional historical information,
and pictures and descriptions of some fundamental movements.
For those of you interested, reply by E-mail to me and I will see
that you receive the ordering information.

dB

If you truly respect life
you will learn to preserve it. --- Chin li