Shaolin

San Lu Pao (三路跑, sānlùpǎo) means “Three Ways of Running” and is an advanced Northern Shaolin Long Fist form. Sometimes Pao is translated as 炮 (pào), which means explosiveness. This form trains speed, root, and power (Jin). This level requires a strong sense of opponent. The techniques must become more alive and less like a recited exhibition. Notably longer than previous sequences, San Lu Pao requires endurance. This form will serve as the foundation to all of your subsequent advanced Long Fist training.

Qi Xing (七星, qīxīng) means “Seven Stars” and is a Shaolin White Crane form. It is the first barehand solo sequence in White Crane. Although there are only a few techniques, the sequence includes 3 basic Jins that are essential for all White Crane stylists so master.

Bagua Dao (八卦刀, bāguà dāo) means “Eight Trigrams Saber” and is an advanced Northern Shaolin Long Fist saber form. It originates from Bagua, an internal style of martial arts, and was adapted into the Long Fist style. The Bagua saber is larger and heavier than its Long Fist counterpart.

Jiandan Daofa Duilian (簡單刀法對練, jiǎndān dāofǎ duìliàn) means “Simple Saber Matching Practice” and is an exercise for evaluating a student’s understanding of the saber. With a partner, students must create 5 short repeating routines that demonstrate offensive and defensive techniques based in correct saber theory.

Kongshou Dui Dandao (空手對單刀, kōngshǒu duì dāndāo) means “Barehand vs. Single Saber.” At this level, students should have learned enough techniques to construct a 2-person barehand vs. saber matching set. Together with a partner, students must work together to analyze and compile techniques together into a workable sequence.