Question 1

What does Shaolin-Do mean?

Accepted Answer

Shaolin-Do means "The Way of Shaolin." Shaolin is an ancient Chinese martial art developed at the Shaolin Temples in China some 1500 years ago by the Buddhist monks who lived there. For a more detailed explanation of Shaolin-Do, check out our History page.

Question 2

What can I expect in my first class?

Accepted Answer

When you sign-up for classes with us, you can expect to become part of the family. You will be treated with respect and given every chance to succeed in the martial arts. As for your first actual class, every class begins with a formal bow and then a series of warm-up exercises to help you get ready to work out and prevent injuries. The bulk of the class time will be divided into practicing basics, reviewing previous material, learning new material, and some conditioning.

Question 3

What will I learn in your classes?

Accepted Answer

If you are interested in what physical skills you will learn, here is a partial list of the material you will learn between the rank of white belt and black belt, in our kung-fu classes: 30 short kata, 20 sparring techniques, 25 self-defense techniques, 4 tiger forms, 7 bird forms, 3 bo (staff) forms, 1 stick form, 1 broadsword form, 15 nunchaku spins, and 1 sai form. Simply stated, we are the most material rich and expansive martial arts school in the world! If you are interested in our Tai Chi program, you will learn 4 Tai Chi Forms (2 empty hand forms, a sword form, and an iron fan form), 1 Pa Kua form, basic principles of meditation, and some of the classical I Chin Ching (conditioning) exercises.
 
If you are referring to what mental skills you will learn, we concentrate on enriching our students' lives through the principles of honor, loyalty, respect, and self-discipline.

Question 4

What should I do if I've studied martial arts before?

Accepted Answer

Sign-up today! Many of our students have studied other disciplines of martial arts prior to joining us. Because each martial arts system has different requirements for rank advancement, all beginning students must start at white belt, regardless of any other ranks they may have attained.
If you are a former Shaolin-Do student (from a school/teacher in good standings with Grandmaster Sin Thé), you may retain your rank when you join us. However, you must present to us your latest rank advancement certificate in order to do so.

Question 5

If you are a traditional Chinese style of martial arts, why do you wear Japanese style gi's (uniforms) and belts?

Accepted Answer

When Grandmaster Ie Chang Ming fled China to Indonesia, he had to disguise his art from the government because of their hatred of the Chinese. Rather than abandon his life practice, he simply adopted Japanese uniforms and belts. He also added the Japanese word Do to Shaolin, which means "The Way of"
In fact, the common frog-button style Kung-Fu uniforms of today were made popular in the 1970's by Bruce Lee in many of his martial arts movies. Traditional Shaolin monks wore a wrap-around style uniform very similar to the gi's that we wear today.

Question 6

I have some physical concerns; can I still do the martial arts?

Accepted Answer

Obviously, it is always important to check with your doctor if you have concerns.  But in all my years of teaching I have yet to have a student who couldn't participate in our classes.  We can readily make modifications to our material to accommodate.  Everyone should take the martial arts.

FAQ