Northern Shaolin Chuan

Northern Shaolin Chuan

Introduction

Kung Fu, Shaolin Kung Fu, or Shaolin Chuan as it is properly called, is probably the best known Chinese martial art.  Shaolin Chuan and Kung Fu are used generically to indicate any style of Chinese martial arts.  Shaolin Chuan is divided up into two main branches:  Northern & Southern.  Northern Shaolin Chuan was orginated first, as that is where the first temple was.  Then the monks from the Northern Temple went to southern China and started a temple there, hence, Southern Shaolin Chuan.

The saying goes "Northern Feet & Southern Hands."  The meaning of this is simply that the Northern Shaolin Chuan styles used more hand and foot work together and moved around more.  Southern styles move less and used more hand movements.  Much of this was due to several factors. 

Northern terrain was much more hilly and the people from northern China were taller in size.  Whereas, the south was flatter, more marsh lands and the people from southern China were much shorter in size.   Because of this, the forms and type so techniques to be utilized needed to change.  But Southern Kung Fu is still rooted in Northern Shaolin Chuan.  

At Shao-Shih, Bodhidharma (Da Mo to the Chinese) founded the Little or Young Forrest Temple, which many know as Shaolin. In doing this he also became the first Patriarch of Ch'an (to the Japanese, Zen) Buddhism.

There are over four hundred styles of Chinese boxing,  Shaolin is only one of that four hundred.

Shaolin Chuan is an external style which usually begins as an external style and after a few years progresses to a more internal orientation. 

As an external style, Shaolin utilizes physical strengths and weaknesses of bone, muscle, sinews, and mind.  Shaolin is the amalgamation of many styles and techniques as refined by the monks of Shaolin Monastery.

There are two major divisions of Shaolin.  Northern - Bei Chuan (Northern Boxing) - which is a balance of hand and foot techniques and Southern - Nan Chuan (Southern Boxing) - a predominance of hand techniques. 

China Hand Kung Fu Academy teaches techniques and forms from the Northern Shaolin System.

Philosophy

The basic philosophy of Shaolin is Buddhist, tempered with Taoist and Confucian thought.  Long before Shaolin became known for its martial arts, it was known as a place of great learning.  It was renowned for its translations of Buddhist sutras from Sanskrit into Chinese.

Shaolin Masters were trained in such areas as:

• Medicine & herbs
• Meditation
• Philosophy
• History
• Self-discipline
• Martial arts

They were often attributed with supernatural powers.  Mostly their accomplishments were brought about by superior training and intelligence.

Myths about those who were trained inside the monastery have never been proved or disproved.  Such feats as: flying, walking on water, vanishing, seeing through solid objects, etc., were among the attributes of the Shaolin Monks.

Monks of the Fukien Temple were reputed to have chopped wood for their stoves with their bare hands because bladed weapons were forbidden to the monks.

90% of the success or failure in Shaolin Chuan is literally in your hands (and feet).

As A Martial Art

You learn form which is a consecutive series of movements linked together to FORM a pattern designed to bring about some change within the practitioner. 

Introduces basic martial techniques (strikes, blocks, etc.).

Begins coordination training.

Utilizes the body's External Energy by using techniques rather than internal energy. This is the traditional teaching method prior to learning internal arts.

Instills an appreciation of martial arts as a life art rather than a destructive art, by causing an awareness of  body strengths, weaknesses and limitations.

As A Health Exercise

Shaolin Chuan introduces the concept of balanced flowing movements.  Much of the training is dedicated to strengthening muscles and tendons. This is accomplished by extreme movements and abrupt changes in directions (advancing/retreating, sinking/rising, etc.). This training brings about improved agility, balance, flexibility, and will benefit one's overall health.  When practiced Shaolin Chuan institutes a daily program of exercise which is cardiovascular in nature.

As A Performance or Mind & Body Exercise

When you practice you perform for yourself.  Performance is exercise for the Mind, Body, &  Spirit.

Chronological History

Below is a brief historical recap of the Shaolin Temple