TEMPLE KUNG FU
INTRODUCTION TO SHAOLIN KUNG FU
Shaolin Kung Fu is one of he world's oldest and most revered martial traditions, born in the legendary Shaolin Temple of China over 1,500 years ago. More than a fighting system, it is a complete path of discipline that unites body, mind, and spirit. Rooted in Chan (Zen) and Taoist philosophy, Shaolin Kung Fu teaches not only self-defense but also self-mastery, developing strength, flexibility, endurance, and mental focus through rigorous training and meditation.
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The art is renowned for its dynamic blend of powerful strikes, fluid movements, and animal-inspired forms that embody both ferocity and grace. Shaolin practitioners train not only to fight but to cultivate balance, resilience, and inner peace. At Temple Kung Fu, we preserve this living tradition, passing down the essence of Shaolin: discipline, respect, and harmony between strength and compassion.
WING CHUN - THE FOUNDATION
Wing Chun is the entry point into Temple Kung Fu training. It is a Southern Chinese martial art renowned for its practicality, efficiency, and directness. Developed in the 17th century and passed down through generations of masters, Wing Chun is designed for real-world self-defense, favoring economy of motion and structure over brute strength.
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At its core, Wing Chun teaches practitioners how to remain relaxed and centered, even in the midst of conflict. Techniques emphasize close-range combat, using rapid strikes, trapping hands, and sensitivity drills to overcome larger, stronger opponents. The art is famous for its practice of Chi Sau (Sticky Hands), which trains reflexes, timing, and the ability to sense and redirect an opponent's energy.
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For beginners at Temple Kung Fu, Wing Chun provides a solid base in coordination, stance, and body mechanics while introducing the philosophy of simplicity and directness that flows through the entire system. Students quickly learn that Wing Chun is not only about defending against attacks, but about cultivating awareness, adaptability, and calm focus; qualities that serve them in martial arts practice and daily life.
HUNG GAR - STRENGTH AND ENDURANCE
Hung Gar represents the intermediate stage of training at Temple Kung Fu. Originating in Southern China, Hung Gar is famous for its deep stances, powerful strikes, and strong, rooted techniques. Where Wing Chun emphasizes speed, economy, and sensitivity, Hung Gar focuses on building strength, structure, and endurance, forging the body into a resilient vessel capable of both power and grace.​
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Hung Gar is known for embodying the spirit of the Tiger and Crane. The Tiger represents courage, ferocity, and explosive strength, while the Crane symbolizes balance, precision, and inner calm. Together, these qualities create a style that is both devastating in combat and deeply refined in form. Training includes long, flowing hand sets, disciplined stances, and breathing techniques that cultivate internal energy while strengthening tendons, buscles, and bones.
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At Temple Kung Fu, Hung Gar forms the bridge between the close-range efficiency of Wing Chun and the expansive, fluid movements of the Internal Arts studied in the advanced stage. Students at this stage learn not only how to deliver overwhelming power, but also how to temper it with discipline, control, and respect; the hallmarks of true martial maturity.
THE INTERNAL ARTS - HARMONY OF MOTION
After students have developed the fundamentals of speed, efficiency, and structure through Wing Chun and the rooted strength and endurance of Hung Gar, they are introduced to the internal arts, the advanced form of training at Temple Kung Fu. These arts emphasize the cultivation of internal energy (chi), fluid movement, and the union of body and mind, transforming martial practice into a profound spiritual discipline.
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Tai Chi (Taijiquan) - The Way of Harmony
Tai Chi is a martial art of grace and subtlety, practiced through slow, flowing movements that conceal deep martial applications. It emphasizes relaxation, balance, and the circulation of internal energy, making it both a powerful system of self-defense and a form of moving meditation. Through Tai Chi, students learn to yield rather than resist, redirecting force with softness and precision. Its practice fosters health, longevity, and inner peace, while also sharpening awareness and sensitivity in combat.
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Hing I (Xingiquan) - The Way of Direct Power
Hsing I is often described as the most straightforward of the Internal Arts. Rooted in explosive linear movements, it channels internal energy into decisive power. Based on the Five Elements and Twelve Animal forms, Hsing I teaches practitioners to move with unstoppable intent, embodying the principle of simplicity and focus. For advanced students, Hsing I builds the ability to unify mind, intent, and body into a single act of power, training both martial decisiveness and unwavering clarity of will.
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Baguazhang - The Way of Change
Baguazhang is the most intricate of the Internal Arts, distinguished by its circular walking patterns and spiraling movements. Practitioners continuously shift, evade, and flow, creating a style that embodies adaptability and transformation. Symbolically tied to the Eight Trigrams of the I Ching, Baguazhang teaches not only artistic agility but also the wisdom of change and impermanence. Its practice develops flexibility, coordination, and a profound ability to respond fluidly to any situation, whether martial or otherwise.
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Together, Tai Chi, Hsing I, and Baguazhang complete the basics of the Temple Kung Fu curriculum, guiding students from the outer strength of the body to the inner strength of spirit. At this stage, martial practice becomes not only about combat, but about harmony, resilience, and self-realization.
