First, be advised that all of these VCD's are IN CHINESE ONLY. In our opinion that doesn't matter much because the instruction is clear and the quality of photography very good. But we will not accept returns just because people didn't read... IN CHINESE ONLY. Given that, these are really tremendous deals for the money. Each of these special VCD's can be played on a computer for full enjoyment. Made for PC's they are also Mac compatible by downloading Quicktime (for free) and any similar VCD player program. Also playable on most DVD players. For less than $10.00? Wow!

Shaolin Boxing page 13

The world of the Shaolin Temple Kung Fu style is diverse indeed. Frankly, like searching for beloved antiques, authentic specimens turn up in the most unusual places. A barn may hold a piece more valuable than the contents of any antique store. Same case here: some of these sets are more true to the Shaolin spirit and history than others demonstrated by performers wearing orange robes. But be warned, each must be judged on its own merits and, of course, the aims of the practitioner.

Click on pictures to see larger versions.

VCD#1459 Shaolin Plum Blossom Saber
About an hour, See Main VCD page for prices, Chinese and ENGLISH

Shi Yong Zhi, a national champion in Shaolin style, shows this short, clean and powerful form. There is a good deal more personality and "organic" movement in this mature performance than many of the other Shaolin VCDs we have seen. The set is not difficult or long but the left handed coordination with the sword is reasonable and relatively authentic compared to the kind of set that relies on mindless whirling and flashing of the knife.

VCD#1231 18 Sounds (Slaps)
About 1 Hour, See Main VCD page for prices, CHINESE ONLY

Bei Tui Shi Be Xiang with Ma Xiao Bin. A Northern Style Kung Fu form with some high kicks and flowery leg actions. This is not a contemporary, acrobatic form but does have some of the overall feel of a high kicking demonstration style form with long arm motions mixed in with face high crescent kicks and whirling leg actions. There is, in Shaolin, a pattern in which the player slaps his legs and body 18 times for the "18 LuoHan". The title probably refers to this because it is invariably a kicking form that contains this section.

VCD#1232 Shaolin Five Flower Kick
About 1 Hour, See Main VCD page for prices, CHINESE ONLY

This is a traditional Northern Shaolin form. It is short, sweet and very similar to the types of forms found in the Gu Ru Zhang tradition. Well known Shaolin hand actions intermix with some tight, fast and flowery (hence the title) kicks. Some applications are given. The performer is young, strong and fast. The set is refreshing short and to the point. Strong form without some much of the stiffness often mistakenly associated with the Shaolin from the mainland.

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