A clear path from first stance to mastery.
Each level has its own sash color and is tested in three areas: Forms, Qín Ná and Horse Stance.
Forms
Patterns of movement that build strength and perfect technique until it becomes second nature. Every level includes an empty-hand form; weapons training begins at Level 2 with the Dao (broadsword).
Qín Ná
Pronounced “chin na,” literally “catch & lock.” Joint-lock techniques that form the core of self-defense — progressing from wrist and elbow locks to grappling and throws.
Ma Bù (Horse Stance)
The foundation of Shaolin. Beginners hold horse stance for 2 minutes at their first test, adding a minute at each level — building the leg strength behind every movement.
Beginner through Level 8.
Wear your current level's sash to class so your instructor can easily identify your progress.
Beginner
Ma Bù · 2 min- Forms
- Wŭ Bù Quán — Five Stance FormShăolín Lián Huán Quán — Shaolin Interlinking Fist
- Qín Ná
- Single Hand — 4 actions
Level 1
Ma Bù · 3 min- Forms
- Shăolín Xiăo Hóng Quán — Small Flood FormShăolín Tōng Bì Quán — Connecting Arm Form
- Qín Ná
- Double Hand — 4 actions
Level 2
Ma Bù · 4 min- Forms
- Shăolín Cháo Yáng Quán — Facing Sun FormShăolín Yī Lù Dān Dāo — 1st Level Single Sword
- Qín Ná
- Single Shoulder — 5 actions
Level 3
Ma Bù · 5 min- Forms
- Shăolín Méi Huā Quán — Plum Blossom FormShăolín Yīn Shŏu Gùn — Yin Hand Staff
- Qín Ná
- Double Shoulder — 3 actions
Level 4
Ma Bù · 6 min- Forms
- Shăolín Lăo Jià Xiăo Hóng Quán — Old Small Flood FormShăolín Qiāng — Shaolin Spear
- Qín Ná
- Single Hand Throw — 3 actions
Level 5
Ma Bù · 7 min- Forms
- Shăolín Dà Hóng Quán — Great Flood FormShăolín Èr Lù Dān Dāo — 2nd Level Single Sword
- Qín Ná
- Front, Back & Neck — 3 actions
Level 6
Ma Bù · 8 min- Forms
- Shăolín Luó Hàn Quán — Arhat FistShăolín Zhèn Shān Gùn — Guarding Mountain Staff
- Qín Ná
- Finger & Hand — 4 actions
Level 7
Ma Bù · 9 min- Forms
- Shăolín Zŭ Cháng Quán — Great Ancestor Long FistShăolín Hè Quán — Crane Form
- Qín Ná
- Advanced Techniques — 3 actions
Level 8
Ma Bù · 10 min- Forms
- Shăolín Pào Quán — Cannon FistShăolín Qī Xīng Quán — 7 Star FistShăolín Jiŭ Jié Biān — 9 Segment Whip
- Qín Ná
- Legs — 4 actions
The foundation, passed down from Bodhidharma.
Tradition holds that Bodhidharma taught these martial exercises to the monks — and every Shaolin student still trains them today.
Basic Movements
- Zhèng Tī TuĭFront Kick
- Wài Băi TuĭOutside Kick
- Lĭ Hé TuĭInside Kick
- Cè Tī TuĭSideways Facing Kick
- Gōng Bù Chōng QuánTwist Punch
Official 18 Movements
- Gōng Bù Xié XínArrow Stance Punch
- Mă Bù Dān BiānHorse Stance Punch
- Pū Bù Qié ZhāngLow Stance Chop Down
- Xū Bù Liàng ZhāngCat Stance
- Xiē Bù Chōng QuánTwisting Low Punch
- Dī Tán TuĭLow Kick
- Dān Pāi JiăoHigh Kick
- Zhèng Pī TuĭBlock Punch Kick
- Wài Băi JiăoHand Stab Outside Kick
- Cè Chuài TuĭSide Kick
- Hòu Dēng TuĭBack Kick
- Jī Xíng BùChicken Step
- Guà Miàn JiăoInside Kick Block
- Xiēzi WěiScorpion Kick
- Qián / Hòu Săo TuĭFront & Back Sweep
- Èr Tī JiăoSquat Jump Kick
- Xuànfēng JiăoTornado Kick
- Wài Băi LiánStab Circle Outside Kick
Your first week is on us.
Try any class free for a full week — kids, adults, Tai Chi or kickboxing. No contract, no pressure. Just mention our website.