Northern Shaolin Kung Fu
Northern Shaolin Kung Fu is the "backbone" or the core study of our studio's curriculum. The Kung Fu practiced at the Shaolin Temple in the Honan province is considered to be the origin of all styles of Kung Fu and the merging of Hindu Yogic principles, Buddhist Meditation, and China's martial history. It is the art that the serious beginning student should look to for establishing a successful foundation in all of the other arts. Northern Shaolin Kung Fu is also a complete health system unto itself, one that can keep a practitioner powerful and full of vitality for an entire lifetime.
Knowing Kung Fu gives one the freedom to become strong, flexible, coordinated, and athletic. In our unique methodology, Kung Fu is first learned as a form of Yoga- a vehicle capable of completely transforming the structure of the body, increasing both strength and flexibility. The powerful stances strengthen and open the legs and hips, while extended arm positions strengthen and loosen the upper body.
The beginning system, Tan Tui/Steel Legs Kung Fu is, aptly named. Tan Tui's 12 lines of ambidextrious Kung Fu stance and technique combinations increase leg power, arm strength, and coordination dramatically. The adept builds up dense muscle mass and begins to circulate internal energy/Chi powerfully through the spine and arms.
Tan Tui is also the introduction to the Eight Kung Fu stances, which will be expanded upon in the 10 sets of the longer Northern Shaolin system and 4 sets of Lohan/Buddhist Arahat Kung Fu.
Rarely is the art of Kung Fu taught with a "Yogic" understanding, as this knowledge has been practically lost with the proliferation of underqualified instructors/uncooperative masters. A Yogic understanding allows for the simultaneous building of both physical strength and internal energy development.
Once precision in body mechanics and knowledge of the stances of Tan Tui is achieved, the art is practiced with an emphasis on enhancing movement skills. When the body moves fluidly and gracefully, the new liberated energy can flow smoothly through the body. The art takes on an aerobic and acrobatic dimension at this point. Finally, the art is practiced with a partner to develop martial skill. The movement skills acquired in Kung Fu will directly improve Muay Thai striking and Tai Chi/Hsing Yi performance. 
Curriculum
- Tan Tui- Steel Legs Kung Fu
- Preying Mantis Bang Po
- Northern Shaolin Kung Fu
- Lohan- Buddhist Saint/Arahat Kung Fu
- Weaponry- Staff, Spear, Straight Sword, Broad Sword
