Northern Shaolin
Northern Shaolin Kung Fu is a Shaolin Temple boxing system which has its origins in the Shaolin Temple of Henan Province in China. Northern Shaolin is a long-range boxing system. It emphasizes distance attacks with legs, and hands. It is famous for its spectacular kicks, and devastating long arm techniques. The movements are fluid, continuous, and powerful. The Northern Shaolin boxer uses distance, and footwork to avoid attacks, and deliver his powerful techniques.
History
The first Shaolin temple was built in 495 AD, in the northern province of Henan. In 527 AD, an Indian Buddhist (Ta Mo) traveled east into China, preaching the ways of Buddhism. Upon reaching temple in Henan, he found the monks weak and in poor physical condition. Ta Mo then spent the next 9 years developing a series of exercises designed to strengthen the monks physically and mentally.During the Tang dynasty (618-906 AD), civil war broke out. Fearing an attack by any of the warring factions, the monks blended Ta Mo's exercises with local self defense techniques, creating what became known as the Lo Han Shaolin boxing.
The monks at Shaolin continued to develop their fighting arts. The monks added joint locking techniques (Chin Na), wrestling/throwing (Shuai Chiao)and internal energy (Chi Kung). In 960 AD, Emperor Tai Tsu created several kung fu styles including Chang Chuan (Long Fist). Emperor Tai Tsu was also a skilled disciple of the Shaolin Temple. The Emperors Long Fist style had very long movements, circular arm motions and many leg attacks. This style was also incorporated into the Shaolin boxing. There was also another style that had affected the Northern Shaolin system in the 1300's called Tan Tui, or Springing Legs, developed by Muslims who immigrated into China.
In 1674, a group of monks went to the aid of the Ching Emperor against foreign invaders. Although they were victorious, when the Emperor asked if they join the Ching army, the monks declined. The angry Emperor had the temple destroyed. Most of the surviving monks fled to countryside and practiced in hiding or led rebel groups to help overthrow the Ching government.
By the early 1700's Northern Shaolin had become a set style. Northern Shaolin (or "Bei Shaolin" in Mandarin), and was only one of the several fighting styles taught at the original Henan Temple.
Hand Forms, Weapons Forms, Combat Forms and Special Training
Northern Shaolin has a core of ten hand forms, and an extensive array of weapons forms, combat forms, iron palm training techniques and iron body training techniques. Each Shaolin form has its own theme and together they teach a complete repertoire of techniques. The ten famous Northern Shaolin hand forms are listed below. (The set names shown are in Cantonese.) Many additional forms are included in the training curriculum as well, such as the Tan Tui forms, and others. The ones below form the core of empty hand sets of Northern Shaolin. The Core 10 Norther Shaolin Hand Forms
- Shaolin #1 - Koy Moon (Open Door)
- Shaolin #2 - Leng Low (Lead the Way)
- Shaolin #3 - Jou Mah (Ride Horse)
- Shaolin #4 - Chum Sam (Strike the Heart)
- Shaolin #5 - Mo I (Martial Skill)
- Shaolin #6 - Tun Da (Short Strike)
- Shaolin #7 - Moi Fa (Plum Blossom)
- Shaolin #8 - Bot Bo (Shuffling Steps)
- Shaolin #9 - Lien Wan (Continuous Moves)
- Shaolin #10 - Sik Fot (Skilled Technique)
Some Of These Vids At Amazon.com
The videos from Youtube just show a small portion of the actual training videos. The training videos will have much more detailed instruction to help you learn the movements. If you can find a good instructor in your area, that you can afford, then classes AND these videos together are GREAT to learn your art!
Chum Sam (Strike to the Heart): Shaolin Set #4
Shaolin sets sharpen your reflexes by attacking di more...0 points
Moi Fah (Plum Flower) Shaolin Set #7
Another set from the Ten Hand Sets of Shaolin, Moi more...0 points
Bot Bo (The Shuffling Step) Shaolin Set #8
Kung Fu teaches you how to carry the momentum of e more...0 points
Tun Da (The Short Strike)
This is the first set of the "Ten hand sets o more...0 points
Start Working Out! Yea!
Shaolin Quan Kung Fu Organic Cotton Tee
Price: 21.99 
Shaolin Kungfu Fitted T-Shirt
Price: 20.99
A "long range" style of boxing
Northern Shaolin Kung Fu developed as a "long-fist" style emphasizing kicks and long range hand techniques. Such a long-range system stresses full extension of the limbs so that kicks and punches are extended as far as possible without compromising balance or power. Therefore, it specializes in long-range fighting techniques. A Northern Shaolin stylist would not have to be any closer than a leg's length away from any opponent to stay in striking distance. He can dart in aggressively, kick his target with every kick known to martial arts and instantly withdraw. Northern Shaolin Combat Forms!
A Roundhouse Kick and a Back Roundhouse Kick in a Single Leap...
A Constant Flow of Spins, Twists and Sweeps
A Northern Shaolin stylist will try to stay moving all the time in combat. His legs propel him in a constant flow of spins, twists and sweeps, sometimes in a complete circle. Leg scissor move, front and back flips along with somersaults make a stunning acrobatic performance. Some of the circular kicks are quite spectacular. While spinning 360 degrees in the air, a Northerner is able to unleash, for example, a roundhouse kick and a back roundhouse kick, all in a single leap. With all of these circular gyrations going on nonstop, the antagonist tends to get bewildered while trying to figure out where the next blow will come from. More Northern Shaolin STUFF at Amazon
You gotta check out these awesome books!
