Preparation is the entry level class at the Shaolin Temple UK. Every new student needs to go through it in order to progress to the higher levels. It is also advisable to keep practising the elements of this class, even once the level has been passed. This is because the preparation class focuses on the fundamentals that will serve as the basis for any further development. Here there is a heavy emphasis on stamina and flexibility, all essential for a martial artist.

The foundation class takes the student on to the core skills of San Shou, free form sparring. It should now become clearer how the preparatory techniques help the smooth, controlled and correct performance of combat punches and kicks.
The fundamentals of the foundation class are the individual punches and kicks. When a student is starting the beginning level, he or she faces the hardest challenge; the introduction of wholly new movements.

San Shou, is a form of free style fighting. it involves techniques such as punching, kicking and throwing and traditionally took place on a raised platform, a bit like a boxing ring without the ropes around it). In the past the leitai which is the traditional platform fought on was sometimes floated on water, so when a combatant was knocked out of the leitai they would landed in water. In China, San Shou competition would sometimes last over a number of days and several rounds fought.

The legendary stories about the Shaolin monks using their bodies as weapons are historically accurate. The monks trained hard because if they didn’t train hard enough then they would lose something far worse than a fight, they would lose their life. The impermanent nature, inherent in all things, that the Buddha taught, may seem far away to us today, but for the Shaolin monks it was a very real thing. They would go into battle one day and may not come back the next. This focused and sharpened their minds & bodies.

Kids classes are available for children 5 years and upwards. Traditionally Shaolin gong fu masters were entrusted by the parents to help in raising the children through teaching them self discipline, respect through the philosophy and teachings in Chinese culture and the physical training. Gong fu is especially good for children to help them develop physically in the areas of balance, coordination, reaction, flexibility, speed, strength, stamina and power.

Meditation is training purely for the mind. Students sit with their legs crossed, their back and neck straight and eyes closed. Bring your palms together, holding them on your lap, just below the navel. Students should focus on their breathing, inhaling and exhaling slowly through the nose. The breaths themselves should be regular and quiet. When you catch your mind wandering to other thoughts, you should it back to concentrate on counting these breaths.