What is Shaolin?

Shaolin (少林) is the name of a temple which teaches various styles or schools of Chinese martial arts. The temple is a Buddhist monastery first located in the Henan province of China. There have been various temples built over the last 1500 years. The various martial art styles taught today were created or brought to Shaolin and further developed by monks at the Shaolin temple. Many styles and systems have traveled out of the temple across China and eventually to other countries. These styles saw further development and refinement as they were passed down to other people. 

Shaolin Gung-Fu System

My system is an integrated system of Gung-Fu that brings the following benefits:

• Calisthenics and Stretching for improved physical conditioning.

• Chi Gong for better blood circulation and improved organ function.

• U-Ding Concentration (Single Pointed Concentration) for improved focus.

• Meditation for mental relaxation and improved spacial awareness.

• Self-Defense techniques that can be learned and utilized in a short period of time.

• Nine fighting styles that can be used for protection.

• Forms to teach basic body coordination and fighting principles.

• Single and 2 man drills to train body coordination, awareness, and fight application.

The Role of Forms

Forms (Taolu) are the DNA of traditional martial arts. They are not merely choreography; they are structured sequences designed to encode combat principles, body mechanics, and strategic logic into the practitioner's muscle memory.

While I have studied and taught dozens of traditional forms over the decades, I have distilled the Kung Fu Flow system into a high-density curriculum of six core pillars. This ensures that students focus on the highest-quality movements for functional power. Any additional forms taught beyond this core are considered Supplemental—reserved for advanced students looking to expand their historical knowledge.

Shaolin Kung Fu: Level-Based Curriculum

Level 1: Foundation (基礎 - Jīchǔ)

Focus: Forging the body, opening the Kua, and establishing structural "armor."

1. Tan Li Quan 弹力拳 (Springing Power Fist): The foundational engine of our system. Synthesized by Sifu Luis, it teaches the "Five Springs" of the body and opens the hips for explosive power.

2. Jin Gang 金钢 (Gold Steel): A core conditioning set. This "Hard" Gong set is essential for strengthening the bones, tendons, and structural resilience before transitioning to weapons.

3. Baduanjin 八段錦 (Eight Silk Weaving): The "Soft" internal counterpart to Jin Gang, focusing on organ health, blood circulation, and recovery.

Level 2: Application (應用 - Yìngyòng)

Focus: Dynamics of combat, timing, and weapon leverage.

4. Qing Nian Quan 青年拳 (24 Moves): Our primary combat set. Students master Part A (Attack) and Part B (Defense) solo before merging them into the two-person Dui Da (matching drill).

5. Shaolin Gun 少林棍 (Staff): The "Father of all Weapons." Utilizing the body conditioned in Level 1, the student develops long-range leverage and whole-body coordination.

6. Dan Dao (單刀) (Broadsword): The "Marshal of Weapons." Develops aggressive footwork, courageous spirit, and defensive wrapping.

Level 3: Refinement (精煉 - Jīngliàn)

Focus: Precision, internal spirit, and "Scholar-Warrior" mastery.

7. Jian 剑 (Straight Sword): The most advanced weapon. Focuses on subtle footwork, precision, and the refined control of a "scholar's" blade.

8. Jí hùn yuán hàoqì 集混元浩气 (Gather the Primordial Spirit): The pinnacle internal set. Integrates hard and soft breathing to revitalize the body and solidify the student's internal energy.

Fighting Styles

There are 9 fighting styles taught, each teaching different fighting strategies and tactics. 

The 3 fundamental styles taught are Tan Tui, Tai Mountain Rock, and Walking Cloud Flowing Water. 

Weapons

Weapons are another integral part of Chinese martial arts. The following weapons are taught in the system.

Staff, Broadsword, Straight Sword, Spear, Dagger, 3-section staff, Tiger Hooks, Fan