Introduction
Around the time when the west was marking the passing of the 1st Millennium, in the time when China was ruled by the Song Dynasty ((960 CE to 1279 CE) China was abound with Animal Kung Fu styles. Towards the end of the Song Dynasty, Shaolin had incorporated it's 72 Fists and 170 Moves and combined it with the abundance of Animal Styles into one style that had multiple aspects; the Shaolin 5 Animal Kung Fu. It was than and is still now considered the best non lethal martial art style in the world!
This was the result of 700 years of development by the Shaolin to make their style of Kung Fu multifunction and multifaceted. Multi functional in the way that Shaolin were very Dao'ist influenced and believed in Longevity and Health as a important part of their life but also needed the functional, self-defence aspect without the defence leading to undue damage to the attackers or the Shaolin due to their Buddhist principles. This resulted in Shaolin developing a style that was so superior as not needing to hurt or harm their attackers and still stop the attackers from doing any damage.
The Shaolin Academy approaches this in 3 distinct steps which, in a way, emulate the development of Shaolin Kung Fu;
- Levels 1 to 5 (Primary) are devoted to Shaolin Kung Fu techniques, foundation and understanding.
- Levels 6 to 9 (Secondary) are an introduction to the Shaolin Animal Styles; level 10 is a consolidation and preparation level for grading to Black Sash.
- Levels 11 to 15 (Tertiary) are specialization levels where the practitioner chooses what they wish to study, much like in a university. This includes;
- Specializing in 5 Animal Kung Fu
- Focusing on one of the Animal Styles
(
Shaolin Tiger KF,
Shaolin Panther KF,
Shaolin Crane KF or
Shaolin Snake KF
)
- Achieving your Black Sash in 170 Moves grappling
- Achieving your Black Sash in 72 Fist Boxing
- Achieving your Black Sash in 18 Hands Lohan
- Achieving a Black Sash/Belt in another recognized style
On the next page you will see the full listing of the Shaolin 5 Animal Curriculum to Black Sash!
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Shaolin Kung Fu - Tiger Claw Set
Sifu Sarah demonstrating the Shaolin Kama Square pattern
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