The History of Northern Eagle Claw Kung Fu
(Of Toa Jai, the First in a Direct Line of Eagle Claw Masters)
The next major name in Eagle Claw history is Toa Jai, who would become the first in the direct line of descent. When the Ching Dynasty (1644-1911) replaced the Ming Dynasty, Toa Jai was forced to become a monk. The Ching emperor, fearful of a revolt from those still loyal the Ming Dynasty, forbade the practice of all martial arts under the penalty of death. Tao Jai had to practice in secret.

Tao Jai taught Far Shing, who practiced secretly in the city of Ho Bok (now Bejing). Far Shing passed the system to Lao Shu Chun. It was at this time Eagle Claw became the family treasure of the Lau family. Lau Shu Chun taught his nephew, Lau Shing Yao, who taught his son, Lau Kai Man, and his sister’s son Chan Tzi Ching.