Shaolin
Progression from foundational forms through advanced partner and weapons training, organized by rank. Select any rank to explore.
YMAA’s Shaolin Kung Fu program offers a dynamic and structured path for students seeking to build strength, coordination, discipline, and martial skill. Beginning with Long Fist forms (sequences) and foundational White Crane drills, students develop essential attributes such as stances, rooting, body structure, and power generation. These early stages emphasize clear body mechanics and strong fundamentals.
As training deepens, students expand their understanding through applications and partner work, while also being introduced to traditional weapons including staff, saber, short rods, sword, and spear. At the intermediate levels, the curriculum places greater responsibility on the student—challenging them to analyze techniques, understand underlying principles, and create their own matching sets. This process develops not only technical skill, but also the ability to think critically and approach training with the mindset of a teacher.
Notes:
• Shaolin ranks are represented by stripes worn on the right side of a student’s training pants. Each white stripe represents one level, while one red stripe signifies level five (Assistant Instructor), and two red stripes signifies level ten (Instructor).
• Qin Na (擒拿, qínná) means “Seize and Control” and is sometimes spelled “Chin Na.” Qin Na is trained in the Shaolin and Taiji programs.
• Shuai Jiao (摔角, shuāijiǎo) in this context refers to practical takedown methods used within training, rather than the standalone wrestling sport.
• There are twelve Tan Tui (彈腿, tàntuǐ “Springing Leg”), traditional Long Fist mini forms which teach students how to link basic stances and hand forms. They are trained at early stages but not tested in the ranking system.
