3-Year Successor
3-Year Shaolin Orthodox Disciple Inheritance Training Program
Core Objectives
Adhering to the tenet of “dual cultivation of Zen and Shaolin Kungfu, simultaneous progress in academics and combat skills”, we inherit the authentic kung fu and culture of Shaolin. We cultivate Shaolin disciples with solid foundational skills, upright moral character, and capabilities in both inheritance and practical application. Upholding the core of intangible cultural heritage inheritance for Shaolin, we ensure the all-round development of physical fitness, technical proficiency and personal literacy.
Quota & Selection Requirements
Quota
A maximum of 20 openings for this inheritance program. We select disciples with outstanding natural talent, proper mentality and a strong aspiration to carry forward Shaolin culture, enrolling them into a systematic 3-year training system.
Core Selection Requirements
- Age: 8 to 45 years old. Applicants must be physically and mentally healthy, free from congenital diseases, infectious illnesses and sports contraindications, and able to adapt to full-time closed-door training and study.
- Mentality: Possess good conduct, respect teachers and uphold morality, maintain modesty and restraint, and have no bad habits. Recognize Shaolin’s philosophy of “dual cultivation of Zen and Shaolin Kungfu, cultivating virtue through martial practice”, aspire to inherit Shaolin kung fu and culture long-term, and demonstrate perseverance and a willingness to endure hardship.
- Foundation: Beginners without Shaolin Kungfu experience must have good physical stamina, flexibility and learning comprehension. Applicants with prior Shaolin Kungfu training will be given priority; they need to demonstrate basic martial movements to show athletic talent and physical coordination.
- Others: Willingly abide by the code of conduct for Shaolin disciples and all management regulations of the inheritance program, follow coaches’ arrangements, participate in the full 3-year full-time training, and shall not withdraw midway without special circumstances.
Selection Process
- Application & document submission → Physical fitness & basic skill assessment → Mental attitude interview → Comprehensive review by Shaolin inheritance masters → get admitted into the inheritance class. The whole process ensures fairness, impartiality and transparency, in line with authentic Shaolin inheritance standard
Training Duration
3 years (divided into 3 stages, 12 months per stage). Full-time closed-door management is implemented, following the principles of progressive learning and teaching students in accordance with their aptitude, integrating traditional Shaolin training modes with scientific training systems.
Phased Training Content (Core Essentials)
Stage 1 (Month 1–12: Foundation Building Phase)
- Shaolin Kungfu: Focus on consolidating fundamental Shaolin skills, including standing stances (Horse Stance, Bow Stance), stepping techniques (Bow Stance, Horse Stance, Empty Stance, Drop Stance), hand techniques (straight punch, palm push, block), and flexibility training (leg pressing, tendon stretching, waist bending). Conduct systematic practice of basic classic Shaolin routines (Minor Hong Quan, entry-level Shaolin boxing routines), and introduce fundamental staff techniques (basic Shaolin staff entry: gripping, lifting, swinging movements). Daily physical training covers endurance, explosive power and flexibility; standardize movement force application to avoid blind high-intensity training. Cultivate interest in Shaolin Kungfu and rigorous training habits to lay a solid foundation for advanced learning of weapons (broadsword, spear, sword, staff) and high-level classic routines.
- Culture: Lay a solid foundation in traditional Chinese studies; recite and interpret Standards for Being a Good Student and Child and Three Character Classic to instill values of filial piety, integrity and respect for teachers. Offer introductory Shaolin culture courses covering the origin, development and core spirit of Shaolin. Strengthen martial ethics with the principle of “cultivating virtue before practicing Shaolin Kungfu” to prevent abuse of combat skills. Basic academic courses are also provided to ensure cultural enlightenment, realizing the goal of “nourishing the mind with literature and strengthening the body with Shaolin Kungfu”.
- Assessment: Pass standard evaluations for basic movements and physical fitness; perform the complete Minor Hong Quan entry routine; master basic martial ethics and general Shaolin cultural knowledge with a respectful and disciplined attitude.
