Shaolin Wahnam Finland

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Shaolin Kungfu Training Programme
in Shaolin Wahnam


The Wahnam Shaolin Kungfu training programme offers the student a holistic path of the Shaolin arts in all their combatitive, health, mental and spiritual functions, and is used in all our kungfu schools all over the world. The syllabus is divided into 12 levels, all of which takes roughly one course to complete. Generally, one course lasts for 12 weeks of weekly classes, but alternative timetables may be provided as well. A level is completed when the student has succesfully acquired the skills and techniques relevant to the level, and has learned to apply them reasonably well.

Although our syllabus is quite comprehensive, what is presented in this outline is only a scratch at the surface of the true wealth and richness of the Shaolin arts. However, this framework is meant to provide the student with the fundamental kungfu skills in combat and force training, which are gradually deepened during progression in levels, and can be effectively used with all arts and techniques whether they're included in this syllabus or not.




Level 1: The Fundamentals of Shaolin Kungfu

Form:   Basic patterns, stances and footwork

Application:   Specific techniques

Force:   Zhang Zhuang (basic stances), One Finger Shooting Zen, leg stretching

Philosophy:   Dimensions, aims and brief history


Content:

  • 8 basic patterns of hand attack and defence
  • Basic stances –– Horse–Riding, Bow–Arrow, False–Leg, Single–Leg, Unicorn, Goat
  • Footwork –– forward, backward and sideways
  • Specific Techniques against simple punches, kicks, holds on wrist, and throws from standing position.
    Use "Single Tiger" against punches, "Lohan Strikes Drum" against kicks, "Rolling Thunder" against holds on wrist, and appropriate shifting step to Bow–Arrow Stance against throws
Level 2: Lohan Asks the Way

Form:   Basic set –– Lohan Asks the Way

Application:   4 basic hand attacks and defence from poise patterns

Force:   Zhang Zhuang with hand forms, Spacing, Timing, breath co–ordination

Philosophy:   Principles of attack and defence


Content:

  • Sparring mode–– pre–choice and self–choice
  • Principles –– Three Arrivals, Ask the Way, Safety First
Level 3: Black Tiger Steals Heart

Form:   Application Set 1 –– Black Tiger Steals Heart

Application:   Hand attacks in three–step sequences

Force:   Flow of movement, quick decision making, instant modification

Philosophy:   Principles of force training


Content:

  • Sparring mode –– changing patterns
  • Principles –– Gradual Progress, Perseverance, Techniques and Skills
Level 4: Fierce Tiger Speeds Across Valley

Form:   Application Set 2 –– Fierce Tiger Speeds through Valley, patterns for kicks and defence

Application:   Further hand attacks in three–step sequences, one–step kicking attacks and defence

Force:   Leg–stretching exercises

Philosophy:   Techniques, tactics and strategies


Content:

  • Sparring mode –– left or right, run–on sequence
  • Principles –– Soft against hard, exploiting opponent's weakness, avoiding his strong points
Level 5: Happy Bird Hops up Branch

Form:   Application Set 3 –– Happy Bird Hops up Branch

Application:   Combat sequences with kicking attacks

Force:   Exploding force

Philosophy:   Use of tactics


Content:

  • Tactics –– Feign weakness, pressing attack, breaking opponent's momentum
Level 6: Felling Tree with Roots

Form:   Application Set 4 –– Felling Tree with Roots

Application:   Combat sequences with holds and falls

Force:   Performing movements flowingly with force but without panting for breaths

Philosophy:   Use of Strategies


Content:

  • Strategies based on "Know Thyself, Know your Opponent"
Level 7: Cross–Roads at Four Gates

Form:   Cross–Roads at Four Gates

Application:   Combination Set of Four Gates

Force:   Solo performance as well as sparring with picture–perfect form, force speed but without panting

Philosophy:   Different levels of combat


Content:

  • "Cross–Roads at Four Gates" is a treasure of Shaolin Kungfu, enabling us experience profundity in simplicity
Level 8: Shaolin Staff

Form:   Flowing Water Staff

Application:   Against staff and other weapons

Force:   Hit, thrust, and eye sight training.

Philosophy:   Principles of weapon combat


Content:

  • Safety, certainty and decisiveness; avoiding strength and attacking weakness
Level 9: Shaolin Sabre

Form:   Plum Flower Single Sabre

Application:   Against sabre, spear and other weapons

Force:   Accuracy and "sabre force" to cut an apple or any suitable object for testing

Philosophy:   Characteristics of major weapons


Content:

  • Major weapons –– staff, sabre, spear, sword, dagger, big Knife, trident, soft whip
Level 10: Unarmed against Armed

Form:   Empty Hands Enter White Blade

Application:   Unarmed against dagger, staff and knife

Force:   Countering feign moves

Philosophy:   The principles and practice of Apparent and Real


Content:

  • "Over Bridge, Flow with Water"
Level 11: Single Unarmed against Multiple Unarmed

Form:   Tiger Enters Herd of Sheep

Application:   Single unarmed against multiple unarmed

Force:   "Bamboo Man" or "Through the Woods"

Philosophy:   "Back–wall battle" and "Dodge–hit battle"


Content:

  • Agility, stamina and endurance
Level 12: Single Unarmed and Armed against Multiple Armed

Form:   Dodge Hit

Application:   Single unarmed and armed against multiple armed

Force:   Dodging skills and using enemy as shields

Philosophy:   "Catch the Leader First" and "Break Through the Weakest"


Content:

  • Importance of mind and energy control
After level 12

It is worth to mention that completing level 12 certainly does not represent reaching a pinnacle in a practitioners kungfu training. Instead, it means that the student has reached a high enough level to take more responsibility of his own further training, although his Sifu will also still offer his teaching and assistance.

Level 12 typically marks increasing specialization and focusing in certain areas of kungfu practice.