Shaolin Kung Fu Syllabus (first 12 levels)

Level 1 - Fundamentals of Shaolin Kung Fu

  • Form: Basic Patterns, Stances and Footwork 
  • Application: Specific Techniques 
  • Force: Zhang Zhuang (basic stances), Chi Kung Introduction, Leg stretching 
  • Philosophy: Dimensions, aims and short history

Level 2 - Four Directions Hand Attacks

  • Form: Basic set -- "Lohan Asks the Way"
  • Application: 4 basic hand attacks and defence from poise patterns
  • Force: Zhang Zhuang with hand forms, Spacing, Timing, Breath Co-ordination
  • Philosophy: Principles of Attack and Defence

Level 3 - "Black Tiger Steals Heart"

  • Form: Applicaion Set 1 -- Black Tiger Steals Heart
  • Application: Hand attacks in three-step sequences
  • Force: Flow of movement, Quick decision making, Instant modification
  • Philosophy: Principles of Force Training

Level 4 - "Fierce Tiger Speeds Through Valley"

  • Form: Application Set 2 -- Fierce Tiger Speeds through Valley
  • Application: Further hand attacks in three-step sequences, One-step kicking attacks and defence
  • Force: Leg-Stretching Exercises
  • Philosophy: Techniques, Tactics and Strategies

Level 5 - "Happy Bird Hops Up Branch

  • Form: Application Set 3 -- Happy Bird Hops up Branch
  • Application: Combat sequences with kicking attacks
  • Force: Exploding Force
  • Philosophy: Use of Tactics

Level 6 - "Felling Tree With Roots"

  • Form: Application Set 4 -- Felling Tree with Roots
  • Application: Combat sequences with holds and falls
  • Force: Performing movements flowingly with force but without panting for breath
  • Philosophy: Use of Strategies

Level 7 - "Cross-Roads at Four Gates"

  • Form: Cross-Roads at Four Gates
  • Application: Combination Set of Four Gates
  • Force: Solo performance as well as sparring with picture-perfect form, force speed but without panting
  • Philosophy: Different levels of combat.

Level 8 - Shaolin Staff

  • Form: Flowing Water Staff
  • Application: Against staff and other weapons
  • Force: Hit, Thrust, and Eye sight training
  • Philosophy: Principles of weapon combat

Level 9 - Shaolin Sabre (single knife)

  • Form: Plum Flower Single Sabre
  • Application: Against sabre, spear and other weapons
  • Force: Accuracy and "sabre force" to cut an apple
  • Philosophy: Characteristics of major weapons

Level 10 - Unarmed against Armed

  • Form: Empty Hands Enter White Blade
  • Application: Unarmed against dagger, staff and knife
  • Force: Countering feign moves
  • Philosophy: The principles and practice of Apparent and Real

Level 11 - Single Unarmed against Multiple Unarmed

  • Form: Tiger Enters Herd of Sheep
  • Application: Single unarmed against multiple unarmed
  • Force: "Bamboo Man" or "Through the Woods"
  • Philosophy: "Back-wall battle" and "Dodge-hit battle"

Level 12 - Single Unarmed and Armed against Multiple Armed

  • Form: Dodge Hit
  • Application: Single unarmed and armed against multiple armed
  • Force: Dodging skills and using enemy as shields
  • Philosophy: "Catch the Leader First" and "Break Through the Weakest"