Training Programme
At the International Shaolin Dragon Academy, we believe that every student is unique – with different backgrounds, goals, and abilities. That’s why our training is designed to be flexible and personalised. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an advanced martial artist, whether you stay with us for a few weeks or several years, we will tailor a training plan to suit your needs, abilities, and ambitions.
From traditional and modern martial arts to performance skills and cultural studies, our programmes cover a wide range of disciplines, including:
- Traditional & Modern Kung Fu – Shaolin Kung Fu, Wushu, Wing Chun, Xing Yi
- Combat Martial Arts – Sanda (Chinese Kickboxing), MMA, Wrestling
- Internal & Relaxing Arts – Tai Chi (Taijiquan), Qi Gong (Qigong)
- Performance Arts – Stage & Screen Combat, Demonstration Skills
- Additional Courses – Lion & Dragon Dance, Mandarin Chinese, Chinese Calligraphy
Your plan is never fixed – it can be adapted at any time as your skills and interests evolve, ensuring you make consistent, effective progress.
Building Strong Foundations
While we welcome students of all levels, we recommend beginners start with mastering the basics. Strong fundamentals – such as stances, strikes, and kicks – form the core of all advanced techniques. Our coaches focus on perfect execution, traditional training methods, and building strength, flexibility, speed, and precision. These skills will help you transition smoothly into other styles and forms.
Training Levels & Progression
Although your programme is customised, here’s an outline of what you might expect at each stage of your journey.
Introduction Level (1–4 Weeks)
A short but intensive introduction to martial arts training – ideal for beginners or those seeking a taste of real Kung Fu.
You will learn:
- Basic knowledge and principles of Kung Fu
- Fundamental techniques (kicks, steps, strikes, hand techniques and forms)
- Basic jumps and acrobatic elements
- Introductory Sanda kickboxing skills and drills
- Conditioning and strength training, including power stretching
- Optional introduction to Qi Gong, Tai Chi, and meditation
- First basic forms: Wu Bu Quan, Lian Huan Quan, Tong Bei Quan
Beginner Level (2–6 Months)
At this stage, training becomes more demanding. You will notice improvements in mobility, strength, and coordination.
You will:
- Deepen all techniques from the Introduction Level
- Learn new and more complex movements
- Intensify mobility, stability, and endurance training
- Study core forms such as Xiao Hong Quan (Small Flood Fists), Da Hong fist (Big Flood Fists), Xiao Luohan Quan (Small Buddha Palm Fist), Qi Xing Quan (Seven Star Fist)
- Begin your first weapon training: Qi Mei Gun, Yin Shou Gun, Shaolin Single Broadsword, or Tai Chi Sword (optional)
Intermediate Level (7–12 Months)
A challenging phase requiring patience and perseverance. You will refine technique, improve agility, and develop martial spirit.
You will:
- Advance all previous skills to a higher level
- Learn complex movements and advanced techniques
- Train in advanced forms such as Da Luohan Quan (Big Buddha Palm Fists), Mei Hua Quan (Plum Blossom Fist), Pao Quan (Cannon Fist), Shaolin Liu He Quan (Six Harmony Fists)
- Explore animal styles (Eagle, Leopard, Tiger, Scorpion, Crane, Monkey, Snake)
- Study Wushu forms with acrobatics and partner drills
- Learn advanced weapon forms such as Damo Staff, Southern Broadsword, Shaolin Straight Sword, Shaolin Thirteen Spear, Chain Whip
Advanced Level (1–3 Years)
By this stage, your body and mind work in harmony. Movements are precise, steps are instinctive, and advanced skills come naturally.
You will:
- Perfect all previous techniques
- Learn complex weapon combinations and rare forms
- Train in Hard Qi Gong (e.g., bending a spear with the neck, breaking an iron bar on the head, smashing a stick on the back)
- Develop inner strength, discipline, and mental resilience
Advanced forms may include:
- Liuhe Staff Pair Form
- Double Swords Against Spear
- Drunken Forms & Drunken Weapons (e.g., Drunken Staff, Drunken Straight Sword)
- Tiger, Crane, and Monkey Forms
- Shaolin Luohan 18 Hands
- Plum Blossom Sword & Straight Sword
- Shaolin Flying Daggers, Rope Dart, Double Hooks, Double Broad Swords, Double Whips
- Three Section Staff and many more
The Most Popular Shaolin Forms – A Glimpse into Our Training
Our Shaolin Kung Fu training covers an incredible range of fist, weapon, animal, and special forms. What you see here is just a fraction of what we teach—our experienced masters are ready to guide students of all levels through the limitless world of Shaolin practice.
Fist Forms
- Wu Bu Quan
- Lian Huan Quan
- Xiao Hong Quan
- Da Hong Quan
- Tong Bei Quan
- Xing Yi Quan
- Ba Ji Quan
- Hong Quan
- Liu He Quan
- Mi Zong Quan
- Cha Quan
- Hua Quan
- Xiao Luohan Quan
- Da Luohan Quan
- Luohan Shiba Shou
- Rou Quan · Pi Gua Quan
Popular Animal Forms
- Dragon (Long Xing)
- Tiger (Hu Xing)
- Crane (He Xing)
- Leopard (Bao Xing)
- Snake (She Xing)
- Monkey (Hou Xing)
- Praying Mantis (Tang Lang Xing)
Weapon Forms
- Shaolin Gun
- Shaolin Dao
- Shaolin Qiang
- Shaolin Jian
- Shaolin Pu Dao
- Yue Yue Chuan
- Lian Huan Qiang
- Shi Zi Jian
- Guan Dao
- Chang Qiang
- Sanjiegun (Three Section Staff)
- Liu Xing Chui (Meteor Hammer)
- Mo Mei Chui
- Tie Shan Gong (Iron Fan)
- Shi Tou Dao
- Sun Bin Quan
- Qimei Gun
- Zhua Xian Gun
- Tang Lang Qiang
- Di Tang Gun
Special Forms
- Drunken Fist (Zui Quan)
- Snake Fist (She Quan)
- Butterfly Swords (Hudie Jian)
- Axe Form (Fu Tao)
- Sword vs. Sword (Jian Shu)
- Double Sword (Shuang Jian)
- Steel Chain (Gangbian Shu)
- Empty-Hand vs. Weapon (Duilian Shu)
- Guan Dao (Da Dao)
- Fan Form (Shanzi)
- Eight Diagrams Palm (Ba Gua Zhang)
Advanced Skills for Long-Term Students
- Shaolin 72 Secret Skills
- Iron Palm
- Iron Head Qi Gong Training
- And more…
Your journey at the International Shaolin Dragon Academy is as unique as you are. With dedicated coaches, world-class facilities, and a supportive community, we ensure your training is challenging, inspiring, and deeply rewarding – whether you’re here for a month or a lifetime.
