NORTHERN SHAOLIN
- Styles -
Bak Sui-lam
The term Northern Shaolin (Bak Sui-lam in Cantonese) refers to a kung fu style that traces its lineage directly to the famed Shaolin Temple. Northern Shaolin is a northern, external style well known for its soft ‘ging‘ power, its kicking techniques, jumping techniques, and the large number of weapons within the system.
Northern Shaolin trains the fundamental techniques that form the basis of many kung fu styles. Having a good foundation in Northern Shaolin will give the student a solid base from which to learn advanced techniques. Training Northern Shaolin builds leg strength, flexibility, stability, soft energy, mobile footwork and long range technique.
Sifu Wan demonstrates the Gwan-dao
Soft Energy
The energy developed through training Northern Shaolin, although described as soft, is extremely powerful.
The term ‘soft energy‘ is used to describe power that is issued at the waist and travels through relaxed muscle to the technique being executed. Much like the energy transferred when a bullwhip is cracked. Soft energy produces power that penetrates much deeper than techniques using tense, muscular strength. Soft energy also is better for overall health, as it naturally circulates through the body without causing energy blockages, which often arise during tense, muscular power training.