Ch'an Buddhism

A Chinese school of Mahayana Buddhism, called Zen in Japan. Ch'an derives from the Sanscrit word dhyana or meditation. It was developed by Bodhidharma the 28th patriarch in succession from the Buddha, who came from South India to China around 527 AD. Bodhidharma (known as Da Mo) lived at the Songshan Shaolin Temple in Henan province (the original source of all gong fu) and he became the 1st Ch'an patriarch in China. Ch'an teachings believe that enlightenment can be attained through meditation, self-contemplation and intuition rather than through the study of scriptures.

Meditation

Sitting meditation is a traditional practice at the heart of Ch'an Buddhism. It brings about a deeper awareness of the mind and body through understanding our attachments and desires which can help make our lives more contented. Meditation also helps develops concentration and calmness of the mind.

Rendai exercises

The rendai exercises are stretches that enable the ligaments and joints of the body become more strong and flexible. This allows the qi and internal power to move through the body more easily, helping the practice of qi gong and gong fu.

Qi Gong

Qi gong is a slow internal practice where the breath and movement are coordinated together to develop and store the qi. The qi is a special energy in the body that cannot be seen or measured which can only be experienced and developed through continuous practice. The qi is said to be mainly stored in the abdomen below the navel in the area called the Dantien (literally Field of Elixir). Qi is cultivated through deep breathing and movement combined with strong mental focus. In practicing qi gong the qi follows the mind with the movement to develop stronger qi and internal power. After the qi has been developed it can be used for different purposes such as the practice of gong fu. The power of the qi needs to be developed in the same way that you need water in a pipe to be kept under pressure to enable it to flow easily. The practice benefits the health of the body as the qi is improved it keeps the internal organs strong and helps remove toxins.

Rou Quan

Rou Quan is an internal form of 36 movements that originates from the Shaolin Temple. It is used to practice working the qi and internal power of the breath combined with external movement. Like qi gong this is achieved through control by the mind. When practicing Rou Quan the student should also be aware of learning how to control the direction of the opponent's internal power this understanding will help make his or her movements more appropriate for self defence. Rou Chan also hides within its form advanced techniques for self-defence. The practice of the form also helps to keep the body healthy as the pressure from the qi and inner power are increased. This improves circulation and removes toxins and waste though the breath and perspiration.

Shaolin Gong fu

Gong fu means time plus sweat. Shaolin Gong fu training focuses on regulating the mind, body and breath together, and is rooted in Ch'an Buddhist philosophy. The mind is trained through concentration and meditation. The body and breath, through cutivating the internal energy of the breath in qi gong, and using the qi for gong fu or internal forms. Three qualities are needed for gong fu training: * strong will * to not be frightened of hard work * perseverence The goal of kung fu is only achieved through long and sustained practice, working the internal and external together. Throughout the practice even when the body is tired, the mind should remain calm and focused on the practice and the breathing kept under control and harmonised with the movement.

Bufa

Bufa are the basic stances that are the very foundation of gong fu practice. The five basic stances for beginner students are called gong bu, ma bu, xie bu, pu bu and xu bu.

Tao Lu (forms)

There are many Tao lu forms, some to be practiced individually, others with weapons or partners or opponents. The forms are the stances mixed with movement that are smoothly linked together. Concealed within the forms lie the applications for the fighting techniques. Different forms have different characters, techniques and levels. To practice Shaolin gong fu you must first learn Xiao Hong Quan form.

Wu Bu Quan

Wu Bu Quan is not a traditional form. It links together the 5 basic stances (Bu fa) with simple body movements, which prepare the student to learn Shaolin gong fu.

Xiao Hong Quan

Xiao Hong Quan is the first traditional Shaolin Tao lu to be taught to beginner students. The movements are simple to perform but contain deeper knowledge of the applications that the student should understand.

San Shou

San Shou is advanced freestyle gong fu fighting. The goal is to test what has been learnt and whether the student can use it in a simulated real-life situation, it is the proof of how much skill has been acquired. San Shou is serious full contact fighting practice. The student must have excellent stamina and strength, good flexibility and mastery of fighting techniques, fast reactions, distance control and speed... It is easy for the student to get serious injury if they are not ready for this training. Any permanent weakness from an injury would finish a martial arts career in San Shou. This is why it is necessary to build your gong fu slowly, developing it step by step. Every year in China there are national and international San Shou competitions that can give both real experience and confidence to students while also helping to improve their skills. In the future there will be San Shou competitions at Shaolin Temple UK.