Stage 2 (Month 13–24: Skill Advancement Phase)
- Shaolin Kungfu: Build on foundational skills to learn core classic Shaolin routines systematically (Major Hong Quan, Arhat Fist, Plum Blossom Fist), refining routine fluency and force coordination. Accelerate weapons training: in-depth practice of classic Shaolin staff routines (Eyebrow-High Staff), introductory Shaolin broadsword routines (basic single broadsword, Spring-Autumn Broadsword fundamentals), basic Shaolin spear routines (thrusting, blocking spear entry moves), and preliminary Shaolin sword training (entry sword routines, gripping, chopping and pointing basics). Master standard gripping, swinging and closing stances for all weapons. Introduce basic Sanda and practical combat skills including blocking, dodging and offensive-defensive coordination. Enhance physical training focusing on strength, speed and agility to achieve proficient boxing skills, steady weapon handling and structured combat responses, gradually improving practical combat ability and weapon proficiency.
- Culture: Deepen studies on Shaolin history and basic Zen culture; interpret selected excerpts from The Analects and Tao Te Ching to understand the core essence of “integration of Zen and Shaolin Kungfu”. Offer calligraphy and traditional etiquette courses, including Shaolin calligraphy, apprenticeship rituals and daily manners to cultivate refined temperament. Advance academic courses (Chinese, Mathematics, History) to balance martial and cultural education and avoid overemphasizing combat skills over academics.
- Assessment: Perform complete and standard Major Hong Quan and Arhat Fist routines; master basic Eyebrow-High Staff techniques and simple weapon demonstrations; grasp fundamental Sanda offensive and defensive skills; demonstrate proficient knowledge of Shaolin history and basic Zen practice, with qualified results in calligraphy, etiquette and academic examinations.
Stage 3 (Month 25–36: Inheritance & Practical Application Phase)
- Shaolin Kungfu: Specialize in 1 to 2 distinctive Shaolin disciplines based on personal talent and interest (optional: traditional routines, featured weapons, Shaolin health preservation exercises). Routine options include advanced classic Shaolin boxing (Emperor Taizu Long Fist, Arm-through Fist, Mantis Fist, Bajiquan). Weapon options cover advanced Eyebrow-High Staff, complete single/double broadsword routines & advanced Spring-Autumn Broadsword, full Shaolin spear & Six-Harmony Spear, advanced Shaolin sword & Green Ping Sword. Refine technical details, movement precision and force expression to form personal characteristics. Learn systematic Shaolin kung fu teaching methods and movement decomposition skills to acquire basic teaching abilities. Participate in Shaolin cultural inheritance performances and public welfare Shaolin Kungfu promotion activities to accumulate practical inheritance experience. Access foundational training of the 72 Shaolin Arts to deepen practical combat proficiency and technical depth, enabling independent demonstration of specialized classic routines and weapon forms.
- Culture: Conduct in-depth research on Shaolin culture and Zen ideology, practice the philosophy of “integration of Zen and Shaolin Kungfu”, and comprehend the spiritual core of Shaolin kung fu. Learn knowledge related to intangible cultural heritage protection and inheritance of Shaolin kung fu. Complete periodic academic summaries and write reflection essays on Shaolin cultural studies. Add basic Shaolin medical courses covering simple sports injury treatment and health preservation knowledge to enhance comprehensive literacy and foster independent inheritance awareness.
- Assessment: Achieve specialization proficiency; independently demonstrate and decompose specialized skills with basic teaching capabilities; master in-depth knowledge of Shaolin culture and intangible cultural heritage inheritance, and submit qualified study reflections. Those passing the practical inheritance assessment will receive an official completion certificate. Outstanding graduates may participate in a traditional apprenticeship ceremony to formally learn from authentic Shaolin inheritance masters, joining the official Shaolin inheritance lineage and undertaking the responsibility of carrying forward Shaolin kung fu and culture.
Core Regulations
- Discipline: Strictly abide by the code of conduct for Shaolin disciples; respect teachers, avoid arrogance and impetuosity. Military-style management is implemented to cultivate independent living abilities.
- Teaching Staff: The faculty consists of authentic Shaolin inheritance masters, professional Shaolin Kungfu coaches and academic teachers, ensuring professional teaching and orthodox cultural inheritance.
- Support: Scientific scheduling of martial and cultural courses with complete teaching facilities; prioritize physical recovery and mental health, adhering to the teaching principle of integrating dynamic practice and static cultivation.
Career Paths after Graduation
Excellent graduates may stay at the temple for cultural inheritance, work as Shaolin Kungfu coaches, participate in Shaolin cultural exchanges and intangible heritage performances, engage in film and television Kungfu acting, or establish Shaolin training centers overseas, achieving diversified career development.
