Frequently Asked Questions

What is Shaolin Kung Fu?

Shaolin Kung Fu is the style of Kung Fu (or Martial Art) originally developed in the Shaolin Monastery in China.   It has a history of about 1500 years and has since derived into various schools such as Lohan, Praying Mantis, Chaquan, Hoong Ka, Wing Chun, Choy-Li-Fatt and many others.

What benefits can one get from practising Shaolin Kung Fu?

There are many benefits, and they may be generalised into five categories: self-defence, health, and vitality mind expansion and spiritual development.

In what ways can practising Shaolin Kung Fu lead to mind expansion and spiritual development?

Mind expansion and spiritual cultivation were actually the original aim of Bodhidharma when he first taught the Eighteen Lohan Hands and the Sinew Metamorphosis at the Shaolin Monastery.   Later these two sets of exercises developed into Shaolin Kung Fu and Shaolin Chi Kung.   Practising Shaolin Kung Fu can lead to mind expansion and spiritual development because the training of mind and spirit is an integral part of its practice.   This is attained through meditation.   When you practice genuine Shaolin Kung Fu, you also practice Chi Kung.   In Chinese culture, ¡§mind¡¨ and ¡§spirit¡¨ are similar, although there may be differences in emphasis and connotation.

Is Bodhidharma the founder of Shaolin Kung Fu & Shaolin Chi Kung?

No, but Shaolin disciples gratefully honoured him as the First Patriarch because it was through his initiative in teaching the Eighteen Lohan Hands and the Sinew Metamorphosis that Shaolin Kung Fu and Shaolin Chi Kung developed.   Before him there was no Kung Fu or Chi Kung training at the Shaolin Monastery.   But Kung Fu and Chi Kung were already highly developed in China.   Generals of the Zhou and Han Dynasties, and Taoist masters before the arrival of Bodhidharma in China in 527 BCE were respectively great Kung Fu and Chi Kung Masters.   There was no founder for Shaolin Kung Fu ¡V in the sense that Wang Lang was the founder of Shaolin Praying Mantis Kung Fu, and Yim Wing Chun the founder of Wing Chun Kung Fu; the very rich and extensive Shaolin Kung Fu and Chi Kung repertoire was the collective contribution of many, many masters through the ages.   Bodhidharma the great is also the First Patriarch of Zen Buddhism.

Is Shaolin Kung Fu religious?

No, Shaolin Kung fu is non-religious.   Throughout history, Shaolin masters have come from various religious backgrounds, including Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian, Christian and Muslim.   There also have been masters who have claimed to profess no religion.

What advice would you give so that I can get the most from my Shaolin Kung Fu training?

The following five-step approach is very helpful for those who wish to get the most from their training:

• Have a sound understanding of the scope and depth of Shaolin Kung Fu.
• Define your aims and objectives for your training.
• Concentrate on moving fluidly and naturally.
• Practice consistently and conscientiously.
• Regularly assess your progress, or otherwise, against your set aims and objectives.

Very briefly, how would you define the scope of Shaolin Kung Fu?

For convenience, Shaolin Kung Fu may be divided into four dimensions:

• Form
• Force
• Application
• Philosophy

Hence, to get the best benefits you should know at least something of every dimension.   If you know only Kung Fu form, for example, at the best you can derive only a portion of the potential benefits Shaolin Kung Fu can offer.

How long will I be able to study?

Kung Fu (or Gung Fu) is the most versatile of the Martial Arts and has no limit on age or ability.   It is a never-ending journey towards enlightenment that becomes easier to see; the longer that it is taken.   It is entirely up to the individual as to how long he/she studies for.

Can you give an idea of the depth of Shaolin Kung Fu?

It is no exaggeration to say that its depth is unfathomable.   We may examine its depth from various angles.   One way is to consider each of its four dimensions.   Regarding form, all the techniques found in other Martial Arts like Taijiquan, Karate, Taekwondo, Jujitsu, Judo, Aikido, Western Boxing and Siamese Boxing can be found in Shaolin Kung fu.   Shaolin Kung Fu force is incredible ¡V its Kung Fu application is not just for combat but also to enrich our daily living.   Shaolin philosophy opens up vistas of wisdom ranging from the smallest sub-atomic particles to the infinite galaxies.   Another way to examine its depth is from the perspective of personal development.   Shaolin Kung Fu offers a comprehensive programme to develop a person in all his/her physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects.   At the physical level, Shaolin Kung Fu enables the exponent to have radiant health and vitality; at the spiritual level, it leads him to the greatest attainment anyone can ever achieve, i.e. spiritual fulfilment.   For someone used to only a partial knowledge of Shaolin Kung Fu, such as some Kung Fu patterns and sets, he or she may find it hard to believe its depth as mentioned above.  

A basic tenet of the Shaolin teaching, which is an echo of the Buddha's teaching, is as follows: do not accept any teaching based on faith alone, nor on the reputation of the master, but assess the teaching to the best of your understanding and experience.

How Does The Society of Shaolin Gung Fu Operate?

1. Sashes – Within this Gung Fu school, sashes are considered a teaching aid.  We do not agree with hierarchy within the Society, and elitism among higher sashes is not tolerated.  We believe that all students are equal.
2. Gradings – The white sash is an entrance belt, from that point on it is possible to work progressively through the sashes at your own pace, whenever a coloured sash is passed, more information will be added to your syllabus (eg. Animal Styles & more forms).  After a coloured sash is finished, it is possible to take a weapon grading.  Some sashes require a number of weapon gradings within them.
3. Weapons – There are 4 weapon grades:
• Basic Weapon: This is a introduction to a weapon and represents the basic knowledge needed to study the intermediate grade.
• Intermediate Weapon: This can only be studied if a Basic Weapon qualification is acquired in the same weapon.  It is a high-standard qualification that represents the entire pattern of the weapon.  This grade allows you to study the advanced forms and also teach the basics of the weapon.  It also opens up four new, advanced weapons to study.
• Advanced Weapon: This can only be studied if you have both an Intermediate grade in the weapon and a red sash in the unarmed system (or by special permission).  This grade represents the usage of the weapon in actual combat and is designed to allow the student to really use the weapon and enable natural movement.  You are able to teach the Intermediate grade and study the Advanced grade.
• Master Weapon: This can only be studied if you have both an Advanced grade in the weapon and a Purple sash (or by special permission).  This is the combination of everything that you have learned.  It is tested under intense conditions.  This is the highest grade attainable and requires immense discipline and practice.  Once passed, you are allowed to teach the weapons fully.
4. Rules – There are 5 general rules within the Society.  These are:
• Always salute at the beginning and end of every class
• Only use what you have learned in extreme circumstances
• Respect your fellow students
• Do not instruct unless asked to by your Instructor, as confusion can occur (this includes visiting Black belts)
• Above all, be safe.  Not just in your usage of Gung Fu, but in your physical training.  Also, do not over strain yourself – know your limitations.  Do not try things that you think will damage you.  Everyone has different physical attributes, so it is inevitable that what is easy for someone is not physically possible for someone else.