Shaolin Kung Fu
Around fifteen centuries ago, a Buddhist monk and former Indian Prince named Bodhidharma traveled from India to China to support the Buddhist monks there. He found that they were weak from lack of activity and were sometimes assaulted by robbers. He taught them meditational exercises to improve their qi (internal energy), and several movements to increase their strength and physical well-being.
Gradually, these Shaolin monks added complexity to the movements, and built-in an increasing number of self-defense applications that they later named Kung Fu, which translates to hard work over time. Through focus and dedication to this martial art, Kung Fu developed into many styles and volumes of combat techniques which eventually spread throughout the world.
Wu Shen Tao teaches traditional Northern-Style Shaolin Kung Fu via methods passed down through generations of Wudang Dragon Gate Pai and Tien Shan Pai masters. Students begin with fundamental drills, such as Wubuquan and Tan Tui, which improve balance and strength. Subsequently, training progresses through families of forms that provide coordination and power for self-defense. This includes various techniques of Shaolin Liu He, Tien Shan Pai, and other Shaolin “open-hand” forms, as well as forms with weapons such as staff, sword, spear, and kwon dao.
“Traditional” Kung Fu means that a great deal of respect and care is used to convey the techniques as taught by the masters of our lineage. As such, Wu Shen Tao training does not include any acrobatics, flashy uniforms, or screams. In addition, sashes (belt levels) are not emphasized in our program and ranking tests are infrequent. Our focus is on preserving the foundation of this amazing martial art, which is both graceful and fierce, and both beautiful and lethal.
Training is tailored to each individual, so teen and adult students of all fitness levels, and skill levels are welcome.
For more information, or to attend a complimentary session, please reach out to us at wstkungfu@outlook.com