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CURRICULUM OF SAOLIM

Fundamentals of Saolim:

Although there are many variations of the Saolim arts the basics (Ki Bun) are the essence of the style these include the practise of various bridge hands, blocks and strikes with common movements such as circle hands and caterpillar steps.  

Forms of Saolim:

There are many forms or sets (Kuntao) of Saolim and different lineages/schools have different curriculums. There are 36 empty hand forms (both single and combat two man) of Saolim as per the Authentic Shaolin Institute in total, with some of those depicted below:

Weapons of Saolim:

In addition to the empty hand sets there are many weapons sets, with students commencing on the staff first usually including sets such as Chimeigun (Eyebrow Height Staff) and Meihuagun (Plum Blossom Staff). Then various weapons include Dao (Broadsword), Cha (Tiger Fork), Chan (Monks Spade), Dadao (Long Handled Broadsword), Qiang (Spear) and more.

Skills and Power of Saolim:

The essence and the skills which have made Saolim famous in the past are that of Ying Qigong (Ngie Ki Kang) which includes the ability to strike with destructive power and the ability to withstand strikes. The basics and forms of Saolim are not as effective without the training of these skills. Further there is the internal training (Nai Ki Kang), which supports the nourishment of internal organs for health and longevity.

Some of the Ngie Ki Kang include:Iron Fist, Iron palms, forearms and legs. Stone block practices,  sand bag (both normal and iron filled) and more which often are demonstrated by hard breaking skills.