Shaolin Kung Fu
Shaolin Kung Fu is a striking art originating in China and classified within the broader family of Chinese martial arts. Training centers on traditional forms associated with the Shaolin temple, the practice of fundamental stances, and physical conditioning. These elements are approached as interconnected components, with forms serving as structured sequences that develop coordination and body mechanics, stances building lower-body strength and stability, and conditioning work preparing the practitioner for the physical demands of the art.
As a striking discipline, training in this family of art generally emphasizes stand-up techniques and the development of functional body mechanics suited to those techniques. Practitioners typically spend considerable time drilling postures, movement patterns, and the coordinated use of hands, feet, and body positioning. Physical conditioning is a consistent element, supporting the endurance and structural strength that striking-oriented practice requires.
Several distinct sub-styles fall within the Shaolin Kung Fu tradition, each with its own particular emphasis. The Five Animals styles — comprising tiger, crane, leopard, snake, and dragon Shaolin sets — represent one major grouping within the art. Northern Shaolin is another recognized branch, associated with long-range kicking sets. Each of these sub-styles is covered in the sections below.
Styles & branches of Shaolin Kung Fu
Five Animals styles
Origin: China · Type: Striking · Lineage: Shaolin Kung Fu
tiger/crane/leopard/snake/dragon Shaolin sets
Northern Shaolin
Type: Striking · Lineage: Shaolin Kung Fu
northern Shaolin long-range kicking sets Wikipedia →
Gear to expect. Striking training typically calls for gloves, hand wraps, shin guards, and a mouthguard — your school will tell you exactly what, and when. New students rarely need to buy anything for a trial class.
Shaolin Kung Fu on Wikipedia →
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Classification and facts from our open-data taxonomy (Wikidata CC0 base + our editorial classification). Where a fact (like origin) isn't recorded, we leave it out rather than guess. Methodology.