Shaolin Kung Fu, like all of the kung fu styles, is primarily a striking style of martial art that utilizes kicks, blocks and punches to stop attackers. One thing that is pervasive in kung fu is the sheer beauty of the forms they practice, as well as the mixture of open and closed hand strikes to defend against attackers. There is a minimal emphasis put on throws and joint locks.
The art also utilizes both hard (meeting force with force) and soft (using an aggressor's strength against them) techniques.
The Shaolin styles also tend to put a level of importance on kicks and wide stances.
Basic Goals of Kung Fu
The basic goals of Shaolin Kung Fu are to protect against opponents and disable them quickly with strikes. There is also a very philosophical side to the art, as it is strongly tied to the Buddhist and/ or Taoist principles that were brought up with it. Shaolin Kung Fu substyles also have a very theatrical presence. Therefore, some practitioners have the goal of acrobatics and entertainment, more than practicality.
Shaolin Kung Fu Substyles
Here is a list of the styles of Shaolin Kung Fu being taught at the temple.
- Xiao Hong Quan - Little Red Fist
- Da Hong Quan - Big flood fist
- Tong Bei Quan- Through the back fist
- Liu He Quan- Six harmonies fist
- Taizu Chang Quan - Emperor Taizu's long fist
- Qixing Quan - Seven star fist
- Da Pao Quan - Big cannon fist
- Xiao Pao Quan - Small cannon fist
- Chang Hu Xin Yi Men - Forever preserve the heart-mind link/door
- Meihuaquan- Plum flower fist
- Luohan Quan- Arhat fist
- Tongzigong- Shaolin child training
- Dan Dao - Single sabre technique
- Long – Dragon technique
Shaolin Kung Fu In The Movies And On Television
- Kung Fu:David Carradine played a Shaolin monk in the American Old West on this television series. It was truly groundbreaking during the time it aired (1972-75).
- Shaolin Temple: A story of revenge. This flick (1983) also served as Jet Li's debut movie role.
- War of the Shaolin Temple: Invading Manchu warriors want to kill the 3,000 kung fu masters at the Shaolin temple. Unfortunately for them, only an outcast can save them.