Yuchao

Traditionally for the Shaolin monk, the purpose of developing external strength was to reinforce the internal strength and thus enhancing their spiritual practice. Staying consistent with this tradition, Master Yuchao Sun's classes aim to maximise both the mental focus and physical strength as well as to improve overall health and fitness.

In the past, Chinese called it "technique fighting" or "striking". The simple concept of Sanda is two people fighting against each other without weapons. The four attacking methods are Kicking, Hitting, Wrestling, and Controlling. Sanda combines using skill in pose and technique. The Sanda pose is normally called a "ready" stance, where the fighter is prepared for combat.

The Tiger style (Hu Quan) is one of power, directness and simplicity. Its primary Weapons are the Fist and the Claw. Footwork is only used to interfere as the tigers needs good ground contact to develop and deliver it's power. Learning the Shaolin Tiger you will discover the power of simplicity and directness.

Tai Chi was formed by combining the principles of yin-yang philosophy and Chinese medicine with the movements of Chinese martial arts. Tai Chi is a key element of Chinese traditional culture, and involves the cultivation of soft and flowing internal kung fu. Called Taiji Quan (Supreme Ultimate Fist) in Chinese, infuses the opposing yet complementary principles of yin and yang into every movement.

Generally, classes will begin with warm up exercises and this will be followed with the practice of basic moves and stances. You are then taught a specific Shaolin form, step by step. It is essential to perform the basics with a certain degree of competence before moving on. Therefore repetition forms a significant part of the training to ensure you gain and are able to maintain a high level of skill in what you learn.