Interesting, another linear holder? I trained under He Jinbao twice a year with my school, while my teachers did intensive training with him more often. I only practiced for 6-8 months, but I learned a lot, and was interested in trying Shaolin next year (with my friend). I think it's northern style, but i'm not sure..i definitely agree that all forms of chinese martial arts stem from kung fu, and each are owed equal respect for the person who wields it properly :].

And on a completely separate note: has anyone done any ground martial arts? I've done about two years of Aikido and a bit of Brazilian Jujitsu, both of which I found to be very useful earlier on than kung fu.