Our Lineage
Three generations of dedicated practitioners preserving authentic Southern Shaolin Kung Fu
Grandmaster Ark Yuey Wong
1900–1987
One of the first masters to openly teach traditional Chinese Kung Fu in America. Born in Guangdong, China, he trained from childhood with many teachers and also learned Chinese medicine. After immigrating to the U.S. in 1921, he eventually settled in Los Angeles, where his Chinatown school became a landmark of authentic Shaolin training.
Revered for blending deep tradition with open teaching, Ark Wong helped introduce genuine Chinese martial arts to the Western world and left a lasting legacy through his students and his Five Family Five Animal system.
Master Louie Martinez
1956–2015
Master Louie Martinez discovered the Five Family, Five Animal system and fell in love with it at first sight. He devoted himself wholeheartedly to practicing and teaching the art, working his way up to black sash and becoming an instructor at Grandmaster Ark Wong's school. After Grandmaster Wong's passing, Master Martinez continued teaching as the school remained open, always avoiding drama and disputes while striving to get along with everyone.
Beyond Kung Fu, Master Martinez was an accomplished energy healer, inspired by a close friend diagnosed with a terminal illness. His dedication to both martial arts and healing left a deep impact on his students, friends, and family. Sadly, he left this world far too early, and is deeply missed by his family, Kung Fu brothers, and students.
Franklin Fick
1977 – present
Franklin Fick spent many joyful days practicing in a park next to Master Louie Martinez's home, learning, training, and sharing conversations from morning until afternoon. Most of his training was one-on-one with Master Martinez, which provided a deeply immersive experience in the Five Family Five Animal system. Franklin earned his black sash in 2005, with Master Martinez making him promise to continue teaching and sharing the system — a promise that led to this video series.
In addition to Kung Fu, Franklin studied energy healing under Master Martinez and assisted in preserving the Five Family Five Animal system for future generations. He helped transfer countless old VHS recordings to digital formats, which Master Martinez later shared with his Kung Fu brothers, ensuring the system's history and teachings would endure.
