Order in the Kwoon: Cardinality in the Domain of Shaolin Kung Fu
by Gary Shockley -- Shaolin and Tai Chi Chuan Instructor

Beginning students of Shaolin often ask why the hand sets are taught starting with #6, followed by #7, #8, #4, #5, #1, #2, #3, #9, #10. Furthermore, why are they often alternated with weapon sets?

(Ed. note: the videotape program separates the hand sets and the weapon sets so that each are grouped together. These sets are actually taught at Lam Kwoon as the author describes.)

The simplest explanation is that the sets are taught from shortest and easiest to longest and most difficult. #6 is easiest, #10 is considered by many the most difficult. Weapon sets are alternated with hand sets to avoid the confusion that can result from learning two hand sets -- or two weapon sets -- back to back. Another question arises at this point: Why are the hand sets numbered the way they are? This numbering reflects the order in which the sets would be performed if done as a single set. Shaolin monks who had mastered the system would practice the sets in this way. Sets #1, #2, and #3 are long and difficult, requiring freshness. Sets #4, #5, #6, #7, and #8 are shorter and offer the monk an opportunity to catch his breath. Sets #9 and #10 are designed to push the monk to the very limit of his abilities.
Few people recognize how well laid-out the Shaolin curriculum is. Lian Bu Chuan teaches basic hand techniques. Tan Tuy teaches basic kicking in the early lines and a high degree of hand/foot coordination in the later lines. After being conditioned for 6 to 9 months by these introductory sets, the student is ready for Shaolin #6, which introduces front and back leg sweeps and the tornado kick. Without that initial conditioning, sweeps and tornado kicks could invite injury. Shaolin #7 adds more difficult sweeps and tornado kicks involving greater rotation as well as introducing the double flying toe kick. Shaolin #8 contributes a difficult flying outside crescent kick and brings a greater concentration on sweeps. Shaolin #1 includes four tornado kicks, two of which are done back-to-back and in mirror image, as well as stationary sweeps that pass completely under the body. Finger stabs also become important and are expanded upon in Shaolin #2.

Each set teaches new techniques that the previous set has prepared one for, and likewise prepares one for the next set. For this reason it is not advisable -- especially at the first and second levels -- to ignore the ordering of the sets. To do so is to invite frustration or even injury. Each set should be practiced for a minimum of three months before moving on to the next. Continue to practice all learned sets on a regular basis.

Never trust that your fundamentals are sound. Revisit the early sets often. Scrutinize your stances and kicking/punching technique for weak areas and work diligently to improve them. A month spent refining your Lian Bu Chuan will reward you with much improvement in all your sets.