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Master Tan Seow
Theng is a master of Shaolin Fujian Yongchun Wuzuquan, also known as "The Fist
of Five Ancestors" or "5 Ancestors boxing". This traditional martial art is based
on a combination of the Da Mo, Tai Zhu, White Crane, Monkey and Lady Immortal
styles of Shaolin Boxing. Master Tan began his martial arts career studying first
Shen Da (Spirit Boxing) and then White Crane Boxing. His enthusiasm for the art
led him on to train with Master Gan He Chiang, a leading expert in 5 Ancestors
Boxing. Recognising the talent of the young Seow Theng, Master Gan singled him
out for special attention, initiating him as a disciple to learn not only martial
arts but also traditional Chinese medicine. This was a singular honour and Master
Tan dedicated himself to learning the recipes, remedies, formulas and treatments
that had been handed down through the Gan family. Sadly Master Gan was killed
in a car crash while still only in his forties and Master Tan showed his devotion
by playing a key role at the funeral. After the mourning period was over he decided
as a tribute to his teacher to "walk the rivers and lakes", that is to become
an itinerant medicine seller. This had long been a Gan family tradition and Gan
He Chiang himself had done so when younger. Itinerant medicine sellers often faced
danger and hardship because they were constantly infringing on the territory of
the local triads in each area they visited. If they were not willing to pay protection
money they would have to fight for the right to make their living. Master Tan
proudly recounts that he never had to pay protection money. On returning from
his year of travelling around Malaysia and Borneo Master Tan set up classes to
teach his art in his hometown. Over his three decades of teaching experience Master
Tan has established a reputation as a fine martial artist and he has a loyal cadre
of senior disciples who now aid him in his teaching. Master Tan as well as serving
as a senior technical adviser for the Zhong Ding Association is also a technical
adviser for the Gan family's martial arts association in Singapore. As well as
teaching Shaolin 5 Ancestors Master Tan also teaches taijiquan and qigong in public
classes.