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Shaolin Kung Fu 少林功夫 Shàolín gōngfu
ChinaEast AsiaStrikingShaolin (Henan)Shaolin lineage
The martial tradition of the Chan (Zen) Buddhist Shaolin Monastery on Mount Song, Henan. Famous for combining Chan meditation with demanding external training, acrobatics, Luohan boxing, the 'staff' tradition praised in Ming military manuals, and the 72 Arts.
Go deeper: The Shaolin family tree.
Key characteristics
- Chan (Zen) and martial practice as one (chan wu he yi)
- Staff (gun) tradition admired by General Yu Dayou (1500s)
- 72 Consummate Arts (qigong & conditioning skills)
- Basic training: horse stance, ji ben gong, stretching
Forms & curriculum
- Xiao Hong Quan
- Da Hong Quan
- Luohan Quan (Arhat Fist)
- Tong Bei Quan
- Pao Quan (Cannon Fist)
- Qi Xing Quan (Seven Star)
- Chang Hu Xin Yi Men
- Mei Hua Quan
- Yijinjing
- Shaolin staff (Shaolin gun)
What training looks like
Classes typically combine stances and footwork (basics), conditioning, solo forms (taolu, kata or hyung) and partner drills. Sparring is introduced gradually, usually with protective gear.
Questions to ask a school
- How is sparring introduced and supervised?
- What do a beginner's first three months look like?
- Is there a family, health or seniors class?
- How are injuries prevented?
Quick facts
| Origin | China |
|---|---|
| Era / founder | Shaolin Temple founded 495 CE; monk-soldiers documented from Tang dynasty (621 CE) |
| Family | Shaolin (Henan) |
| Type | Striking |
Related philosophy
- Neijia vs Waijia 內家 / 外家 – Internal vs external families – a classification popularized c.1900 (Wudang vs Shaolin), more symbolic than strict.
- Wude (Martial Virtue) 武德 – Code of the martial artist: humility, respect, righteousness, trust, loyalty; courage, patience, endurance, will.
- Chan (Zen) and Martial Unity 禪武合一 – Shaolin's ideal: meditation and martial practice are one path.
- Bodhidharma 達摩 Damo – Indian monk (c.500s CE) credited with bringing Chan to Shaolin; later legends credit him with Yijinjing.
- Ji Ben Gong (Basic Skills) 基本功 – Stances, stretches and kicks forming the foundation of Shaolin and Long Fist.
Where to learn
- Shaolin Temple (Songshan Shaolin Monastery) – Dengfeng, Henan, China
- USA Shaolin Temple – Shifu Shi Yan Ming – New York City, United States
- USA Shaolin Kung Fu Academy – Shifu Heng Chao – 969 Federal Blvd, Denver, Colorado, United States
- Shaolin Temple Cultural Center USA – Shi Yanxu – Los Angeles, California, United States
- Los Angeles Shaolin Temple – Shi Yan Fan – Sherman Oaks, California, United States
- Shaolin Temple UK – Shifu Shi Yanzi – Tufnell Park, London, United Kingdom
- Shaolin Temple Europe – Shi Heng Yi – Otterberg (near Kaiserslautern), Germany
- Shaolin Tempel Deutschland – Shi Yong Chuan – Berlin, Germany
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