About Shaolin Wushu

Shaolin has become world renowned for it's martial arts training.

Chin Hock Tan is currently teaching Shaolin Martial Arts in Calgary, Alberta Canada. Tan has dedicated over 40 years to the promotion of traditional Shaolin Martial Arts.

Shaolin Training Program:

1. Fundamental Exercises: Exercise that are developed to build a strong basic foundation and to promote self-discipline, physical development, and the right mental attitude. Regular and consistent workouts will help students to build a good and strong basic foundation. These exercises consist of techniques applicable to real life situations. Regular practice will help students to develop these movements into second nature.

2. Floor/Wall Exercises: To develop speed, power and accuracy.

3. Sparring: This is to encourage students to apply their fundamental techniques, and also help students develop reflexes and control.

4. Quan (forms/patterns): Students are taught traditional and sophisticated 'quan' such as 'Yi Zhi Mei', Five Willows, tiger, monkey, crane, Shaolin 18 lohans and many more. Weapons such as the staff, monk spade, spear, sabre, sword, and other traditional Shaolin weapons are also taught in 'quan' and choreographed sparring. Our training program offers both hard and soft styles.

5. Qi-Gong: Qi Gong and Tai Qi have a common philosophical background. Qi-Gong movements are like Tai Qi, slow graceful, rhythmical and balanced. Exercises are short and repetitious movements, Qi Gong stretching, breathing, self-therapy and meditative posture exercises help to stimulate and balance your internal energy (Qi). Qi is responsible for the healthy functioning of the body. Daily practice of Qi Gong is rewarding, resulting in both physical health and psychological well-being.

6. Hand and Leg Conditioning: Interested students can also look forward to learn how to condition their hands, legs and body. Conditioning of both hands and legs can also be entertaining by performing the breaking of concrete slabs, bricks, porcelain bowls, watermelons and many more. This type of training is often known as "Iron Palm" in the west. In Shaolin, we call this 'Ying Song' training. Such training requires strict discipline as injuries can occur externally and internally. Because of the nature of the training self-discipline and emotional control is strictly required.

Traditionally, Shaolin does not have levels or coloured sashes. Coloured sashes are occasionally used for different uniforms (occasions). Belt levels are not introduced because we believe that it gives a student a false sense of security. Coloured belts approach presently in this 'Martial Arts Society' are partially commercial and also makes some students arrogant and egotistical.