The first, or earliest, exhibition of Kung Fu in America

[dm1986]

Dear all,

I recently penned the following article, about what I believe to be the first public exhibition of Chinese martial arts in America. It took place in Brooklyn in 1890.

A couple questions I was hoping wiser heads on this forum could help me out with:

1. I'm wondering, is it the earliest? To date I have not found mention of anything earlier (that was public and open to Western audiences), and the publications at the time (for instance, the New York Times) believed it to be the first. But I'm wondering if anyone here has heard of anything else.

2. Based upon the descriptions, what style could they be practicing? I've already had a few things suggested, but am wondering, what with a fresh eye, you guys (and gals) might think.

The article, with images, can be viewed here:

http://martialartsnewyork.org/2014/1...brooklyn-1890/



Thank again everyone!