The Northern Eagle Claw System can be traced back to the Southern Sung Dynasty (1127-1279). It evolved from the Elephant style, which got its name from its heavy, fixed stances and its reliance on hand techniques. General Ngok Fei trained his soldiers in fighting techniques that he had adapted from a Sil Lum (Shaolin) monk named Jow Tong. Using these techniques, Ngok Fei and his troops continuously defeated invading Mongolians. His techniques became known as Ying Kuen and acquired a fierce reputation throughout China. These techniques formed the system to be called “Ying Sao” (Eagle Hand) and the “108 Locking Hand Techniques” were its base. The system was primarily handwork from simple blocking and punching to complicated grappling, emphasizing the use of grabbing, locking and pressure point strikes.