The Northern Shaolin System and Curriculum

Northern Shaolin is one of the great classical martial arts of China, known for its athletic movement, powerful striking methods, and rich training tradition.

Over centuries the system developed a complete curriculum including foundational forms, advanced routines, partner training, traditional weapons, and martial philosophy.

Together these elements form a complete path of martial development — cultivating strength, skill, discipline, and character.

The sections below outline the major components of the Northern Shaolin system as taught at 10,000 Victories.

Foundation Forms

Training begins with foundational forms that develop the strength, coordination, and body mechanics required for the Northern Shaolin system.

These routines establish the essential skills that support all later training.

Tan Tui — Spring Leg

Tan Tui develops powerful legs, deep stances, and flexibility. It builds the strength and structural alignment necessary for executing Northern Shaolin techniques with stability and force.

Lian Bu — Linking Steps

Lian Bu teaches essential attacking stances and stepping patterns used throughout the Northern Shaolin system, establishing coordinated movement between the upper and lower body.

Xiao Yuan — Small Circles

This form develops coordination through circular arm movements while introducing new combinations and body connections.

Classical Northern Shaolin 10 Core Forms

At the heart of the system are ten classical Northern Shaolin routines that progressively build athletic ability, coordination, and combat strategy.

These forms are famous for their dynamic movement, deep stances, explosive kicking, and powerful striking techniques.

Open the Gate — Northern Shaolin #1

Introduces the fundamental structure and techniques of Northern Shaolin.

Leading Steps — Northern Shaolin #2

Develops stepping strategies and the ability to lead an opponent off balance.

Horse Riding — Northern Shaolin #3

An intense endurance form featuring flying kicks and numerous strikes and throws.

Penetrating Heart — Northern Shaolin #4

Focuses on powerful strikes directed toward the opponent’s centerline.

The Martial Way — Northern Shaolin #5

Emphasizes advanced kicking methods and dynamic athletic movement.

Short Striking — Northern Shaolin #6

Develops short-range striking methods and close-quarters combat tactics.

Plum Blossom — Northern Shaolin #7

Trains fluid transitions between techniques and connected body movement.

Uprooting Steps — Northern Shaolin #8

Focuses on sweeps, throws, and techniques designed to break an opponent’s stance.

Connecting Links — Northern Shaolin #9

Develops advanced combinations, footwork, and acrobatic movement.

The Method — Northern Shaolin #10

An advanced routine containing specialized techniques unique to the highest level of the system.

Advanced Internal Training

As practitioners progress, additional forms refine internal power and body connection.

Lui He — Six Harmonies

Six Harmonies develops spiraling body mechanics and internal connection. This form also serves as an important bridge between Northern Shaolin and Xingyi training.

Lohan System

The Lohan forms expand the practitioner’s striking power and aggressive combat tactics.

Lohan #1

A compact form emphasizing powerful punching methods.

Lohan #2 — Leopard Form

Develops returning strikes and attacks from unexpected angles.

Lohan #3

Combines familiar techniques into sophisticated attack sequences.

Lohan #4

An advanced routine featuring aggressive combinations of strikes, kicks, sweeps, and leaps.

Sparring and Combat Development

Forms develop the structure and principles of movement. Partner training and sparring teach students how to apply those principles in dynamic and unpredictable situations.

Students at 10,000 Victories train the applications of techniques from Northern Shaolin forms through structured drills and controlled sparring.

Training progresses through six stages of combat skill development:

1. Empty Body

Defensive movement and dodging skills that allow practitioners to avoid strikes and maintain strong positioning.

2. Low Kicking

Techniques that attack or defend against the opponent’s legs, often ending a fight before punches are even within range.

3. Hand Sparring

Practice of punching, blocking, and counterattacking techniques.

4. High Kicks

Application of the powerful kicking methods that Northern Shaolin is famous for.

5. Dog Boxing

Ground fighting methods with emphasis on returning quickly to a standing position.

6. Locks, Sweeps, Trips, and Throws

Advanced grappling methods practiced carefully within controlled training.

The Northern Shaolin Armory

In traditional Chinese martial arts, weapons training was an essential part of martial education.

Northern Shaolin preserves a wide range of classical weapons forms that develop strength, coordination, timing, and tactical awareness.

Commonly studied weapons include:

• Staff
• Spear
• Saber
• Straight Sword
• Kwan Dao
• Hook Swords
• Double Swords
• Double Daggers
• Three Sectional Staff

Advanced Weapons Training

Earth Dragon Staff

An advanced staff form containing 88 techniques. Staff training develops powerful upper-body structure, coordination, and grappling strength.

Earth Dragon Staff — Northern Shaolin Kung Fu

Sifu Scott Jensen demonstrates the classical Northern Shaolin Earth Dragon Staff, an advanced weapon form taught by Grandmaster Wong Jackman.

Rising Block Spear

The spear is often called the “king of weapons.” Spear practice develops speed, reach, and precise thrusting power that also strengthens punching ability.

Eight Diagrams Saber

A powerful saber routine emphasizing aggressive attacks and agile footwork.

Dragon Phoenix Sword

An elegant sword form associated with Wudang traditions that develops precision, balance, and refined movement.

Kwan Dao

A heavy halberd weapon that builds tremendous strength, endurance, and whole-body power.

Two-Person Weapons Training

Northern Shaolin also includes traditional two-person weapons routines that allow practitioners to safely train timing, distance, and tactical awareness.

Examples include:

• Staff vs Staff
• Spear vs Spear
• Spear vs Saber
• Sword vs Sword
• Three Sectional Staff vs Spear

Train the Northern Shaolin System

Northern Shaolin is a vast and demanding martial art.
Through consistent practice, students develop strength, coordination, discipline, and practical martial skill over many years of training.

At 10,000 Victories, students study the classical Northern Shaolin system preserved through the lineage of Grandmaster Wong Jackman and taught by Sifu Scott Jensen.

Those interested in beginning training are welcome to learn more about our classes.