Youth Shaolin Kung Fu Program

Image from the 2010 remake of 'The Karate Kid' where Jackie Chan instructs the young Jadan Smith in the martial art of Shaolin Kung Fu.

DragonGateD.C. students during performance and evaluation.

What is Shaolin Kung Fu?

The branch of Chinese kung fu known as Shaolin has achieved great notoriety over the centuries for its effectiveness as a martial art.  Mandarin for "Little Forest", it is one of the most widely practiced systems of kung fu in the world.  Shaolin has achieved unmatched fame in modern film and lore and continues to enthrall young people to this day.  There are many different styles and schools that fall under the name Shaolin and these styles can vary widely.  The one common thread that binds these varied styles together would be a historical connection to the original martial stylings of the Buddhist monks of the ancient Shaolin Temple.  The core principles of Shaolin martial art include development of a strong body AND a strong mind.  Students train to improve strength, flexibility, agility, speed, springiness (jumping) and reflexes.  Equally important students train to develop mindfulness, calm, centered being and insight.

School Curriculum

Students will progress along a traditional scale of learning, from foundational movement principles to complex sets and forms.  Though subject to modification based on the children’s development and growing abilities, students in the Youth Shaolin Kung Fu program will learn the following curriculum in this general order:

Level 1
·        Ji Bin Gong – A large grouping of foundational exercises and skills involving stretching,                                                kicking, stance training, hand techniques, jumping techniques, and more.

·        Teng Tui – “Spring Leg” set, a traditional foundational set of the famous Jing Wu school.

·        Yuan Yang Chuan – “The Original Yang Fist”.  Shaolin Liu He Men (Six Harmonies) Door

·        He Hu Chuan – “Black Tiger Fist”. 

Level 2
·        Si Yi Chuan – “Six Minds Fist”.  Shaolin Liu He Men (Six Harmonies) Door

·        Basic training (Ji Bin Gong) with the Staff and Spear

·        Mai Fu Chuan – “Ambush Fist”. Shaolin Liu He Men (Six Harmonies) Door

·        Shaolin Spear – Level 1 Shaolin Liu He Men (Six Harmonies) Door spear form

Level 3
·        Basic training (Ji Bin Gong) with the broad sword (Dao)

·        Shaio Liu He Dao – Small Six Harmonies Broadsword

·        Basic training (Ji Bin Gong) with the straight sword (Jian)

·        Fei Hong Jian – “Flying Rainbow” sword

·        Shaolin spear form – Level 2

Level 4
·        Juo Jong Chuan - Shaolin Liu He Men (Six Harmonies) Door

·        Yin Ching Chuan – Hidden Fist Track

·        Quin Long Jian – “Clear Dragon Sword”

·        Fu Mo Gun – “Crazy Demon Staff”

Perspective on Competitive Sparring and Fighting

Having its roots in Taoist philosophy, DragonGateD.C. does not require its students to engage in sparring or competitive fighting.  At the core of Wudang kung fu is health preservation, inner and outer strength, tolerance, focus, an indomitable spirit and the ability to defend one’s self and loved ones.  Many martial arts schools begin realistic fighting situations and sparring at a young age.  Personally, I don’t share this philosophy and think sparring and free fighting is inappropriate for very young ages.  However, should students express interest in sparring or competitive fighting, options will be made available with the parent’s consent. There are also several local and regional tournaments where children will have the opportunity to demonstrate their forms and skill sets in a healthy, competitive environment as well.  Parents will be informed of these dates and registration steps.