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Greetings! This is a difficult one Dan. However, since I am one of the privilege few who have read all of Sifu's books, including The Complete Book of Shaolin - which is on the way to you - I feel that the burden is on me to start.
Do not worry. I will not spoil the fun. I am sure you guys would prefer to read Sifu's writings yourself. However, I can tell you that he begun with "A Heavenly Vision" and he always keeps the best for last.
In The Shaolin Arts, there is an article on Masters and Heroes form the Past.
As you know, my personal HERO is the Magnificient General Yue Fei, Guardian of Heaven's Gate. Did you enjoy my book? I have always guarded the Illustrated version of General Yue Fei jealously. Never thought I would give it to anybody. I have always regarded that book as one of my treasures. But I never regreted giving it to you.
For those of you who do not know this Great Warrior, he lived during the Soong Dynasty. He defended the country bravely when the Tartars attacked. But he did not do it alone. There were many brave warriors during that period many of whom are Yue Fei's sworn brothers.
General Yue Fei is the founder of Eagle Claw Kungfu. When he was defending his country he fought with a spear named "water dripping spear" and a sword named "zanlu".
My other HERO is General Zhao Zhi Loong, Guardian of Heaven's Gate. He lived during the Three Kingdom period. General Zhao also fought with a spear. He was the Ultimate Vanguard Commander. When the army march forward he rides in front and when an army retreats he rides behind.
In one of the many challenges he faced during his lifetime, he single-handedly attacked Cao Cao's army - which was 100,000 men strong - to save the Crown Prince Ah Dou.
These guys are truly an inspiration to me. In times of difficulties and troubles I try to walk the path these men walked.
They are the true Shaolin Masters.