Northern Shaolin Kung Fu is one of the most widely known styles of Kung Fu (thanks in large part to the popularity of Jet Li – Northern Shaolin was his original style). This style places great emphasis on long range techniques, quick retreats and quick advances, leaping and kicking, wide stances, quickness, aggressive attacks, agility and whirling circular blocks. Movements are practiced by students until they become second-nature, or instinctive.
History Of Northern Shaolin Kung Fu
Northern Shaolin Kung Fu is mainly associated with a man named Ku Yu Cheung, although its origins can be traced back to a Shaolin Monk named Zhao Yuan. It was he who first taught it to a lay disciple, Gan Fengchi, allowing the spread of the style. Ku was the song of a prominent martial artist, and as a young man traveled throughout Northern China to learn all the kung fu styles of the area. He then collected them into what is now known as Northern Shaolin Kung Fu.
About The Style
Northern Shaolin Kung Fu was initially taught at the Shaolin Temple. The temple was built by a king for a Buddhist monk of Indian origin. This monk then decided that since the other monks living there did not show any proper signs of good nutrition, and also looked like they lacked a lot of exercise, they were not able to concentrate well during their hours of meditation. Concluding that a healthy body will always have a healthy mind, this system was started by the monk. This also led to the increase of ones vital energy. Therefore this exercise or style of kung fu was devised with fitness and self defense in mind.
Some of these exercises were the basis of many a boxing style. People started joining the monastery as monks and they brought in their own indigenious styles along with them. This gave more opportunities to learn a plethora of styles and the hence Northern Kung Fu was transformed to a martial art that was ever improving and always heading towards perfection.
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