SHAOLIN TEMPLE BOXING page seven

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 good solid Da Dao or Big Knife set. All the standard movements developed for this weapon done in a strong and very appropriate Shaolin manner. Body and neck twirls. This set has a few changes unusual for this weapon generally but all within the range and spirit of the weapon. The Spring and Autumn knife is, of course, associated with General Kung, patron saint of martial artists and one of the key characters in Romance of the Three Kinddoms.

A more advanced spear set, with more body wraps, than almost any we have ever seen. This set retains Shaolin style but is said to be a "Yang" family spear, one of the most famous spear sets in the history of Kung Fu. Actually Yang Spear sets are relatively common but each style lends its own flavor. Body changes with neck wraps, body wraps, around the backs, rolls that become thrusts. Not bad.

With Shi De Jun. A good basic spear set with Shaolin flavor. Not a major set or a show of great spear skill though. Nice simple roads. This spear is a long weapon. The name of the spear derives from the 13 basic techniques employed with this weapon. Some say it was a weapon like this that allowed Shaolin monks to defeat the marauding Japanese pirates associated with Koxinga. Others say it was their iron staff work.

Also available in DVD.

Short strike is represented in every branch of Shaolin, including the Northern and so-called Long Fist branches. Just taking this as a point there are martial scholars who consider Shaolin to be a Middle Fist style, neither long nor short. Technically this is probably more accurate. This form introduces linked short hand moves with Shaolin's specific flavor and high reliance on willow palms and flat fists.

A fast hand set with few kicks but many hand changes. There are also a number of throws and downward attacks directed toward a fallen opponent. Many hand changes of Wing Chun or Praying Mantis nature but with the power and particular types of movements associated with Shaolin. Palm and fist work combine with quick stance changes.

With Shi DeJun. A fast and loose Seven Star Praying Mantis set from the Mei Hua (Plum Blossom) branch. Shaolin flavor spices Mantis movements. Fast hands, many turns. Some interpolation of Contemporary WuShu but the essential movements are indeed Mantis. The Seven Stars refers to the Pleiades of the Northern Sky and hints at the relation of humans to the heavens. Light fast parries and stronger, angled punches. Many turns as the name implies.

With Shi DeJun. Luo Han--disciple of Buddha--forms have many meanings in the Shaolin world. As "Buddhist" forms they imply they are members of the core Shaolin system. Also they have famous postures such as the the one legged half lotus, and the sleeping monk cross legged sitting position. Luo Han is also considered one of the oldest known branches of the Shaolin art and has a number of consistent characteristics such as uppercuts and strong, direct actions. This Luo Han form has all this.

A fairly easy form that basically goes up and back with two roads. Definite Long Arm actions, many of which are throws and grappling basics essential to all Kung Fu systems. A relatively easy form to learn as far as we can see; one that introduces basics in a learnable way. Simple, clear actions.

A VERY short set that lives up to the designation of a LINKED fist. Such a category can mean different things in different styles but in general Kung Fu usage it means a form with separate moves that does not necessarily create an aesthetic whole. This form is like a physical list of basic strikes. A good form for pure introduction to Shaolin and or for children.

A very classic Shaolin form. This is a more complex fist with cross hands in cat stances, elbow strikes, reverse-on kicks and many flower hands. A well constructed form of higher content and complexity than others. This gives the feeling of what it means to study a system: the introduction of a fixed number of new actions within the context of movements already familiar to the practitioner. In our opinion this is one of those forms that sets the bar a little higher.

One of the shortest forms in the series. On the other hand Kan Jia fist is a challenge in the footwork department. Cloud walking, tornado kicks that link to other kicks, in place switching stances: a wide variety of footwork variations in a generally simple form. Much emphasis on flower hands and reversing actions.

Yan Qing is another name for Mi Zong or Lost Track style. This demonstration shows a four sided set that breaks out into some important changes of direction. This form, more than anything else from present day Mainland, looks like a representative from Ku YuZhang's famous Northern Shaolin Branch. Nice motions, some quick changes of directions in the kicking department. A more open form than most normally represented as Shaolin.

VCD#701 Shaolin Long Fist Boxing
About 1 Hour, VCD pricing, Chinese Only

Wide deep stances with long, loose arm moves characterize this Long Arm set of Shaolin. Double strikes are mixed with whip punches, uppercuts and quick direction changes.