Our Internal Kung Fu (Chinese Boxing)

Our family system of Internal Chinese Kung Fu comes from Christopher G. Casey (Chinese name Kai Sai). Mr. Casey studied with several masters in the Orient and used the knowledge gained to synthesize his personal Kung Fu system. Casey’s art, called Kai Sai Kung Fu, drew primarily upon the Internal Kung Fu systems of Tai Chi, Hsing-I, Pa Kua, Yim Wing Chun, Wa Lu, and Fukien Pai Ho Chuan. Other influences include Shaolin, Lohan, Bird Boxing, JKD, SASG, Baoding Shuai Chiao, Water Boxing, Stone Killer Monkey and other arts.

Mr. Casey taught several students his method of internal Chinese martial arts, called Kai Sai Kung Fu.  Collectively these indoor students were called Clan Kai Sai and included Manfred Steiner, James Cravens, Steve Alsup, Jeff Hollar, Buddy Benford, Sam Locklear, Robin Ellenwood, Earl Morgan and a few others. Manfred Steiner and James Cravens were considered senior students of Mr. Casey. Steve Alsup trained directly with Mr. Casey, Mr. Steiner and Mr. Cravens, reaching senior student and instructor level in all of the Clan Kai Sai arts. Mr. Alsup also received special training from Mr. Casey in the complete systems of Kai Sai Kung Fu, Fukien White Crane, and Yim Wing Chun. In addition Mr. Casey taught him Iron Shirt, Mind Training, and Qigong methods. Mr. Casey’s other students received special training as well: Mr. Hollar in Wa Lu, Mr. Benford in Chin Na, Ms. Ellenwood in Pa Kua, and Mr. Morgan in Wing Chun.

The synthesis approach used by Mr. Casey is important because it provides all Internal Kung Fu (also called Chinese Energy Boxing) students with an integrated set of foundation skills: striking, chin na, shuai chiao, kong sao, dog boxing, and weapons. The traditional systems have their own unique methods of developing these skills, preserved by our institute.

Read our Chinese Boxing History article for more information.