Students at the Shaolin Arts Studios range from 4 1/2 to 87 years of age, with equal mixes of youth, adults, men and women. We offer both group and private lessons, as well as specialty group lessons designed for families, firemen, police, body guards, medical emergency room staff, youth groups, businesses, and the elderly. We have classes in self defense, fitness, flexibility, stress management, weight management and Chi or energy development. We have taught not only the professional athlete but blind students, individuals in wheel chairs, overweight, underweight, attention deficient disorders, and developmentally delayed individuals. Each has grown due to their involvement with our programs. We do not require contracts as we feel if classes are good they will sell themselves. Individuals are welcomed just to drop in, but setting up an appointment is suggested so that we can take more personal time with you.
At Shaolin Arts we teach by the five Shaolin Animals: tiger, leopard, dragon, crane and snake. Each animal represents a different body type and personality. The tiger is known for its strength and tenacity. It is used to being the biggest and strongest animal in the jungle using direct force in confrontations. As long as you are the biggest and strongest tiger this is a good method. The weakness of the tiger is that it can be ‘out foxed’.
The leopard is known for its speed. Rapid multiple strikes with coordinated foot work are utilized. The dragon is mystical. It is the thinker. Whipping and whirling with hidden strikes are its trademark. The crane is known for its balance. It is more conservative, keeping its main body back while reaching out with its wings and beak. The snake uses wrapping movements and poisonous strikes. The sports of judo, jujitsu, wrestling, and aikido all came from the snake. Poisonous strikes are related to pressure point strikes.
In our Tai Chi programs the animals are equally as useful for teaching different types and applications for energy. The Tiger is like a huge advancing wall of energy, the crane is more conservative holding its energy back, the dragon is the thinker carrying its energy high, the leopard is like a lightning bolt of energy flashing off and the snake is known for having the greatest amount of inner energy or Chi.
Just like people, each martial art animal has its strengths and weakness due to individual body style and personality. For example, in self defense applications kicks are an excellent tool but if you are standing on a patch of ice, wearing a tight dress, etc. you may not be able to throw too many kicks. If someone gets behind you and pulls you down to the ground different skills are needed. What if you have more than one attacker? If weapons are used? etc., etc. Putting all the animal styles together, as traditionally done, creates a more complete package or system of martial art. Our goal is to teach you all the principles of the arts and you will naturally gravitate to the style that works best for you. We do have students who study just one aspect of the art. It may be a weapon, self defense, sport, or the internal. Let us know ahead of time and we can set up a specialized program.
The strength of studying a complete system is its depth, the weakness is a lot of information is shared. If someone is after a quick rank, say a black belt, studying just a one part of an art often results in quicker rank within that style. Rank obtained within a specialized style is often only recognized within that style, or even limited to that individual studio location.
Excerpts from the Shaolin Arts student manual:
The Shaolin Five Animals
Each animal represents a different body type and different personality – a different style, if you will.
The Tiger
Tenacity, power and courage are the attributes of the tiger. It is physically the strongest of all the five animals, using straight ahead attacks. Tiger movements develop strong bones and back.
The Dragon
Flexibility with twisting, raising and falling motions are the mythological dragons methods. It can dwell on land, air or water. Dragons develop the mind and the spirit.
The Leopard
Speed with coordinated foot work is the leopard. The leopard develops conditioned tendons and joints. The leopard generates its force through loose relaxed body action.
The Crane
Balance and gracefulness with agility is the crane. It represents longevity and teaches us by its calm quiet nature. Its movements are relaxed and circular but can be explosive. The crane strengthens the legs, fingers and wrists while improving balance.
The Snake
Suppleness and rhythmic endurance are the characteristics of the snake. It is known for having the most Chi, internal strength. Snakes use highly focused strikes and/or wrapping and constricting movements. They develop chi, focus, and grappling skills.
The Five Rules of the Studio
Effort
Using all your strength and abilities both physically and mentally.
Etiquette
The code of manners and behaviors that governs a society.
Sincerity
An honesty of mind and intention; truthfulness. Doing what you say.
Self Control
Having control over your own emotions, impulses and behaviors.
Character
All the qualities that make up you as an individual; moral excellence.
Studio Etiquette
- Remove street shoes and bow before entering and leaving the training area, the Studio. Removing our street shoes is an ancient tradition. It is a sign of a visitors humility to remove their footwear and it preserves the hygiene of the Studio. Remember, good health and peak fitness are key reasons why people take lessons. The bow is similar to shaking hands. It is a formal greeting towards someone or something.
- Always walk quietly to the rear of a class in session. Never walk in front of the instructor during a class. Being late for class is rude to the instructor and all the other students. Try to be 5 minutes early.
- Speak quietly, if necessary, when classes are in session.
- No eating, drinking, smoking or chewing gum in the studio.
- Control your emotions at all times. The studio is an excellent place to increase your self control.
- Refrain from using foul language in or near the studio.
- Always bow to the instructor at the beginning and end of each class. Likewise, bow to your workout partner when practicing together.
- Do not disrupt the flow of the class by interrupting the instructor with questions. Your instructor will reserve a proper time in class to answer questions you may have. Too many questions will often disrupt the flow of class and ultimately slow your progress.
- Possession of drugs or alcohol in the studio is grounds for immediate dismissal.
- Students should wear the traditional uniform in all classes. This uniform allows you "to change hats" increasing your ability to learn and therefore increasing your success. Take advantage of this!
- Refer to your instructor with a title: Sifu, Mister, Mrs. or Miss. The respect you show towards others is a reflection of the respect you have for yourself and the arts.
- A dirty wrinkled uniform reflects badly on you as a student. Always wear a clean uniform to class. Your uniform is your responsibility, not your parents or spouse.
- It is poor judgment to always be asking about your next rank or wanting more material. This shows a lack of patience, humility and disrespect towards your instructor's professional judgment. When your instructor feels you are ready for more material he will be eager to share it with you. We all want to see you honestly progress.
- Support your studio. Always purchase your equipment from your instructor. We will always strive to get you the best price and quality. By keeping the business in the studio, you help keep your tuition lower.
Most people will do what is right when they understand what is expected. If you do have questions or concerns please ask. We are here to help you succeed.
Why is the sea king of a hundred streams?
Because it lies below them.
Therefore, it is the king of a hundred streams.
Thus, he who leads first must follow behind.
