Shaolin: An Introduction to Lohan Fighting

SHAOLIN is a Chinese combative art that developed some centuries ago in temples that served as combat training centers. The fighting skills of many of the trainees were instrumental in shaping China's history. This book is an introduction to South China's Lohan form of shaolin. Intended as a supplement to actual training, this book provides background to the art, then moves into detailed explanations of the elements of Lohan shaolin. A shaolin handsign and salutation, stances, posture, and fist are all described. Basic punching and kicking exercises and the use of the open hand and arm are detailed. The Logan pattern of shaolin is presented in both solo and partner-practice forms. The authors, who are both combatives experts, take the reader through each step, breaking every movement down into easily understandable parts, yet never sacrificing the fluidity of the whole for the part. Ways to toughen the parts of the body are also dealt with. The authors are very fair in their assessments of the advantages and disadvantages of the various methods, and are careful to warn the reader of possible dangers. The text is accompanied by about 30 sketches and by more than 400 black-and-white photographs. Many of the positions are shown from several angles so that the reader can get a clear idea of the proper shaolin forms. This device helps the reader to see what the art is like in three dimensions. This is a clearly written manual that will prove invaluable to any earnest student of shaolin techniques. It is the authors' hope that this book will help prevent the shaolin art which has come down through the ages from being lost and that it will serve those who seek to perpetuate the ancient art.