Mountain Gate Academy

Shan Men Shaolin Gong Fu Curriculum

Below is a full overview of our curriculum outlining the major forms of all levels as well as all of the other required knowledge and themes to progress through the Shan Men system.

We are creating reference pages for each form including information about the form, a reference video and the steps for the public record, as well as supporting content for all other elements. Students also have access to further video and blog content.

Please see our training page for how to go about your training and how to become a student of the school to access additional instructional content, support and assistance from our teachers.

Level 1 – White Sash – Foundations

Theme

At the White Sash level the focus of training is on creating a base that is stable, comprehensive and that will prepare the student for all that will follow.

Functionally the student is developing the skills of developing engagement, gaining emotional control, maintaining a barrier to the opponent, and controlling the opponent through the barrier.

Foundations

1. Etiquette – the salute, walking on and off the floor and the mental trigger for sacred space
2. Process of grading, requirements
3. Foundation concepts
• Breathing – in through the nose and out mouth, breathing should be natural and allow the body to find the correct breathing for the circumstance(taking into account Qi Gong and power fists),
• Muscular Synergism – using the body as a whole instead of just and arm or leg(example of the lifting the toes to lift the leg),
• Ji Ha- every movement has both an expand and compress (yin and yang to the movement),
• Ethics – expanding the consciousness in harmony with the human spirit and through it respecting the dignity of all. Tangible results to keep us honest, health and fitness developing together. Wellness is the natural state and practice should reflect this,
• History – basic history of Shaolin Gong Fu and MGA.

Warm up and Conditioning

1. Mobility – releasing and nourishing the joints
2. Pliability – releasing the muscles and range of movement
3. Knee Releases – prep for healthy Ji Ben Gong
4. Strength work –Every exercise should be performed in harmony with the breathing and performed only to the point of loss of form to invigorate the body.
5. Six Harmony joint conditioner

Ji Ben Gong Block

• Spiralling Exercises
• Leg swings – front, side, outside, inside, diagonal,
• Toe Kick and Punch
• Heel kick and Palm
• Slap foot
• Single Front Jump Step
• Slap foot twice into Jump Step
• Penetrating Fist
• Flood Palm
• Striking Laterally
• Single Whip
• Face palms in horse step
• Three Star Iron Bridge
• Returning to a standing position

Power fists

1. Metal Element fist
2. Earth Element Fist

Forms

• Wu Bu Quan (Five Step Fist) – Qi Ban Tao Lu
  Shaolin Wu Bu Quan offers a comprehensive base of the five major stepping actions supported by foundation hand and kicking structures. Shaolin Wu Bu Quan is a form that is visited again and again and is an excellent physical conditioner especially in repetition.

Challenge/Solution Set Analogies

1. First Assail
2. Second Assail
3. Third Assail
4. Fourth Assail

Other

1. Shadow boxing
2. Free Sparring basic – relaxed back and forth with ‘show’ contact
3. Perception development exercises – entering space to find point of confront, contact drills –show, touch, push at white belt
4. Challenge/Solution – varied challenges to explore capacity
5. Breathing exercises – first from Pliability and learning to Fang Sung(re-centre)

Training Time: 3 months

Grading to Level 2

Level 2 – Yellow Sash – Short Power Functionality

Theme

Expanding the base of foundation movements and combinations. Functionally the student learns how to compress their barrier in response to a stronger or exceptionally aggressive opponent. Close in weapons such as knees, elbows, shoulders, hips and so on take on a greater emphasis at this level of work.

Jiben Gong

• Rebound Fist
• Turning kick
• Step up side kick
• Back kick
• Kick Combination – Toe, Heel, Turning, Side, Back
• Close in defence
• Close in counter attack
• Sticking and trapping

Power fists

• Wood Element Fist

Forms

• Lien Huan Quan (Linked Rings Boxing) – Ji Ben Tao Lu
  Lien Huan Quan functionally expands the principles covered in Wu Bu Quan. This form has no repetition and moves smoothly from one complete function to the next.

All of the steps of this form are easily interchangeable, functionally, which creates a seamless transition from one application to the next, giving Lien Huan Quan its name.

Challenge/Solution Set Analogies

1. First Assail
2. Second Assail
3. Third Assail
4. Fourth Assail

Training Time: 3 months

Grading to Level 3

Level 3 – Orange Sash – Long Power Functionality

Theme

Ji Ben Gong expands greatly to encompass more of the spin sweep, jump kick, whirlwind fist, and combination work. At this level the student learns to use a much more elastic barrier for defence and to develop power at the extremities. Fast, fluid footwork and evasion, Qin Na, and an expanded technical base develops buoyancy in defence against single and multiple opponents, unarmed and armed. At this level a student may commence regular weaponry training.

