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Training Programs for Short- and Long-Term Students

Every student is unique, and therefore our goal is to tailor the instruction to each individual student. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced practitioner, whether you are coming to us for just a few weeks or several months or years, and whether you want to learn Shaolin Kung Fu, Sanda, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Wushu, or multiple styles – we create a customized training plan for you that takes into account your individual skill level, physical capabilities, and personal goals. The plan is not set in stone and can be adjusted at any time to meet your needs. Through this personalized approach, you will make faster and more effective progress and acquire the skills you desire.

Although we don’t have set training programs, we particularly recommend that students with little or no experience start by learning the basics. Mastering the fundamentals is the key to more advanced forms and techniques. Therefore, our teachers emphasize teaching the basics and combine them with traditional training methods. Simple kicks, strikes, and stances are practiced to improve your strength, flexibility, speed, and cleanliness in execution. The learned techniques can then be quickly applied to other styles.

To give you an idea of our training programs, we will show you a possible program variant below. As mentioned, the listed forms and techniques are variable and depend on the styles or forms that a student wants to learn.

Curriculum for Shaolin Kung Fu

Our training generally consists of three progressive stages:

1. In the Basic stage, students focus on proper form execution and developing expressive ability.
2. The Intermediate stage includes the “unification of mind and fist.” Here, students learn how to transform physical form into mental power. They learn to leave movements and rules behind and instead control their inner mind.
3. The Advanced stage consists of being led by the heart and striving for the formless. Here, students learn to align their training based on the three fundamental principles.

Introduction Level (1-4 Weeks)

In the Introduction Level, you will discover the hidden power of your muscles and tendons and get a taste of real Kung Fu training. Here, you will make quick progress and notice how you become more flexible and stronger.

The following topics will be covered:

• Basic knowledge of Shaolin Kung Fu
• Fundamental techniques such as kicks, steps, strikes, hand techniques, hand forms, and more
• Basic jumps and acrobatic elements
• Introduction to Sanda skills and exercises
• Conditioning and strength training including power stretching
• Introduction to Qi Gong, Tai Chi, and meditation (if desired)
• Basic forms such as Wu Bu Quan, Lian Huan Quan, and Tong Bei Quan.

Basic Level (2-6 months)

In the Basic Level, you will find that the path is challenging, but you will get a basic idea of what it looks like and how to practice it. With regular training, you will quickly notice improvements in mobility, strength, and coordination.

The following contents will be taught:

• All basic elements and techniques from the introductory level will be deepened and expanded
• You will learn new, more challenging movements and techniques
• The mobility, stability, and endurance training will be intensified
• You will learn proven introductory forms such as Xiao Hong Quan, Da Hong Fist, and Luohan Quan, and their applications
• Additionally, you will engage with your first weapon forms, such as Qi Mei Gun, Shaolin Dao, and Tai Chi Sword (if Tai Chi training is desired)

Intermediate Level (7-12 months)

The third phase (Intermediate Level) can be challenging as you may not make the expected progress. But this is the time when caterpillars turn into butterflies. You must be patient and emerge from your cocoon to develop the agility of your steps, the strength and speed of your kicks and punches, the accuracy of your individual movements, the coordination of your body, strength, speed, and the spirit of Shaolin Kung Fu.

The following contents will be taught:

• Deepening and expansion of all basic elements and techniques from previous phases
• Training of new, more challenging movements and techniques
• Expansion and intensification of mobility, stability, and endurance training
• Learning advanced forms such as Qi Xing Quan or different animal styles (Eagle Style, Leopard Style, Tiger Style, Crane Style, Monkey Style, Snake Style, etc.), as well as Wushu forms with acrobatic elements and partner forms
• Learning additional weapon forms such as Shaolin Qiang, Shaolin Pu Dao, or Shaolin Gun

Advanced Level (1-3 years)

After overcoming the challenges in the third phase, you will quickly make progress and be able to learn difficult forms in a short amount of time. Your body has already internalized the basic elements and moves quickly and coordinatedly. Precise and controlled steps come automatically and you can freely combine strength and speed.

While all previous elements are already internalized, they are continuously perfected. Your experience makes training much more efficient and even complex movements become routine. Fist or weapon forms can now be learned continuously and without difficulty. The possibilities of forms and weapons are endless, so you can practically learn anything you want.

Hard Qi Gong can also be learned and trained. Particularly well-known here is bending a spear with the neck, breaking an iron bar on the head or smashing a stick on the back. The art requires a lot of discipline, mental willpower and inner peace.

Did you know?

A study by researchers at Shanghai University of Sport found that intensive training by Shaolin monks increased the density of their bones, leading to higher bone density and a lower risk of osteoporosis.

The most popular Shaolin forms: A glimpse into our training

Our Shaolin Kung Fu training includes an incredible variety of forms. From fist and weapon forms to animal imitations, we offer an endless selection of movements to train body and mind. Below we have listed some of the most popular forms. However, please note that this is only a small fraction of what we teach. Our experienced teachers are ready to accompany students of all levels on their journey and show them the countless possibilities of Shaolin training.

Fist Forms:

Weapon Forms:

Popular Animal Forms:

Special Forms:

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