SHAOLIN TEMPLE BOXING page six

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 appearnace 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.

A relatively short set with some fast Chin Nah moves. Jumping body turns and direction changes mix with some tight hands and the occasional long arm motion. Cross hands begin and end the form with could be linked to the other forms in this series. Demonstrated by Shi DeYang

Also available in DVD.

A short set but with a different series of movements than the other, non Nan Yuan, Tong Beis. Right from the first spinning crescent kick a number of angles are introduced that spin the body and off set attacks. Quick changes from one side of the body to the other with the typical transition stances that are distinctive to Shaolin. Demonstrated by Shi DeYang

Also available in DVD.

Small Arhat Boxing Definitely one of the most sophisticated forms in this series. It is also known as Three Part Arhat and Lao Jia Arhat. The stance work alone is worth viewing. A constantly moving set combines Hook stances, Buddha stances, Cross steps, and even spinning sitting stances with some side kicks and some of the softer and more circular arm motions often performed out of a crane. An interesting and representative set that shows much more than some of the rather simple ones in the series. Considered more appropriate to younger practitioners. Demonstrated by Shi DeYang.

Also available in DVD.

A very short form of specific actions. This is considered by some to be one of the key forms of the Shaolin style. Northern Shaolin in the Ku Yu Zhang form also teaches a 18 hand form. This is somewhat like a road and a half of Tan Tui. It is meant to be a "linking form" that categorizes the primary actions of the style.

Also available in DVD.

Not a particularly long form. Faster hands than most. The classic Shaolin poses. More emphasis than general on stance changing and double striking actions. The entire Tong Bei series appears to be at the core of the Hammering Shaolin series but they are rather minor variations on the same theme. This one is more fluid than most. Said to be especially appropriate for teenagers. Demonstrated by Shi DeYang.

Also available in DVD.

(see Shaolin page #4). Tornado kicks and coffee grinders add to the difficulty of this relatively easy form. Much repetition and, as far as learning, a fairly approachable set. A number of Kao or Leaning actions and some definite drop then jump patterns that might be challenging to the knees. Elbow strikes and open hand thrusting are among the main techniques.

A different performer in DVD.

One of the paradoxes here is that the Tong Bei series barely uses the principle that made the style famous. This form, on the other hand, utilizes wide sweeping moves actually characteristic of both Tong Bei and Shaolin. The Single and Double swings are also accompanied by some more sophisticated kicking patterns and, indeed, a more sophisticated form with flower hands, strikes and unusual postures.

An energetic saber set with Shaolin flavor. Many moves show the extended actions of the sword with less time devoted to wrapping than many similar saber sets. Jump-turns, tornado kicks, jump toe kicks enliven this active saber version of about intermediate level.