Authentic Shaolin - Songshan Shaolin Temple Martial Arts

SHAOLIN POWER AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT CURRICULUM

Shaolin is not simply the study of technique but of power as well. Strengthening the human body externally and internally and the development of the mind are crucial elements to the successful study of Shaolin Kung Fu. Through history many martial monks and lay masters of martial arts have been able to obtain great skills that were oftened revered as that of supermen.

Since the early days of Batuo and the developments of Damo (Boddhidharma) which are in legend thought to be the skills of Yijinjing (Muscle Tendon Change Classic) and Xisuijing (Bone Marrow Washing Classic) to the amazing 72 Consummate skills of Shaolin which were represented by venerable monk Miaoxing.

Commencing with basic methods such as Tiebi (Iron Arm Bridges), Paida (Body Conditioning), Tiesao (sweeping legs) evolving into the more refined Tieniu (Iron Cow Arts), Jingshengong (Body Lightness Skills), Tieshazhang (Iron Palms) and the esoteric Jinganggong (Golden Hardness Skills), Wuduzhang (5 Posions Palms) and Luohangong (Arahan Skills).

The practice of skills also focuses on the meditational and qigong (internal energy development) aspects in conjunction with the external force skills. The use of traditional chinese medicines specific to the skill and stage of the method being development helps to ensure a safe and certain outcome.

Additionally the practice of various combat methods such as Luohan Sanda (Free Combat), Lashou (Leading Hands), Tuishou (Pushing Hands), Chinna (Grappling/locking) and more aid in the effective development of combat skills.

The study of Shaolin Martial arts are summed as Chan (Internal Development and Meditation), Gong (Skill and Power), Yi (Medicinal practices) and Quan (the Techniques and combat methods).

In Shaolin it is also said that Chan (Zen) and Wu (Martial Arts) are one, therefore the beginning commences with nothing (figurative speaking), proceeds to Yi (intention) and ends up in nothing again. Although this is more metaphorical than actual, in simple practice terms it refers to the critical elements of success which are to be open to learning, have the will and determination to ensure the practice of skills and to then make the skills become you.