Jiben Gong

• Sweep hand and punch, Horse step punch, forward step reverse punch
• Unicorn raises its head
• Whirlwind step
• Reversed Whirlwind step
• Reverse Spin Sweep
• Front Spin Sweep
• Crescent step, Sweep Hand Punch into horse step elbow
• Pu bu into gong bu punch
• Outside Swing into Back Heel Kick

Power Fists

• Fire Element Fist

Forms

• Lien Huan Chang Quan (Linked Rings Long Boxing) – Ji Ben Tao Lu
  This form completes the trilogy of Ji Ben Tao Lu that is the foundation of Shan Men Shaolin Quan. Lien Huan Chang Quan is physically more demanding than the previous forms and more fluid in its movements.

Weapons

• Weapon Jiben Gong
• Qi Mei Gun
• Weapon Challenge Solution

Challenge/Solution Set Analogies

1. First Assail
2. Second Assail
3. Third Assail
4. Fourth Assail

Free Sparring

Training Time: 3 months

Grading to Level 4

Level 4 – Green Sash – Foundation unification

Theme

Up to this point there has been quite a lot of information to take in so at this level we are looking to unify the previous work as well as return to the style that started it all – Eighteen Hands of Lohan. With the student having a strong base they have the space and ability to explore the evolution of Quan Fa through the forms that follow. The Student also requires a foundation in Shaolin Pole before progressing further.

Forms

• Shi Ba Shou Lohan (Shaolin Eighteen Hands of Lohan) – Tao Lu
  The Eighteen Hands of Lohan sets the conceptual foundation of Shaolin Boxing. This form is small but contains layers upon layers of functionality. The Eighteen Hands of Lohan teaches direct and effective applications that can be used with even minimal training.

Power fists

• Water Element Fist

Challenge/Solution Set Analogies

1. First Assail
2. Second Assail
3. Third Assail
4. Fourth Assail

Training Time: 3 months

Grading to Level 5

Level 5 – Blue Sash – Expansion of form

Theme

Having set a strong foundation the student can now expand their understanding and ability in classical Gong Fu. Exploring greater subtlety in functionality and stepping into intermediate work.

Jiben Gong

• Lotus Cutting Sweep
• Tong Bei fist, Rebound Fist (Trap/backfist)
• Hong palm, inside, inside
• Split leg into Xie Xing (Striking Laterally)
• Dan Bian (Single Whip) into uppercut Shrink Step
• Pu Bu into Unicorn raises head
• Leg swings –clap front, full inside
• Heel kick twice into Mandarin Duck Heel Kick
• Cross front turning kick, cross behind side kick, spin hook kick
• Outside Swing into whirlwind step into Reverse Sweep, Chain Front sweep
• Back Heel Kick into reverse sweep
• Sweep Hand Reverse punch, side tumble, scissor wind, kneel palms together
• Fall on split legs
• Disbursement of force

Forms

• Xiao Hong Quan (Small Red Boxing) – Tao Lu
  Xiao Hong Quan is probably the most well known fist form from the Song Shan Shaolin Temple. Xiao Hong Quan covers all the basics of classical Chinese Gong Fu with a broad range of functions. The movements of Xiao Hong Quan are deliberate and dignified and the heroic character of Shaolin is easily visible in this form. This form contains great subtlety and is a true treasure from the classical world.
• Shaolin Dan Dao (Shaolin Single Broadsword) – Ji Ben Tao Lu
  Shaolin Dan Dao teaches the fundamentals of Broadsword work. The movements are direct and each wall of the form expands the functions of the previous wall. This form allows the student to develop a strong foundation and conditions the student to be able to use the weapon effectively.

Challenge/Solution Set Analogies

1. First Assail
2. Second Assail
3. Third Assail
4. Fourth Assail

Training Time: 3 months

Grading to Level 6

Level 6 – Purple Sash – Imitative (Animal) Boxing

Theme

Imitative Boxing was created as a way of exploring the development of the psyche through the creation of minds. At this level the student learns how to use the Five Animal Styles to change the levels of agreement within Challenge/Response and gains usable tools for self-defence and personal development not just some cool animal moves.

Forms

• Wu Xing Ba Fa Quan (Eight Laws of the Five Animals Boxing) – Ji Ben Tao Lu
  Wu Xing Ba Fa Quan teaches the concepts and foundations of Shaolin Five Animal Gong Fu. The interaction of the Tiger, Crane, Leopard, Snake and Dragon give this form its character. This form teaches the student how to seemingly change personality to change the dynamic of combat.

Challenge/Solution Set Analogies

1. First Assail
2. Second Assail
3. Third Assail
4. Fourth Assail

Training Time: 3 months

Grading to Level 7

Level 7 – Brown Sash – unification and step into advanced form

Theme

With the student working strongly through the intermediate levels, this level grounds the student with strong, direct styles and a revisit to the foundations in preparation for Black Sash.

