Boxing is a misnomer when it comes to Shaolin boxing and its methods. The term was first applied to Shaolin kung fu by Westerners who saw the style and named it after the closest thing to be found in their culture. A far cry from a hands-only sport fought on a ringed mat, Shaolin boxing is a complete martial art with combative, ethical, artistic and wellness applications.
Animal Aspects
Shaolin kung fu is said to derive its motions from observation of animals in the wild. Traditionally, Shaolin kung fu follows the style of five animals: tiger, crane, leopard, snake and dragon. Monkeys, mongooses and preying mantises are common in some offshoot arts. Each animal has specific aspects and recognizable motions. For example, the tiger uses straight-line attacks and relies on its power, while the crane moves in circles around an opponent and attacks with precision.
Four-Wheel Drive
Like most Eastern martial arts, Shaolin boxing uses the arms and legs for attack and defense. A typical Shaolin boxer will learn dozens of intricate hand strikes, six to 12 attacks with elbows and a similar proportion of kicks and knee strikes. These are almost always applied in combinations, much like a boxer will unleash a flurry of punches.
Power Stances
Shaolin boxing training includes learning many esoteric stances, some of which are based on animal motions and some on human physiology. Only a few of these stances, most notably the bow stances, are intended for use during competition and fighting. The rest are designed as exercises -- ways to stand to increase strength, alignment, balance and flexibility.
Weapons
Advanced practitioners of Shaolin boxing learn to work with weapons, both by studying weapon forms and sparring with practice weapons. Common weapons in the Shaolin boxing system include the staff, spear, broadsword and short stick.
Spiritual Development
Although Western Shaolin boxing schools often leave this part out, spiritual development is an integral part of learning traditional Shaolin boxing. Some methods for this development include studying tai chi, learning about Taoist philosophy, the lion dance and study of history and philosophy from the Shaolin monastery.
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