Cleveland Shaolin Kung Fu Academy

Curriculum

The list below explains the current curriculum at our academy. Each level has a corresponding sash color. It is important to wear your appropriate level's sash so that the instructor can easily identify your current level. Each level's curriculum is divided into three categories: Forms, Qín Ná, and Horse Stance. Students are tested on these three areas in order to proceed to the next level.

Forms - Forms are patterns of movements that serve to strengthen students and provide a rigorous training regimen by which to practice the basics. The goal of practicing forms is to perfect basic techniques and to enhance students' muscle memory so that the techniques become second nature. Every level has at least one empty handed form and Weapons Training begins at level 2 with the first Dao (Broadsword) Form.

Qín Ná - Qín Ná (pronounced "chin na") literally means "catch & lock" but is commonly referred to as Joint Lock exercises. These movements comprise the basics of any self-defense curriculum and teach student how to protect themselves from attackers. Movements begin with simple wrist and elbow joint locks and gradually move on to more complex techniques such as grappling and throwing as the students advance.

Ma Bu - Ma Bu, or "Horse Stance" is an extremely important stance in Shaolin Kung Fu. Beginners are required to hold horse stance for at least 2 minutes during their first testing, and the length of this isometric exercise increases with each level. Conditioning with horse stance increases leg strength, and this training serves to improve the 18 Movements of Shaolin.