Shaolin Kung fu Techniques and Training in China

Shaolin Kung fu Forms List and Classification

Shaolin kung fu is a comprehensive martical arts, it’s hard to classified in simple way. The common classification is by the traning forms: Bare hand forms and Weapon froms. Most of the bare hand forms are Quang shu (fists and plam forms). For weapons, there are 3 big type: long, short and soft weapon. The stick, spear, pork, cane and broadsword with handle are long weapons. Straightsword, double hooks and dagger are short weapons. The 9 section whip, 2 section stick and soft whip are soft weapons. All these weapon have their own techniques and can training in pair sparring.
One upon, there are lots of shaolin temples seted in China, and there have been a southern shaolin temple in Putian, Guangzhou. By the location, the main shaolin kung fu also classified in Northern shaolin kung fu and Southern shaolin kung fu.
From the type of the training mathods, there are 6 main types: internal & external, hard & soft, qi kung and qing kung. Internal kung fu and Qi kung practice to hold the Qi(Chi, essential energy) in body, contral breath and blood circulation. External kung fu and Hard kung fu are practicing the strength and force of a special part of body, like Tietou gong(iron head) and Yi zhi chan (1 fingers chan). Qing kung is training to jump higher and farther. Soft kung is training the softness and twist angleof joints, neck and waist.


The shaolin kung fu have so many forms, and no one can master all. And most kung fu forms have special ask for personal body condition, also need different time and method to practice. For example, if you like one type of fist or weapon in particular you can choose one to learn.

Shaolin Kung Fu Techniques & Training Mothods

Techniques for Shaolin kung fu depend on the style in which you are interested. Some styles are better suited to big physical size, strength and ability than others. King kong hammers and Tiger fist fit strong and big guy, whlie some short weapon will great for girls training freely.
There are four major shaolin kung fu techniques: kicking (踢), hitting (打), wrestling (摔) and grabbing (拿). A complete system will necessary include all four types of applications but each style will differ in their training focus. For example, most Northern styles are said to emphasize kicking, Southern styles have a reputation for their intricate hand techniques, there is short words of “Southern fists, northern legs“(南拳北腿). Shuai jiao practitioners train predominately in full-body close-range techniques, and Eagle claw fighters are noted for their Chin na expertise. There are varioues forms to choose, so how to begin?

Training shaolin kung fu step by step

For the shaolin kung fu learning and training, fist thing you should do basic technique trainings to get your body in preparation. And the Ji ben gong include: flexibility(softness), strength, endurance, balance, speed and power.  And then, you should learn the shaolin kung fu conception, understand the natural ideas about Chinese kung fu. These shaolin kung fu tutorial will help you to get the ture meaning of kung fu.
When you have prepared you body, raised you mind, and now you can choose one kung fu form to get further training. Here is a detail list of all shaolin kung fu:

The basic shaolin kung fu training  instructional

(shaolin kung fu fundamental training)

These exercises were created thousands of years ago so why do Shaolin Monks still study them? Because they’re the only movements where every muscle is engaged and you’re simultaneously building flexibility, strength, endurance, balance, and power in one fully integrated unit. They then teach you how to move in your modern life, whether that’s carrying your groceries home or climbing the stairs to the subway. Everything becomes part of your training: total mind-body wellness.
Flexibility & Stretching: stretching your legs, do the splits and waist can training your soft ness so that your can do more difficult movements. Shaolin Monks stretch the whole body from the neck down and include dynamic stretching as well as static.
Stamina Training: shaolin stamina training consists of short bursts of intense exercise. Research has shown that it’s one of the most effective ways to build fitness levels and lose weight. Frog jumps, Cossack jumps, duck walks, step ups, squats, squat jumps, sprints, toe jumps (don’t bend the knees at all), one legged jumps.
Stances Training: stances are commonly found in each style of Shaolin kung fu. The horse stance is a common stance used to develop thigh strength, endurance and patience. Known as zhan zhuang, or stance training, this position provides a foundation for training in learning intermediate and advanced kung fu moves. Stand with your feet farther than hip distance apart. Bend your elbows close to your sides, with hands fisted and facing upward in front of you. Sink down into a squatting position until your thighs are almost parallel to the floor; hold the position for as long as you can, for 2 to 5 minutes.
Kicks Training: these kicks are one of the reasons Shaolin Monks are so flexible. Don’t underestimate them. They open the hips at the same time as stretching the leg.  And they are a great warm up for fighting kicks and bag work.
Punch & Strike: while not recommended for the beginners, this traditional Shaolin technique can make a lasting improvement to the strength and power of your strikes. Traditionally used as a black belt test for students graduating from the Shaolin Monastery’s fighting curriculum, this exercise involves wearing a blindfold and breaking boards as you perform your Shaolin forms and techniques.