Shaolin Lohan Kung Fu Techniques

Shaolin Lohan Kung Fu is traditionally a northern Chinese style of Kung Fu and is one of the most prominent northern styles of Chinese martial arts. The Lohan style originally consisted of 18 forms. Shaolin master Zhue Yuen collaborated with two other masters to expand these 18 forms into 128 movements that were then divided into the five Shaolin animal forms of the tiger, snake, dragon, leopard and crane. Today the art is taught within 35 chambers of study, and based on tradition it should take a minimum of 25 years to become a Grand Master. Shaolin Lohan Kung Fu incorporates kicking, leaping and long-range techniques with wide stances, quick advances and aggressive attacks.

  1. Dragon

    • The dragon is a powerful animal that represents internal strength. It was derived from Chinese mythology and had the ability to fly and change forms. In Shaolin Lohan Kung Fu, the dragon consists of Chin Na techniques, which include seizing, holding and grappling. It teaches basic palm and fist movements such as the dragon claw, which is a primary hand technique. The dragon also teaches proper breathing, which includes taking relaxed breaths using the lower body to pull in air. Breathing techniques are essential to learning the dragon, as this develops power, strength and flexibility.

    Tiger

    • The tiger extends on basic dragon techniques to produce more brutal effects. For instance, the dragon claw is a grab and hold technique, while the tiger claw uses the fingers to attack the face, neck, arms, wrist or groin of the opponent, tearing the skin. The tiger consists of hard-pressing attacks, palm strikes and kicking techniques like the tiger tail kick.

    Leopard

    • The leopard is taught after the tiger because it incorporates aspects of the power and strength of the tiger with clever and deceitful techniques. This form focuses on quick and short movements, strong stances and fist techniques like the leopard fist, which aims for the throat, solar plexus and groin of the opponent.

    Snake

    • The snake is considered one of Shaolin's best kept secrets, as it does not use muscular strength but instead is aggressive by attacking the vulnerable pressure points of the opponent. This style uses open fists, rather than closed and centers on relaxed energy followed by pinpoint striking.

    Crane

    • The crane is the final Shaolin Lohan animal form and focuses on longevity, as the crane's nature is calm and meditative. It centers on balance, by incorporating one-legged stances and practices patience by never initiating an attack. Instead, the crane waits for the opponent to attack and stays calm at all times. Techniques consist of long-extended strikes, often targeting the temple and hand strikes using the fingers to form an imitated beak. This is the most advanced form.