Literally what it claims. Not only the basic stances with fundamental forms for kicking and punching but also some of the niceties of the Shaolin branch such as the correct positioning of the Buddha palm salute.

Also available in DVD.

A strong, relatively simple but interesting staff set. "Yin Hand" generally refers to a preference for both palms holding the staff to be facing in the same direction, down. It also refers to "yin" thinking meaning that the staff is played with reversed or unusual logic and often hard to interpret. Some nice single and double hand rolls.

Also available in DVD.

Small Through-the-Back Form #1. This is a good example that Shaolin is actually a Middle Fist and not a Long Fist though it has some characteristics of the latter. The form combines Xiao and Da Hong boxing and some Monkey Fist. Mostly the concentration is on finger strikes and elbow drops with some Monkey Paw movements employed. Nice moves with an archaic looking use of stances. The set stops as though part way through meaning it can be practiced separately or as a "road" of a larger whole. See later for Tong Bei #2. "Edited" by Su Xi and demonstrated by Shi De Yang.

Also available in DVD.

Small Through-the-Back Form #1. This is a good example that Shaolin is actually a Middle Fist and not a Long Fist though it has some characteristics of the latter. The form combines Xiao and Da Hong boxing and some Monkey Fist. Mostly the concentration is on finger strikes and elbow drops with some Monkey Paw movements employed. Nice moves with an archaic looking use of stances. The set stops as though part way through meaning it can be practiced separately or as a "road" of a larger whole. See later for Tong Bei #3. "Edited" by Su Xi and demonstrated by Shi De Yang. Double VCD

Also available in DVD.

Is this really the famous Muscle Chang Classic said to be the basis of Shaolin? We have wood block pictures of the salient postures and they match. This is the official exercise taught from the Shaolin Temple. And we personally attended a seminar by the teacher from the temple Da Chen to learn this form in '92. Also there is a definite Yogic feel to the form similar to Salutation to the Sun. This version is a little fancier and a little more difficult than the beginning version. But all the features are the same. Double VCD

Also available in DVD.

VCD#587 Shaolin Pu Dao
About 1 Hour, VCD pricing, Chinese Only

A good, fast and versatile version of this weapon. The Pu Dao has some of the saber's speed and some of the kuan dao's power. A solid, traditional set with this weapon.

Also available in DVD.

VCD#588 Shaolin ShaoZi Stick
About 1 Hour, VCD pricing, Chinese Only

The flail is an ancient and interesting weapon. It is also known as the Yin Yang stick. The two sections are unequal so the movement is a combination of staff and nunchaku. This is a well constructed set with traditional movements. A pretty classic part of the Shaolin arsenal due to the earlier prohibition against bladed weapons.

VCD#589 Shaolin Crutch vs. Spear
About 1 Hour, VCD pricing, Chinese Only

The cane or crutch versus spear. A good, fast partner set where the movements - given the weapons employed - are reasonable. This is definitely one of the rarer two person forms. You don't often see crutch and spear and the differences in the size of the weapons makes for some interesting actions. In this set the crutch is the "underdog" but it uses its strengths to offset those of the spear. Explained by Shi Xing Miao.

Also available in DVD.

VCD#590 Shaolin Seven Star Boxing
About 1 Hour, VCD pricing, Chinese Only

A hand set with some of the most unusual actions we have seen among all our sets. Definitely at least intermediate for length and complexity. Strained hand positions with the fingers held taut accent this form with its fast hand motions. Much emphasis on wing blocks and multiple hand combinations. This is one of the most popular sets around Shaolin temple. It emphasizes striking the body and special foot patterns based on the Big Dipper. Demonstrator Shi Xing Miao.

Also available in DVD.

VCD#591 Shaolin Meteor Hammer
About 1 Hour, VCD pricing, Chinese Only

One of the more advanced soft weapons. We feel this is one of the better meteor sets we've seen. The command of the weapon is good. There are some unusual and tricky ties and throws. The set is broken down by basic skills which, in the case of the meteor, are far more important than the choreography of a certain form. Not easily mastered.

Also available in DVD.

VCD#592 Shaolin Flail & Spear
About 1 Hour, VCD pricing, Chinese Only

A fast and furious form with choreographed fighting between these two long weapons. The spear is not always on the attack in this one as the whipping action of the flail presents some interesting attack combinations. Not for beginners.

VCD#593 Shaolin Plum Blossom Crutch
About 1 Hour, VCD pricing, Chinese Only

This short wooden weapon could be considered a cane or a mallet. The head is flat on one side and pick sharp on the other with an approximately leg length haft. This set has a number of difficult sections. Besides Tornado kick and jump spins there is a ground roll and some other fast changes. But eliminating the more expressive stuff it is suitable for older practitioners. Nice actions overall. Other crutches of the style related to this would be the Ox-Horn Crutch and the Bamboo Joint Crutch. Demonstrated by Shi De Yang.

Also available in DVD.

VCD#594 Shaolin Tai Tzu Long Boxing
About 1 Hour, VCD pricing, Chinese Only

The boxing of the Great Founder of the Sung dynasty is well known in the Kung Fu world. Many styles claim to teach Tai Zu Chang Chuan. Shaolin has a special claim because it was representative of the Tai Zu style very early in the game. As legend goes Zhao KuangYin studied at Shaolin originally. Years later, after having attained his own form (Tai Tzu) he returned to Shaolin with other masters to impart his method.This version has jumps and spins and is at least intermediate. The movements here are distinctly short fighting range. Demonstrated by Shi De Yang

Also available in DVD.