Instructors > Bob Maull
Bob Maull
Bob first heard of Jook Lum Praying Mantis while working in a warehouse in Upland, PA in the late 1970’s. One of the workers there spoke of a unique fighting style being taught in Philadelphia. The style, Jook Lum Tong Long Pai (Southern Style Praying Mantis), intrigued Bob. He searched out the style for many years but it wasn’t until 1985 when he found someone teaching it. Sifu Joe McSorley, student of Gin Foon Mark, was conducting a beginner Praying Mantis/Self Defense class at Delaware County Community College. Bob began studying under Joe and this decision grew to become one of the most significant choices in his life. Studying Jook Lum not only provided a physical expression of self, but also a platform for enhancing spirit, joy and friendship. Having had previous training in Issunryu Karate as well as receiving private lessons from Tony Lee in Tae Kwon Do, Bob was surprised to see practical applications in these prior disciplines in his very first Jook Lum class. When Sifu McSorley showed Bob the difference between striking and striking Mantis style, Bob knew this long sought-out discipline was something he wanted to develop as his own. The patience partnered with the quality of Sifu McSorley’s instruction soon became both humbling and enlightening and has never left the core of Bob’s expression of Jook Lum Mantis. While diligently studying Jook Lum Mantis, Bob also became proficient in Old Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan (Sifu Tom Hardy, Delaware County, PA) to improve body mechanics and mental presence from 1988 through 1992. Tai Chi became a way of relaxing while allowing Jook Lum Mantis technique to rise to an enhanced level. During this same time, Bob also studied Tai Kwon Do (Sr. Brown Belt). His understanding of the kicking techniques of this hard-style discipline helped him to trust reflexes when challenged, as well as improve his overall physical conditioning. Bob has had the privilege of studying on several occasions with Sifu Mark during Mark’s visits to Delaware County. Sharing Mark’s gifts of presence and technique has always left Bob questing for overall deeper personal improvement. Since 2001, Bob has resided in Berks County, Muhlenberg Township. He still practices Jook Lum Praying Mantis and currently teaches by invitation. Those local to Berks/Lancaster/Lehigh Counties who are interested in studying with Bob should contact him at wrmaulljook@gmail.com. |