Teaching Contents

Teaching Contents of Shaolin Pastoral Kung Fu School

Core Authentic Shaolin Kungfu

  • Cultivation Foundation: Centered on Zen‑Kungfu unity, where practicing Shaolin Kungfu is practicing Zen. It emphasizes understanding the Way through Shaolin Kungfu and enlightening the true nature, rather than mere physical techniques.
  • Forms & Weapons: Inheriting original temple routines including foundational fist forms (Xiao Hong Quan, Da Hong Quan, Pao Quan or Cannon-style Fist, Luohan Quan or Arhat Boxing, Qi Xing Quan or Seven-star Boxing), traditional weapons (broadsword, spear, sword, staff, nine‑section whip), and combat techniques (Xin Yi Ba or Heart-Mind Key Techniques , grappling, hard Qigong).
  • Shaolin supreme esoteric skills: Including internal practices (Yi Jin Jing or Muscle-Tendon Strengthening Methods, Xi Sui Jing or Marrow Cleansing Classics) and the 72 Shaolin supreme esoteric skills  (Iron Shirt, Golden Bell Cover, Iron Head Skill, etc.), core temple inheritances inaccessible to non‑orthodox disciples.

Combat Core

 As an authentic combat discipline, Shaolin Kungfu emphasizes striking in a straight line, attacking without form, using opponent’s force, harmonizing hardness and softness, distinct from performance‑focused modern competitive Shaolin Kungfu.

Teaching Practice: Unique Value of Instruction by Shaolin Temple Disciples

Teaching by orthodox Shaolin monks and disciples conveys not only skills but also complete cultural and spiritual inheritance.

  1. Teaching Philosophy: Dual Cultivation of Zen and Shaolin Kungfu, Equal Emphasis on Virtue and Skill
    • Zen‑Guided Shaolin Kungfu: Instructors lead training with temple cultivation concepts, stressing righteous mind, upright body, and proper boxing, integrating Zen principles into movements to pursue the realm of “No form in form, no intention in intention; true intention lies in no intention”.
    • Martial Ethics First: Strictly following the ancient maxim “Learn etiquette before learning art; learn virtue before learning Shaolin Kungfu”, integrating loyalty, filial piety, integrity, perseverance, and compassion into daily teaching.
    • Step‑by‑Step Progression: Following the traditional temple path of laying foundations, practicing internal power, learning routines, and studying combat, opposing quick success to ensure solid roots.
  1. Teaching Content: Original System, Authentic and Unaltered
    • Complete Training System: A full temple inheritance covering basic stances, internal cultivation (Yi Jin Jing or Muscle-Tendon Strengthening Methods), forms and weapons, combat techniques, and secret specialties.
    • Precise Details: Instructors provide authentic temple explanations on force, breathing, intention, and application of each movement, avoiding empty showy routines popular in civilian circles.
    • Cultural Immersion: Integrating Shaolin history, Zen culture, and temple rituals into teaching, enabling learners to understand the core of Shaolin culture beyond physical practice.
  1. Faculty Assurance: Professionalism and Authority
    • Technical Authority: Instructors are senior practitioners within the temple system, verified by long‑term combat and teaching experience, holding national high Shaolin Kungfu ranks and senior coach certifications.
    • Pure Inheritance: Avoiding mixed instructor backgrounds and heavily adapted skills common in civilian schools, ensuring every technique traces back to original temple teachings.

Continuous Improvement: Instructors regularly return to the temple for further study and exZenge with eminent monks, maintaining alignment with orthodox temple skills and philosophy.