How To

How to Do Southern Shaolin Kung Fu

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By an eHow Contributing Writer

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Kung Fu, the traditional martial art form of China, combines a practical self-defense system with training to exercise your mind and body. A healthy body, a focused mind, balance, breathing, coordination and character are all essential elements for Kung Fu. One of the most famous types of Kung Fu is Shaolin, which includes several styles. Many martial artists like Southern Shaolin for its power and grace.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Learn Southern Shaolin Kung Fu by focusing on the southern styles, like Tiger, Monkey and White Crane. Be aware that, while they are useful in their own right, the Praying Mantis and Drunken styles of Kung Fu are Northern styles.
Step 2

Focus on the popular Tiger style if you are seeking out training in Shaolin Kung Fu. Tiger style is by far the most popular, or a combination of Tiger-Crane, so if you find a studio to learn Shaolin Kung Fu it will likely combine these two Southern styles for instruction.
Step 3

Learn the powerful posture and strong attacks of Tiger style Kung Fu. The stance for Tiger style Kung Fu is very wide--about twice shoulder width--and helps you deliver strong punches and kicks while maintaining excellent balance.
Step 4

Practice kicks to the lower body and sweeps to knock over an opponent. These types of attacks are particularly effective from the Tiger posture because you have a low center of gravity.
Step 5

Learn the sticking hand techniques of White Crane style to incorporate into your Southern Shaolin Kung Fu for targeting the face and chest. The delicate hand attacks of White Crane provide an effective complement to the strong foot techniques targeting the lower body.