The Shaolin Workout: 28 Days to Transforming Your Body and Soul the Warrior's Way
This is an excellent book, no question. It will challenge you greatly, but will produce physical (and mental) results worth every penny spent and every second of time invested.
Amazon Price: $19.77 (as of 12/27/2009)
Secrets of Northern Shaolin Kung-Fu: The History, Form, and Function of Pek Sil Lum (Secrets Of...)
This book captures the true meaning behind the art. It debunks the "pop" view on kung fu made by the mass media. The history section breathes life into kung fu, giving the sense of kung fu being a way of life as well as a martial art. An honest, and realistic view on the true meaning of studying martial arts.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/27/2009)
Combat Shaolin
This books explores and reveals, for the first time in print, Northern Shaolin's two-person sparring form. The forms is a comprehensive introduction to Northern Shaolin's fighting strategy and its most effective techniques. The co-author, Lai Hung, is a famous Norther Shaolin stylist and full-contact fighter. After winning his first All-Asia tournament at the age of 19, he went on to compete successfully in Thailand, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia and Cambodia.
Amazon Price: $16.95 (as of 12/27/2009)
Northern Shaolin Sword, 2nd Edition: Form, Techniques & Appilcations
This is one of the best books on the subject of northern shaolin sword. The Yan martial arts company is one of the best academies around. This book covers various concepts, including stances, attacks, and various forms. I strongly suggest you buy this book as it conains a lot to learn.
Amazon Price: $26.95 (as of 12/27/2009)
A Great Show of Northern Shaolin!
Graceful Moves That Conceal POWER
The Northern Shaolin expert can execute graceful, and even flowery, movements. However, it is best not to interpret this soft and gentle appearance as a lack of strength. A master will conceal his power source within the whirlwind of motion. The Northern Shaolin stylist generates power from a combination of great speed and large, flowing movements, picturing his hands and feet as strong and compact as stones while his arms and legs are ropes. The limbs remain supple and relaxed during movement and only tighten when fully extended. Starting Young!
OK,...maybe the kid in this video is a little too young :-)
You just gotta have Bruce Lee sound effects to this video!
Rest after your workout!
Shaolin Mug
Price: 13.00
I Know Kung Fu Throw Pillow
Price: 19.99
Watch Some Classic KungFu Movies after your workout
The 36th Chamber of Shaolin
The Kung Fu Classic That Started It All!
The anti-Ching patriots, under the guidance of Ho Kuang-han, have secretly set up their base in Canton, disguised as school masters. During a brutal Manchu attack, Lui manages to escape and devotes himself to learning the martial arts in order to seek revenge. In a short period of time he masters the deadly use of his fists, feet and palms, along with such weapons as swords, sticks, and lances. With his learning complete, he takes on the Manchus.
Amazon Price: $11.49 (as of 12/27/2009)
![Shaolin Temple [1982]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41xyhlbRo6L._SL75_.jpg)
Shaolin Temple [1982]
The Tang emperor is betrayed by one of his generals, who installs himself as emperor in the East Capital. The son of one of his slave workers escapes to the Shaolin Temple, learns kung fu, and sets out to kill the traitor, who killed his father. The monks have to help him, and in the process, they save the true emperor, who rewards them greatly.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/27/2009)
Shaolin Vs Lama
If you see the word Shaolin in a film title, there's a pretty good chance you're looking at a pretty good martial arts film. Shaolin vs. Lama (1983) is an excellent example, as this film goes predominantly old school, filling the screen time and time again with plenty of fabulous displays of kung fu.
Amazon Price: (as of 12/27/2009)
![Shaolin Soccer [UMD for PSP]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51Z5HWP7V7L._SL75_.jpg)
Shaolin Soccer [UMD for PSP]
One of the best kung fu comedies I have ever seen!! I highly recommend Kung Fu Hustle by Stephen Chow as well!!! Or any of his movies.. they are all hilarious!
Amazon Price: (as of 12/27/2009)
Check Out eBay For Northern Shaolin Stuff
Here are some very nice DVDs to give you more insight into Shaolin exercises and combat applications.
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
Reader Feedback
Hey guys. I hope you liked this lens. I had a great time making it.
Cheers,
Dan
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Reply
- Urszula Urszula Jan 5, 2009 @ 4:35 am
- Very interesting lens. I am a big fun of Tai Chi, but enjoy learning about new things. Cheers
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Reply
- ArtSiren ArtSiren Jul 28, 2008 @ 8:37 am
- A very enjoyable lens. I used to do a kung fu style based heavily on 'Northern leg', but followed the Classics and went to the internal styles a few years ago. 5* fave.
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Reply
- rpgcoder rpgcoder Jul 24, 2008 @ 7:44 pm
- Nice form vids. I love the page
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Reply
- Margaret_Schaut Margaret_Schaut Nov 20, 2007 @ 8:47 am
- Love your page! Featuring in the Martial Arts group!
by DanVila
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