A Guide to the Different Styles of Shaolin Kung Fu
But the major problem, it would seem, is a general lack of satisfaction. Sure, I am toning my body and getting in shape, as well as losing any unnecessary pounds, but I want something more out of my workout experience. The answer for me is Kung Fu. In addition to receiving a reliable workout that will both strengthen and tone my body, I am learning a valuable skill that increases confidence, energy, and balance. As an additional advantage, I can continue to practice the forms at home in my spare time, gaining extra exercise and increasing my knowledge, whereas unless you have home gym equipment or weight set, then your only recourse for continued exercise is the gym (not counting cardiovascular activities such as jogging or bike riding). I know I’d rather have the benefit of continuing my exercise at home rather than have to travel to the gym every time I felt the need for additional exercise.
Simply deciding to pursue a study of Kung Fu is not an easy task. There are many styles to choose from, all taught at various schools, some better than others. You might be more suited to one particular style over another. Most schools will offer a free consultation describing the aspects of the styles they teach. I’ve attempted to comprise an accurate representation of all the main styles in order to help facilitate your search should you choose to study Kung Fu as well.
You may find that many styles fall under the envelope of Shaolin Kung Fu, named so after the Shaolin Priests of China who were masters of many, if not all, of the styles.
The style I felt most comfortable with is that of Wing Chun Kung Fu. It is the most commonly taught of the various Kung Fu styles as it was made famous by being the main form used by martial arts expert and movie star Bruce Lee. The actor eventually incorporated his own style, but traditional Wing Chun is still very much alive and appreciated.
Wing Chun focuses on simplicity. Teaching small but rapid movements, the style is designed to effectively defend yourself from an oppenent while utilizing your adversary’s own movement against him, and striking, all in what seems one constant, fluid motion. Evasions and strikes are designed for very close combat. In essence, the purpose is to immediately take down your opponent using subtle shifts of your body and limbs with maximum power.
Another common style is known as Dragon Kung Fu, based upon the stretching and twisting movements of the ancient Chinese dragons. The basic concept is a series of hard blocks and strikes, with each move resulting in a stance of preparation for the next move to follow. In essence, the idea is to channel your inner power, or ch’i, and keep it flowing smoothly from one move to move. A vocal, hissing exhalation is incorporated, as a means to help focus your ch’i. You will be taught to leave no opening for your opponent while exploiting his.
Tiger Kung Fu is about power and ferocity, much as its namesake encompasses. The emphasis of the style is to develop your body into an image of strength, and to effectively attack your opponents with powerful force. The Tiger style can be broken into other style subgroups, each focusing on specific situations and the best movements to accompany them. Encompassing such a wide range of systems and situations can seem daunting at first, but as with everything practice and determination are key. A master of Tiger Kung Fu can be a potentially deadly and devastating opponent.
Formed from the movements of other styles, such as Tiger and Snake, the graceful style of Crane Kung Fu teaches a series of strikes based upon bird movements, along with throws and locks, while evading all your opponents attacks. Movements are wide yet refined. One of the oldest styles, it is also difficult to learn due to physical demands both internally and externally. Once a style encompassing several forms, it has been continually reduced and modified.
The Snake Kung Fu style has been largely incorporated into other styles and schools, so it may be difficult to find a school focusing just on this style alone. The circular motions and movements of the style lend themselves to all manner of parries and attacks. As the snake in nature uses poisons to weaken its prey, the snake style is designed to attack the weak points of your opponent. As with the Tiger style, there are a few sub styles of Snake, such as Cobra and Viper, that teach varying moves based upon the type of snake.
Praying Mantis Kung Fu focuses equally on powerful defense and offense, mimicking the deadly strikes of the beautiful insect. Movements may appear jerky and ineffective to a novice, but are in fact very organized, fast, and efficient. You are taught to strike first, or use a minimum of evasion before a successful strike. The style teaches balance and coordination, and help a body to achieve fitness goals.
Although there are in fact hundreds of different styles that have evolved since the early introduction of Shaolin Kung Fu, the above are some of the most commonly taught. I urge you to further examine the history of Shaolin Kung Fu and various styles, as the stories are colorful and richly entertaining.
Once you have decided on a particular style, make sure to research the school thoroughly to be sure it is reputable.
