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| Shaolin Kung Fu Staff |
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| Shaolin Temple Weapons Master |
At Shaolin Kungfu Chan of Las Vegas
you will find authentic, traditional Shaolin kung fu from the Shaolin Temple of Henan Province, China. It is described
as northern style kung fu but is commingled with the southern style.
Shaolin kung fu is one of the most comprehensive
of all martial arts. Its myriad techniques include punching, kicking, leg sweeps, tripping, elbow and knee strikes,
gripping and joint locks (Chin Na), acrobatic jump kicks, and head butts among others. It is an art which focuses on
the external exercises making the body stronger and faster for attack and defense as well as internal aspects which focuses
on flow of chi. Kung fu also involves philosophy which goes beyond just the physical.
| Students holding horse stance ("mabu") with Shifu. |
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Kung fu is described as "time
and effort". It is not just about learning but practicing. It's a way of life. It takes perseverance,
dedication, and focus to push the body and mind to perform on a consistent basis. To prepare and condition your body
for kung fu activity in class you will be encouraged to exercise drills and basic movements. This type of training
on a regular basis will enhance your flexibility, strength, endurance and speed. All newcomers will start with the basic
forms to develop familiarity and coordination and eventually move on to more advanced techniques and application.
Shaolin has extensive weapons training
as well. Master Shi Xing Wei specializes in the Shaolin 18 Weapons and has won many awards for exceptional performances
using the weapons. Generally he will start students with the staff after the basic forms have been learned.
Techniques for the other weapons are taught later in training.
Animal forms are also an important
and well known aspect of Shaolin. Masters in the past would patiently watch other living creatures as they attacked
for food or defended against predators. Their movements were adapted into human form and hence came Tang Lang Quan
(Praying Mantis Fist), Wu Xing Quan (Five Animals Fist using Dragon, Tiger, Crane, Leopard and Snake), Hou Quan (Monkey Fist)
and so on.
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