Shaolin Ch'üan
Shaolin Ch'üan (that means “young forest’s boxe”) is the most important external style (Wai Chia) in Kung Fu of northern China. Its fundamental features are low positions and fast techniques. The basic idea of Shaolin Ch'üan is: fast attacks and defences, maximizing strength and ideally facing multiple opponents. The balance of strength, fluent motion, correct respiration according to principles of Ch’i (energy) and yielding and blending with outside force rather than attempting to meet it with opposing force are the main issues for maximizing effectiveness. These are also the fundamental principles of T’ai Chi Ch'üan, the corresponding internal style (Nei Chia) of Shaolin Ch'üan. By practicing the martial art, correct respiration and meditation, the scholar of Shaolin Ch'üan achieves a good level of fitness and spiritual growth, through the development of external and internal strength (Wai Li and Nei Ching).
Shaolin Kung Fu is a complete martial art. The practice includes articular locking (Chin Na) and the use of a wide range of different weapons (including short and long stick, saber). However, learning these advanced techniques requires some years of practice. The beginner learn the positions (Pu Fa), fist attacks (Ch’üan Fa) and open hands attacks (Chang Fa), then fundamental kicks (T’ui Fa) and defense technique (Fang Fa). The mastery of Shaolin Kung Fu is achieved by practicing attack and defense techniques in particular sequences (Lu), codified by Master Chang Dsu Yao, after his extremely valuable wisdom in traditional Chinese martial arts and his practical experience and application all over his life. After the fundamental of Kung Fu, the beginner learn two “Lu” of Lien Pu Ch’üan (boxe for positions learning), a simplified style, then 5 fundamental “Lu” of Shaolin Ch’üan, and 5 fundamental fighting sequence, to be practiced alone (Po Chi Lu) and with a partner (Po Chi Tao). The practice of falling techniques (Ti Kung Ch’üan) and 2 “Lu” of short stick (Pang Fa Lu) complete the syllabus of 1st chieh (black belt), available with at least 4 years of regular practice.
External styles, such as Shaolin Ch'üan, demands a gradual improvement of athletic skills. No particular ability or attitude is mandatory for practicing Kung Fu, however, the regular scholar of Kung Fu, beginning his training in relatively young age, is expected to have a particularly high body flexibility and health. Shaolin Ch'üan can be also explored in its spiritual aspects, after the evident links with Chinese philosophy and Taoism.
Documents
Pu Fa (feet positions)
Pa Tuan Chin (traditional stretching)
Video
Pu Fa (feet positions, AVI)
Fang Fa (fundamental parrying, WMV)
Tui Fa part 1(fundamental kicks, WMV)
slow motion kick (WMV)
starting position (WMV)
Lien Pu Chuan Ti I Lu (1st fundamental form, AVI)
part of Lien Pu Chuan Ti I Lu (2nd view, AVI)
Lien Pu Chuan Ti Ehr Lu (2nd fundamental form, AVI)
