SHAOLIN TEMPLE BOXING page five

Demonstrators:Various. 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 unevolved form still practiced as though there had been no history of development in the last 1000 years.

Cannon boxing is one of the classic sets of the Shaolin style. The movements are powerful and angular with a number of Long Arm boxing tactics. This is a traditional presentation. All the movements are quite clear and the skills evident. Cannon boxing twists, spirals and stretches.

Also available in DVD.

The cover of this one is deceptive. It actually shows a set with the famous DaMo Cane which is a hammer-headed wooden instrument. Many moves using different parts of the cane's body such as the head which is beaked on one end and hammer shaped on the other. One of Shaolin's more famous intact sets. As the hands move the eyes follow like watching a comet cross the skies. Don't let the moniker "cane" lull you. This is a fast and changeable set.

Also available in DVD.

Big Cannon continues the documenting of "old style" Shaolin with powerful moves and highly punctuated postures. In the spectrum of Chinese Martial Arts Shaolin can be considered "going from hard to soft" and that seems to be the theme of these VCDs. Almost rigid postures mix with some fluid and traditional transitions.

Small Cannon Fist is a key form of the "old" Shaolin group. Movements have that "primitive" look we are now associating with Shaolin practice. Simple yet intricate, the form has some balance points, a lot of strong leg work and the distinct Shaolin willow palm and fist strikes. Double VCD .

Also available in DVD.

How "lost" Lost Track can be is relative. This definitely, given the Shaolin style, introduces new elements to the practice. Said to be important to the overall style, Mi Zong first road is somewhat softer than previous forms, distinct and unusual angles of attack, a little greater length for the form itself. Intermediate at least. Specializes in a feint in one direction and a strike somewhere else, as the title indicates.

Also available in DVD.

Also a Mi Zong set but with angles a little more complex and turns a little more complete. Jumping kicks including a rare aerial side kick. The distinctive hand position of the Mi Zong style shown here almost as a claw.

Also available in DVD.

Small "Flood" boxing is one of the classic sets of the Shaolin style. The movements are powerful and angular with a number of Long Arm boxing tactics. This is a traditional presentation. All the movements are quite clear and the skills evident. This is considered the "mother" set for all the forms that follow. It is the intermediate step between solitary basics and the more advanced forms because it introduces all the key moves and ideas of the system. Demonstrated by Shi DeYang.

Also available in DVD.

This first road is at least as sophisticated as, say Road #2. Special accent on elbow strikes. Also some distinctly soft actions mixed with the hard. Many drops and much kicking especially in combination. Some fast and definitive hand motions. Double VCD.

Also available in DVD.

A short set but with a lot of content. Much emphasis on "key lock" hands also known as flower hands like horizontal cloud hands. The pace here is faster than most Shaolin forms and the mixing of hard and soft more evident. Stands alone as a form.
Also available in DVD.

Let's put it this way. The order of the sets in Da Hong are by difficulty in reverse. Thus #1 is the most complete and difficult. The series holds together because it is like one form that is grown into the complete version. But all the major movements of the series are introduced in this short, rapid version.

A set with a large staff. Intermediate length set. This form is practiced almost entirely with Yin Yin hands, that is to say both palms facing down. Some nice moves including an ending with the Single leg Buddha posture.

Some strength and coordination required for this big staff form. Using a weapon taller than the practitioner himself the demonstrator shows a set with a focus on attacks, whirling motions, spins and hand changes. Around the back, reverse style, body wrapping; this set has a lot. Very good for wrist strength.

Also available in DVD.