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HISTORY OF NANYANG SAOLIM AND VENERABLE ABBOTT SEK KOH SUM

Shi Gao Can (1886-1960) was born as Lin Yahong on the 27th December 1886 in Huian Couny, Fujian Province, China. Living a difficult childhood with the loss of his parents and susbsequent poverty whilst living with his brother Lin Yajian. As a result, he left home in 1899 (at age 13) and became a disciple of Master Cao Biao, who ran a Logistics Security Bureau. He studied Wuzuquan/Taizuquan for  over 3 years.

When he returned home (at age 16) he traveled to Singapore to assist his brother who worked as boatman. Shortly after, his brother died at sea which greatly upset  Lin Yahong and resulted in his decision to become a monk. He returned to Huain where he became a novice at the Qingxing Temple and later became a monk under the tutelage of Xingliang at the Meifeng Temple in Putian. He was ordained as Shi Gaocan.

Thereafter, Shi Gaocan dedicated himself to the studie of Buddhist doctrines, martial arts and Chinese medicine. He travelled throughout China including famous religious mountains such as Wutaishan, Jiuhuashan, Huangshan and Emeishan meeting many masters of medicine, buddhism and martial arts. During this time he was fortunate to meet Venerable Master Huijing of the Nanhai Pujij Temple on Putuoshan Island, Zhejiang Province.

Venerable Master Huijing was a 47th generation of the 2nd Chamber (Refers to Lingshu Divison of 5th Chan patriach Huineng) and a master of Medicine, Buddhism and Martial arts. Shi Gaocan became the inner door disciple of of Huijing and followed his master for over 10 years studying arduously martial arts and medicine.

In 1926, he travelled throughout South East Asia including Singapore, Thailand, Burma, Malaysia and Indonesia spreading the Buddhist teachings whilst healing and helping those in need along the way. He became a residing monk in Medan, Indonesia at the Zhenyuan Gong. Shi Gaocan's martial arts were often referred to as Fojiapai (Buddhist Family Style).

In 1948, Shi Gaocan was sent to become the Abbott of Shuanglin Temple in Singapore, here he taught some disciples and became very famous for his healing, buddhism and of course his martial arts. At the time, the branches of Shi Gao Can's martial arts became taught throughout various associations throughout Singapore often lead by the key disciples of Shi Gaocan who had studied in Shuanglin Temple. In 1955, he also travelled to Malaysia and taught disciples there, where further associations were formed throughout Penang. In 1958, he returned to Singapore and initiated the Singapore Nanyang Shaolin Guoshu Association, serving as a headquarters to all the previous associations formed. He passed away 16th May, 1960 and his cremation was attended by thousands. His legacy is propagated through his disciples, students and grand students around the world.