At Shaolin Arts we teach a family-style Kung Fu called Shaolin Wu Ling Xing Quan Fa or Shaolin Five Animal Essence Fighting Method. The five animals of Shaolin Wu Ling Xing are the Tiger, Crane, Leopard, Snake, and Dragon. Together these five animals make a complete fighting art that has all four families of Kung Fu: Kicking, Striking, Throwing/Ground Fighting, and Grappling.
Kicking (Ti 踢): This family of Kung Fu emphasizes the use of various kicking techniques. The techniques are often powerful and fast, aiming to knock down or disable the opponent. The style also includes footwork and positioning to set up effective kicks.
Striking (Da 打): This family of Kung Fu emphasizes striking techniques, such as punches, palm strikes, elbow strikes, and finger strikes. The techniques focus on delivering maximum force to vulnerable points on the opponent’s body.
Throwing/Ground Fighting (Shuai 摔): This family of Kung Fu emphasizes throwing and grappling techniques, with the aim of taking the opponent to the ground and controlling them. Techniques include joint locks, chokes, and pressure points. It also includes training in ground fighting and submission holds.
Grappling (Na 拿): This family of Kung Fu emphasizes close-range grappling and wrestling techniques, such as joint locks, throws, takedowns, and ground fighting. The techniques aim to control the opponent’s body and neutralize their attacks.
Different Kung Fu styles emphasize different families of techniques. What makes Shaolin Arts unique is that our art encompasses all four families.