SHAOLIN TEMPLE BOXING page ten

One of the oldest continuous styles of Kung Fu in the world. Famous the world over. Associated with the birthplace of Chan (Zen) meditation. Many of these forms are, in our opinion, purposely meant to "look ancient." Shaolin has been categorized as "hammering" going from "hard to soft" and other stylistic restraints. Old texts are imitated to give the appearance of a certain, specific means of movement. This is not the first time in history Shaolin has fought this: see our historical text, the Spring and Autumn of Chinese martial arts. The movements, to the best of our research are authentic, but one should take with a grain of salt the implication that Shaolin is an un-evolved form still practiced as though there had been no history of development in the last 1000 years.

Not a beginning form. Intermediate to advanced. The actions here are somewhat more sophisticated than the resurrected forms we are seeing in these series. More lively, too. Hand flowers abound, as do body inclinations and unusual striking angles. This form almost appears to have the angular deviation of Mantis without the hook hands. It introduces a bit of the tipsy feeling - not drunken style - which SHOULD be one characteristic of advanced Shaolin. Much Eagle boxing is theatrical but this is traditional with the Eagle supplemental to true actions, not just a pose.

A short set with some broom and jumps kicks. This traditional set shows quick movements that span from high to low with motions cutting on the way out and back. Some explanation from Master Liu who intervenes to make key points and corrections.

DaHong Quan is one of the basic sets of the Shaolin heritage. We have seen many versions of the set. This one seems particularly true to its position as a fundamental form. Movements are repeated in series with sections giving the basic a nd often famous postures of the Shaolin system such as Lying Luo Han and Strike the Tiger. This is the first of a series of three sets which can be linked together. All three sets are shown at the beginning of each VCD.

A different version in DVD.

DaHong Quan is one of the basic sets of the Shaolin heritage. We have seen many versions of the set. This one seems particularly true to its position as a fundamental form. Movements are repeated in series with sections giving the basic and often famous postures of the Shaolin system such as Lying Luo Han and Strike the Tiger. This is the second of a series of three sets which can be linked together. All three sets are shown at the beginning of each VCD. This version has a number of "pah" moves where the player slaps the ground then jumps up. Short but dynamic.

DaHong Quan is one of the basic sets of the Shaolin heritage. We have seen many versions of the set. This one seems particularly true to its position as a fundamental form. Movements are repeated in series with sections giving the basic a nd often famous postures of the Shaolin system such as Lying Luo Han and Strike the Tiger. This is the third of a series of three sets which can be linked together. All three sets are shown at the beginning of each VCD. This form has some jump kicking, whirling arms and some interesting turns.

The fly whisk is a symbolic as well as a practical tool. In Buddhism it represents the World of Illusion that must be "brushed away." In this medium sized set the actions of this "soft" weapon are similar to those of a short steel whip or nunchacku. Nice, simply and learnable but the whisk is moved with short, brisk circles. There are also a number of "draping" moves over the left arm. A very traditional looking set.

XiaoTongBiQuan Di Er Lu. Through-Arm (TongBi) boxing is pretty much the same as Through-Back (TongBei) boxing, falling into one of those homonymous traps so easy in Chinese. Even for a Shaolin traditional set this one covers very little ground, especially for a Tong Bi fist. But the movements are traditional, forceful without being overly stiff. In truth we would like to see a higher level of performance for ALL the Shaolin sets but the attempt here is to preserve - it seems - not perfect.

Probably the SHORTEST saber set we handle. This "old" traditional set is stripped down to the barest essentials but it still pretty nice. A great set for a beginning class in saber. Fast; no difficult kicks, doesn't cover much area: the basic rolls are here and the movements are classical but definitely not too difficult to memorize.

A short form of 33 movements. Somewhat like a Plum Blossom form hitting the cardinal angles. Some tips on application given by ShihFu Liu Zhi-Hai himself. Quick short moves. Nothing fancy here but straight traditional Shaolin use of the weapon.