When you hear “Shaolin,” you probably think of the iconic style of Chinese martial arts. From the famous, 1982, Jet Li film Shaolin Temple, to modern entertainment like Kung Fu Panda, the name of Shaolin Kung Fu is known all over the world! Let’s take a look at some facts about Shaolin that you might not…
Chinese martial arts have a wide range of styles and can be categorized in different ways, such as by religion (like Taoist, Buddhist, or Islamic) or by their major applications (kicking, hitting, wrestling, or grabbing). But one of the biggest dividing lines is geographical; as a country with one of the most diverse climates and…
So you’ve watched all of Bruce Lee’s movies. You’ve memorized every line from all the Drunken Master flicks. But how well do you really know the different styles of this storied and colorful martial art? Let’s put your Kung Fu I.Q. to the test. Shaolin Kung Fu Practiced at the Shaolin Temple on Mount…
The term ‘zhan zhuang’ literally translates to ‘standing like a post’. It’s used to refer to a form of standing meditation, where you become mindful of your body, and especially of your posture and alignment. This develops a foundation, one that should be solid enough to permit efficient action. If you want to learn how…
There are different kinds of Chinese kung fu, all of which have their proponents and detractors. But there is one style that is considered by many to be the most powerful of them all. Xin yi quan, literally translated as form-intention or shape-will fist, the goal of xin yi fighters is to overwhelm their opponent…
Ever wonder why animals figure so prominently in the iconography of martial arts? Look at movie titles like “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” or the famous “Crane stance” from Karate Kid. These animal names come from the Five Animals of Chinese martial arts, a particular imagery that you’ll find in southern Chinese styles. These Five…