What is Shaolin?

Shaolin (少林) is the name of a temple which teaches various styles or schools of Chinese martial arts. The temple is a Buddhist monastery first located in the Henan province of China. There have been various temples built over the last 1500 years. The various martial art styles taught today were created or brought to Shaolin and further developed by monks at the Shaolin temple. Many styles and systems have traveled out of the temple across China and eventually to other countries. These styles saw further development and refinement as they were passed down to other people. 

Shaolin Gung-Fu System

My system is an eclectic system of Gung-Fu that brings the following benefits:

• Calisthenics and Stretching for improved physical conditioning.

• Chi Gong for better blood circulation and improved organ function.

• U-Ding Concentration (Single Pointed Concentration) for improved focus.

• Meditation for mental relaxation and improved spacial awareness.

• Self-Defense techniques that can be learned and utilized in a short period of time.

• Nine fighting styles that can be used for protection.

• Forms to teach basic body coordination and fighting principles.

• Single and 2 man drills to train body coordination, awareness, and fight application.

Gung-Fu Forms

Forms are an integral part of traditional martial arts. They combine various techniques and movements in a choreographed sequence to teach various martial skills in a structured way. While I have learned and taught many forms, my system has 9 standard forms. Other forms taught are considered supplemental to the system.

1. Tan Li Quan 弹力拳 (Springing Power Fist): Foundational power generation with the body.

2. Baduanjin 八段錦 (Eight silk weaving) Medical Qigong to improve health.

3. Jīn gāng 金钢 (Gold Steel Form): Hard Chi Gong to strengthen bones and body. 

4. Tan Tui 彈腿 (Springing Legs): Teaches combat strategy and foundational skills.

5. Èrshísì bù - 二十四步 - 24 Moves (Qing Nian Quan/Youth Fist Form/ Ji Jian-Cheng): Solo & 2 person form.

6. Gun 棍 (Staff/ Stick): Staff fundamentals and techniques.

7. Darn Dao 大刀 (Broadsword/ Big Knife): Big Knife fundamentals and techniques.

8. Jian 剑 (Straight Sword): Straight sword fundamentals and techniques.

9. Jí hùn yuán hàoqì 集混元浩气 (Gather the primordial spirit): Hard and soft Chi Gong form to energize and revitalize the body.

Fighting Styles

There are 9 core fighting styles taught, each teaching different fighting strategies and tactics. 

The 3 fundamental styles taught are Tan Tui, Tai Mountain Rock, and Walking Cloud Flowing Water. 

Weapons

Weapons are another integral part of Chinese martial arts. The following weapons are taught in the system.

Staff, Broadsword, Straight Sword, Spear, Dagger, Tiger Hooks