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Synopses
5 Shaolin Kung Fu was developed as the pinnacle of Shaolin Style. In a time when Animal, Insect and other Kung Fu styles were abound, Shaolin Warrior Monks and Abbot developed the ultimate style. A style that incorporates almost all aspects of Kung Fu into 4 quadrants; each having a clear advantage and disadvantage, each meant to challenge the practitioner in a different way!
The Shaolin Kung Fu and Traditional Chinese Weaponry Academy - 5 Animal Curriculum is in two parts (Yang & Yin). The first 10 levels introduce you to the concepts of Shaolin 5 Animal Kung Fu progressively to allow you to identify which is your style, your animal. This is important as you specialisation after Black Sash requires you to first become a master of the style which is most familiar to you before progressing.
Bare Hand Syllabus
Each of the 9 levels of 10 Brown Sash have a very similar format although as the levels progress there is a little more in each. You can have a look at the details by clicking on any of the headers or Chinese numerals below.
The key elements of each level are the techniques and these need to be know well to pass. From these techniques, Stances are considered most important and than blocks. Punches, kicks, strikes, elbows, knees, forearms, shin and he ad are initially used as attacking techniques but you also learn to "make every block a strike and every strike a block.
The second component of each level is flow which includes Drills, Routines and a form. The third segment is application and includes up to 5 different sparring styles and up to three unique Self Defence techniques per level (although sparring is optional, not a grading requirement). The 4th segment is theory and each level has 5 relevant questions to answer. Finally, the 5th segment is about the 5 S's. Stretch, Strength, Stamina, Stature and Speed (& Coordination).
Below is a brief description of each level but you can have a closer look at any and all levels as each have a page of their own.
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Brief Overview of each level |
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L01 - Grey Sash is specifically designed for students to get to know the basics of Shaolin Kung Fu. It also focuses very much on the Safety aspect of Shaolin Kung Fu under the principle "Pain - no Brain". You are also introduced to some very fundamental and sometimes considered secret techniques. One of these on this level is the Stone Breaking Punch, possibly the most powerful of all punches and the key foundation for a very well know martial arts.
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L02 - White Sash is the 1st Tiger level. It introduces you to the basic concepts of the Shaolin Tiger and continues developing your Shaolin Kung Fu foundation. You will be introduced to some spectacular techniques, principles and thinking including another punch that is considered unbeatable and at the core of a very famous and well know Chinese Martial Art. You will also be introduced to the first frame of the 1st Shaolin 5 Animal Form; which also includes the system of Shaolin Tiger Claws.
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L3 - Yellow Sash is the 1st Panther level; possibly the most complex of all the Kung Fu styles. There is a strong emphasis on Posture and Balance in this level in addition to some very interesting techniques including two 1000 year old Stance Postures, some very practical and super quick blocks. We continue our exploration of the 1st Shaolin 5 Animal Form with the Shaolin Panther Set! As a special feature is the Panther Elbow System; very cool and very effective!
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L4 - Orange Sash is focused on the third aspect of 5 Animal Kung Fu, the graceful & beautiful Crane. Where the panther is the most complex, the Crane can be the most difficult to perform. It teaches the way of Wind & Water, the art of not being there. This level is dedicated to style and elegance. The 3rd Frame of the Shaolin 5 Animal Form is learned as well as the graceful Cranes Wing Exercise.
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L05 - Green Sash completes the 5 primary levels by focusing on the Snake aspect of the 5 Animal Style. You are introduced to the concepts of the Snake including Precision, patience & Purpose. Some aspects of Poison Hand and Dim Mak are explored together with pressure point focus. The 4th and final frame of the 5 Animal Form will complete the 1st Shaolin 5 Animal Form. You will also learn the Snake Hand System.
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L06 - Red Sash the first of the 5 senior levels, you revisit the Tiger but in greater death and skill. Your focus is on increasing your 'Core Strength' Power and the ability to apply this as a direct Force. Some seemingly simple but very advanced techniques are included that will surprise you. The Shaolin tiger Claw System is revisited and finds a new meaning. You also learn the 3rd Shaolin form; the Shaolin Fighting Tiger
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L7 - Purple Sash is a powerful level which introduces you to the 'deeper' details of footwork and foundation of the Shaolin Panther. You develop the power of the mind, thinking and strategies are focused with the introduction to Kung Fu deception, deterring and dividing as a form of Strategy. You also learn the 1000 year old Shaolin Black Panther form. traditionally, this form and type of form is taught behind closed doors and only to the most trusted students. Why? This form can teach the unthinkable!
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L8 - Blue Sash is the advanced level of the Shaolin Crane. Beauty, agility, grace, posture and gentleness is learned, as a way of winning without anyone loosing; unless they are very stubborn. You also learn an updated version of the Shaolin Butterfly Crane Form; a form that has won more national and international awards than any other. But it is not easy.
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L9 - Navy Sash revisits the Shaolin Snake. Dedicated to precision, accuracy, speed and patience, this level is the last of the advanced 5 Animal levels before Black Sash. it also has the most complex of all forms, the Shaolin White Snake Form. As the Snake is the master of Dim Mak, the Shaolin White Snake Form has strong foundation in Active Chi Kung.
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10 - Brown Sash is a preparation and consolidation level. For a period of 12 months you focus on those aspects of your Kung Fu that worked least for you. It is in essence a level of holding, preparing for your 2½ day Black Sash Grading. Most training is done on your own or in one on one sessions. You may even assist in class and do other related items. Everyone who reached this level has managed it!
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Shaolin Kung Fu - Tiger Claw Set
Sifu Sarah demonstrating the Shaolin Kama Square pattern
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5 Animal Curriculum
