| When many people think of Shaolin Kung Fu they | | | | accuracy and speed. A strong punch is |
| think of meditation and chi. While it is true that | | | | meaningless if it does not hit the target, or is so |
| Shaolin Kung Fu does stress meditation and the | | | | slow that it is easily blocked or countered. Your |
| use of inner energy, it is actually an external form | | | | punches must also be fast so that you can |
| of Chinese martial arts. This means that it is more | | | | quickly move into another attack, or react |
| involved in the external powers and forces. There | | | | defensively. After a punch is thrown it should be |
| are many styles of Shaolin Kung Fu which can | | | | retracted quickly so that arm can defend if |
| include many types of attacks and defenses | | | | needed. Many martial arts shops sell pads that can |
| including joint locks, punching, kicking, throws, | | | | be mounted on a human body in many places |
| straight blocking, force direction, and many more. | | | | such as the hands, ribs, and legs. Your training |
| However, the two things that most types of | | | | partner should wear these pads so that you can |
| schools of Shaolin Kung Fu all stress is fast | | | | practice at full speed and have moving targets. |
| handwork and quick footwork. Many Shaolin Kung | | | | While striking the pads at full speed your training |
| Fu exercises promote these skills. | | | | partner should be moving around so that you |
| When practicing Shaolin Kung Fu, striking it is | | | | have a moving target. Hand mounted pads are |
| important to keep the feet moving as you punch. | | | | great because they can be moved very quickly |
| If your feet are planted like roots you will not be | | | | to aid in the training of fast combos. You and |
| able to adjust to the next attack or set up | | | | your Shaolin Kung Fu training partner can develop |
| another attack. Your moves must flow from one | | | | a routine in which you strike at the left side of |
| to another and you must be ready to change | | | | the face, and then the chest. Your partner can |
| your motions in mid-movement in case an | | | | move the pad from one location to the next |
| opponent launches an attack. You should practice | | | | quickly, which forces you to strike two targets as |
| staying light on your feet and moving your weight | | | | fast as possible. |
| around. Each attack must leave the door open for | | | | If your hands are fast and precise, and your |
| another quick attack, or a sudden defense. Your | | | | footwork is light and agile, you will have quick |
| Shaolin Kung Fu exercises should strive for agile | | | | attacks that cannot be blocked and will be able to |
| footwork while striking, rather than training both | | | | react to any defense of offense. Too many |
| aspects independently. | | | | people hit a punching bag target with their feet |
| When practicing Shaolin Kung Fu punching you | | | | flat. Punching bags do not challenge your precision |
| should also have targets that help improve your | | | | like a smaller moving target does. |