On this page you will find more detailed information about the open hand forms we teach. Many of them originated in the early days of the Shaolin Temple and therefore belong to the oldest existing Kung Fu techniques.

Five Stances Fist. Wu Bu Quan is a short sequence connecting the 5 basic stances by means of simple moves. This form serves as a preparation for learning Shaolin Quan Kung Fu. Students learn the correct stances and how to move naturally. Wu Bu Quan contains the 5 basic stances: Ma Bu (Horse Stance), Gong Bu (Bow and Arrow Stance), Xu Bu (Empty Stance), Xie Bu (Twisted Stance) and Pu Bu (deep, squatted stance).

Connected Fist. This form is taught right after Wu Bu Quan. It is short, simple and very dynamic. Lian Huan Quan further deepens the basic stances and improves strength and stamina.

Small Red Fist. The Xiao Hong Quan is one of the basic techniques in Shaolin Quan and the first "big" form every student in Shaolin has to learn. The repetitive changes between high and low stances develop the practitioner's agility and sense of balance and improve coordination between the movements of hands, eyes, legs and body. Movements are quick and simple; attack and defence are precise.

Spreading Power from the Back Boxing. This form consists of a variety of unorthodox movements and tricks to confuse or deceive the opponent. Attacks are fast and instantly withdrawn. This makes them come at a high rate which puts the opponent under constant pressure. Many techniques derive from Xiao Hong Quan, Da Hong Quan and Monkey Fist.

Big Red Fist. Da Hong Quan is an extended Shaolin form developed from Xiao Hong Quan and is taught to advanced students. It is one of the representative forms of Shaolin Quan. This form is famous for its compact structure, distinct attacking and defending, moderate raising and falling and boasts of unexpected tricky moves.

Fist Of Arhat. This form is to be executed with fast, powerful and direct moves. It strengthens the body, and improves the speed of reaction as well as the coordination of movements and breathing.

Seven Star Boxing. It imitates the places of the seven stars in the northern hemisphere, embodying the connection of the human being and the heavens. While performing, the practitioner often changes his directions, using very little force to counter the enemy’s hard attacks.

Five Forms, Eight Methods. This form consists of movements of the 5 classic animals in Shaolin Kung Fu (Tiger, Dragon, Crane, Snake and Leopard) and shows a variety of movements for attacking and defending.

The Shaolin Quan is an essence of traditional Shaolin Quan Kung Fu. Some of its techniques derive from other forms such as Qi Xing or Luohan Quan. They are, however, slightly altered and modified. A couple of jump kicks featuring 360° body twists as well as several complex sequences of moves that are to be executed with high speed put high demands on the practitioner's technical abilities.