Shaolin & External Styles

Shaolin Kung Fu is the beating heart of external Chinese martial arts. Rooted in the legendary Shaolin Temple and shaped by centuries of discipline, these styles emphasize physical strength, explosive technique, and dynamic form. External Kung Fu is not just about fighting—it’s about mastering the body to elevate the mind. To train externally is to forge strength through movement and spirit through repetition.

What Are External Styles?

External styles focus on:

  • Muscular power and speed
  • Visible technique and form
  • Conditioning through repetition and resistance
  • Combat readiness and self-defense

While internal styles cultivate energy flow and subtle control, external styles build visible strength and explosive action. They often serve as the foundation for martial arts training before deeper internal practices are introduced.

Shaolin Kung Fu: The Origin

Shaolin Kung Fu originated over 1,500 years ago in the Henan province’s Shaolin Temple. It blends Buddhist philosophy with rigorous physical training and includes:

  • Forms (套路): Over 1,000 choreographed routines
  • Stances: Horse stance, bow stance, and more for stability and power
  • Strikes: Open-hand, closed-fist, elbow, and knee techniques
  • Conditioning: Iron body training, flexibility drills, and endurance work
  • Weapons: Staff, sword, spear, and more

Shaolin Kung Fu is often considered the most comprehensive and influential external style in Chinese martial arts.

Other External Styles

Northern Styles

  • Long Fist (Changquan): Emphasizes extended strikes and acrobatic kicks
  • Chaquan, Huaquan, Bajiquan: Known for their fluidity, power, and battlefield origins

Southern Styles

  • Hung Gar: Strong stances and powerful hand techniques
  • Wing Chun: Close-range combat, centerline theory, and economy of motion
  • Choy Li Fut: Combines circular movements with explosive strikes

These styles reflect regional differences in terrain, philosophy, and combat needs.

Training Principles

  • Hard Style Conditioning: Iron palm, iron body, and resistance drills
  • Forms & Applications: Practicing routines for muscle memory and combat flow
  • Sanda (Chinese Kickboxing): A modern sport derived from traditional techniques
  • Demonstration vs. Combat: Balancing performance with practicality

External training builds not just fighters—but disciplined, focused individuals.

Shaolin and external Kung Fu styles are a celebration of human potential. They teach that strength is earned, discipline is cultivated, and mastery is a lifelong journey. Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of Wing Chun or the intensity of Shaolin forms, external Kung Fu offers a path to physical and mental transformation.