Ancient Shaolin Training Methods

If you are interested in researching or practicing ancient techniques utilized by Shaolin Kung Fu masters, there are several techniques to consider. Legends of ancient warriors recount stories of superhuman ability, including kung fu masters who could dodge spears, break stone slabs, grind pebbles into sand and break wooden walls with only one finger.

  1. Training with Force

    • One of the important tenets of the Shaolin training philosophy is the use of force while training and sparing. According to the kung fu maxim, training with "form without training force can be futile even if you train your whole life." However, as part of Shaolin philosophy, there must be a balance between technique and strength. Training with force prepares students for real life battles in which enemies may use force with the intent to kill.

    Progressive Training

    • Graduated stress and progressive training methods are used to build up internal and external strengths. Techniques such as Tiger Claw or Water Buffalo use Piercing Beans as a progressive training method, where a large tub is filled with green beans and black beans and a student sits in a horse-stance, "piercing" both hands into the beans. The horse stance incorporates a posture whereby the legs are spread wide and to the side, while the back is kept straight (similar to riding a horse). The student is instructed not to use strength and force at first; in Shaolin, internal force must first be generated before external force can be applied. Other progressive training includes achieving a certain stamina and strength level: doing push-ups on one's fingertips.

    Medication

    • Medications for strength training, blood flow and the control of swelling have also been used by Shaolin kung fu students. In the Piercing Beans training method, a student may wash his hands in an herbal concoction before and after training, helping to prevent blockages and improving blood flow and reducing swelling and pain. These herbal concoctions were typically made of a combination of angelica root, large-leaf gentian root and pseudo ginseng, which is known to stop bleeding, reduce swelling and alleviate pain. Another concoction, known as "Brightening Eyes," has been used by Shaolin monks to prevent physical and spiritual damages from occurring to the student's eyes during training.

    Philosophy

    • The philosophical aspect of Shaolin incorporates the mind, body and spirit into one practice. According to Shaolin philosophy, there are 10 Laws of Shaolin kung fu which must be observed at all times. A student found to be in violation of the 10 Laws may be asked to leave the monastery or training program. Examples of the 10 Laws include respecting the master and loving fellow disciples as family members, obligations to be humane and compassionate, and to train diligently.