| The History Of Northern Shaolin
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Northern Shaolin Kung Fu is an external style directly descended
from the system taught at the Shaolin Temple. Shaolin, meaning
young forest, has historically and culturally been regarded as the
greatest Chinese temple boxing style. It is one of the five major
systems developed in Northern China. They include Wa, Cha, Fa,
Pao and Hung or Shaolin. Northern Shaolin Kung Fu developed as a "long-fist" style emphasizing kicks over hand techniques. Such a long-range system stresses full extension of the limbs so that kicks and punches are extended as far as possible without compromising balance or power. The Northern Shaolin practitioner generates power from a combination of great speed and large, flowing movements, picturing his hands and feet as strong and compact as stones while his arms and legs are ropes. The limbs remain supple and relaxed during movement and only tighten when fully extended. The Shaolin practitioner is also renowned for acrobatic but devastating kicks. Shaolin's repertoire of kicks covers everything from a basic front toe kick to a jumping back kick, from a low sweep to a tornado kick. Northern Shaolin Kung Fu is well suited to the student who is agile and flexible, who has good endurance and speed, or who wishes to develop such traits. By: Vu Q. Nguyen and Sifu Wing Lam |
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