Jiben Gong

• Iron Palm
• Power Testing

Forms

• Da Mo Quan (Bodhidharma Boxing) – Tao Lu
  Da Mo Quan is a powerful and direct system of boxing. This form contains many battlefield style functions with strong striking and kicking methods and many Qin Na and grappling functions.

Training Time: 6 months

Grading to Level 8

Level 8 – Brown/Red Sash – unification and advanced function

Theme

As the final level before Black Sash and the completion of the base apprenticeship in Shan Men Shaolin Quan this level requires the student to step up and meet the challenges, and rewards, of the higher levels of practice. At this level the student can now use their experience to choose a form that they feel brings out their strengths and personality.

Forms

• Yi Lu Da Tong Bei Quan (First Road Greater Penetrating Boxing) – Tao Lu
  Yi Lu Da Tong Bei Quan explores the functionality of “Burdened Down” combat – meaning the fighting of groups of opponents where at least one is grappling with you while the others attack.

Also the student chooses one form from the following list to demonstrate for their Black Sash examination.

• Da Pao Quan (Great Cannon Boxing)
• Yi Lu Jiao Yang Quan (First Road Greet the Sun Boxing)
• Di Tang Mei Hua Quan (Close to the Ground Plum Blossom Boxing)
• Yin Shou Gun (Yin Hand Pole) – Tao Lu
  Yin Shou Gun teaches how to use the pole in unfavourable situations, such as when the pole is bound or smothered by the opponent. By realizing the potential of the Yin Hand the pole fighter can shorten and lengthen the pole at will making them equally dangerous in close and at a longer range.

Training Time: 6 months

Grading to Level 9

Level 9 – Black Sash

Theme

Having accomplished the base apprenticeship the student now explores the high-end intermediate work into advanced. At this level and above, having set a complete foundation there is a mix of compulsory and elective elements. This allows the student to develop a style that is best for them.

Jiben Gong

Advanced combinations and applications of foundation movements

Power Fists

• Eagle Claw
• 2nd Fire Punching
• Black Tiger

Forms

• Yi Lu Da Hong Quan (1st Road Great Hong Boxing)
• Er Lu Da Hong Quan (2nd Road Great Hong Boxing)
• San Lu Da Hong Quan (3rd Road Great Hong Boxing)

In addition the student must demonstrate three elective boxing forms from the rest of the curriculum – there are many forms to choose from not just those listed above. The following is a list of the remaining core forms within the curriculum.

• Shaolin Small Spring Legs
• Praying Mantis Fist
• Small Cannon Fist
• Refined Lohan Fist
• Old Style Hong Fist
• Small Penetrating Fist
• Seven Star Fist
• Protecting the Heart Gate Fist
• Emperor Tai Zu’s Long Fist
• Plum Blossom Fist
• Catching the Wind Palms
• Buddha’s Warrior Attendant Fist
• North Eastern Fist
• Five Animal Fist
• Eagle Claw Fist
• Monkey Fist
• Drunken Fist
• Crossed Pattern Tiger Taming Southern Fist
• White Eyebrow Southern Fist
• White Crane Buddhist Fist
• Eight Trigram Palms
• Five Element Form and Will Fist
• Wudang Supreme Ultimate Fist
• White Ape Leaving the Cave Pole
• Sleeping Dragon Broadsword
• Fifth Patriarch Straight Sword
• Yang Family Spear
• Wolf Teeth Mace
• Spring Autumn Great Sword
• Bodhidharma Crescent Spade
• Bandit Sword
• Military Trident
• Double Pegged Batons
• Shaolin Double Broadswords
• Shaolin Double Maces
• Wind Fire Wheels
• Ring Daggers
• Double Hook Swords
• Umbrella
• Iron Fan
• Three Sectional Staff
• Shaolin Whistling Staff
• Nine Section Steel Whip

Training time: 18 months

Level 10 – Black Sash 2nd Degree and above

At these levels there is a greater emphasis on the cultivation of depth within the work as well as expanding the practitioner’s technical and functional base. Every technique, form or weapon is open for study to practitioners of Level 10 and above.

Each level from Level 10 and above requires a grading demonstration of two forms that have been learnt at the current level. This is in addition to all of the other forms previously learnt from Level 9 and up.

It is encouraged that a practitioner continues to study a variety of forms/styles but in order to grade they choose two that best represent the development of their Gong fu beyond the previous levels.

Training time: one year for each level.

Level 13 – Red Sash (Shifu)

This level is available to those students who have continued in their Black Sash studies and also demonstrated their ability to successfully teach. The 4th degree Black Sash requires at least one student who has reached Level 9, Black Sash, who they have trained from the very beginning through to Black Sash to qualify.

It should be noted that any practitioner who wishes to not teach but to just focus on their own practice is welcome to do so. They remain at the Level 12, without penalty in their study and training, and continue to develop their mastery.

The Red Sash, In Shan Men Shaolin Quan, denotes a master level instructor, whereas the Level 12 denotes a master level practitioner.