Who is the Shaolin Academy!
It is not about style, tradition and origins, it is about people!
On this page
You will find out more details following on from the front page. So that you can choose what you want to read, there is a header and a short grabber. If you want to read more about it, just click on the "Want to know more . . . click here" line and sometimes there is a 2nd level of information usually called "even more"!
Shaolin Origins
It all started as a Yoga Exercise somewhere around 537 CE. Times were hard and after loosing their temple, the Shaolin decided that they need more...
Safer than Yoga
It is safer than Pilates, Yoga and even Gym with less injuries and no pain!more...
Sijo (4th in Pic) with other Masters of Martial Arts
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Founded by Master Robert Z (50 years martial art experience), who in his previous professional life was a Learning and Development Manager with Engineering Diploma's in an professional environment. He was also a qualified OH&S representative for a large Australian Organization. As such, all thus professional education and education has translated into the Shaolin Academy to make it into a Safe, Caring and Professional Environment.
Thus also are our instructors exceedingly well trained to include an additional 3 years of Instructor Training incorporating qualifications as a Government Accredited Martial Art Instructor, Level Two First Aid, Competition Judging and Refereeing and many more (see the Academy's library of Instructor Materials). This is on top of there 4 to 7 years of training to be a Black Sash in Shaolin Kung Fu!
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More than just a Sport
We expect Jacky Chan to speak about the advantages of Shaolin Kung Fu. But even Samuel L Jackson more . . .
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has openly stated that Shaolin training offers mental and emotional advantages that are not often found in other exercises, sports or Martial Arts. Partially attributed to it's long development time and the fact that it was a Temple not a Village or Killing style, Shaolin Kung Fu was/is designed for peace, health and well-being not violence, war or pain whilst still have a very high degree of efficiency for self defence and self protection. Research has shown that through Shaolin Kung Fu equal emphasis on internal and external physical aspects (Yin & Yang), have unique psychological effects that are substantially greater than those produced by other activities. Studying Shaolin Kung Fu develops your self-confidence and inner calm and there is never a need to be aggressive or violent, even when in a conflict situation. Self Defence and Self Protection starts a long way before ever the first punch or kick; it is in the attitude, knowledge and skill that a Shaolin practitioner projects and displays..
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There is a price; It takes time to perfect an advanced art. Whereby in boxing you could be in the ring in 6 months and in say Muay Thai in 12 months, Shaolin Kung Fu takes a safer but longer path to mastery, one with far less bruising and pain, but also so much more rewarding with the ultimate aim of achieving a true Mastership of an Age Old Art.
Easy and Fun to learn for Everyone
Shaolin Kung Fu was designed to be for Adults not Children. It was designed with the thought in mind that adults more . . .
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have a more compete developed personality and (somewhat) know who they are or want to be. Shaolin Monks discovered around 10 centuries ago, that one style will not fit all in every situation. That most adult humans do not want to punch someone in the face even when threatened! Only about 20% of human beings are capable of truly hurting someone else in a threatening situation; 80% of humans are not so capable.
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The Shaolin discovered that there are 5 Major groups of reactions to conflict situations and designated appropriate animals to be the spiritual representatives of these. No not like in Kung Fu Panda, which is the modern commercial version of the animal styles but more like Personality Styles along the line of MBTI (Myer/Brigs), the Hex Model developed by K. David Katzmire or for example the The Box of Personality (The University of Adelaide -->).
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It is NOT about putting in boxes, it is actually helping people realise in which box they may be in and helping them to;
- realise where and who they are and
- either feel comfortable about it, or move out of it!
That is actually how the 5 Animal Style came about. It was a way of dealing with the world, life and conflict (not just physical) that allowed different types of people to do it in their way and style. It allowed Shaolin to be congruous with who they were and act on their needs rather than trying to adapt to one way of doing things (much like an Army). Thus was born the 5 Animal System of Shaolin .... lifestyle which included Kung Fu
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Around the end of the 11th Century, the Shaolin realised that there is no "one" superior style. Different types of people, with different body's, attitudes and way of thinking needed something that was adaptable to the needs of the individual rather than molding the Individual to a Standard.want to know even more? . . . .
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The Powerful Tiger
If you are a person with an abundance of energy, forever seeking challenges and actively, you may want to try Shaolin Tiger Kung Fu. It is a powerful style that allows you to develop your strengths and energies whilst teaching you direction, focus and the are of simplicity. As a Tiger you learn to find that which is the best an easiest solution without complexity or complication. The Tiger practitioner is the master to coming to the core of any problem and solution. He is a leader, reliable and strong.
Yet, what if you wish to be successful and do not have an abundance of these violent energies? How does one become successful without this violent force? Is it possible to be confident amongst violent people without being violent yourself? Want to know more . . . . .
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The Strategic Panther
If direct action is not your thing; if you prefer metal to physical prowess; if you believe that your success is not in forging ahead but in Strategy, Planning and Skill, than that is the way of Panther Kung Fu.
Shaolin 5 Animal Kung Fu was developed as a result of needing to provide tailored, individual solutions for different types of people. Where by the Tiger Stylist prefers the direct, active and simple action, the Panther Stylist prefers to review, understand and plan before they act. They are the planners, strategist and . . schemers. Their method of self defence is totally different to that of the Tiger Stylist as is their method to success, happiness and health.
The Panther Stylist has it a bit more difficult in life than the Tiger. They need to learn more than just harnessing their abundant energies. They need to learn the principles of Success, Planning and Strategy; and how this applies to Shaolin Kung Fu. Panther Kung Fu is unusual, hidden, sometimes invisible, surprising and often shocking. Not easy to learn but very satisfying. Want to know more . . . . .
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The Elegant Crane
If you believe that millions of years of survival through Instinct and Intuition is the key to success and self defence; if you believe in Insight as a way of solving the unsolvable; if you believe in people power, than you will prefer Crane Kung Fu.
The Crane stylist believes in Beauty, Class and Elegance. Crane Kung Fu teaches Agility, Flexibility and Grace; in movement, action and thinking. The Crane Stylist is non aggressive and very considerate, preferring to accept what is freely given rather than taking. In defence the Crane is Elegant and up to a point very evasive, often preferring to allow their attacker to defeat themselves by 'giving them opportunities' for this. For this they learn a high degree of skill in human interaction, management and diplomacy. Want to know more . . . . .
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The Wise Snake
All said and done, most everything has been done and discovered. Human knowledge goes back for millennia and if we seek an answer, do not look to spin-doctors for answer but look to what has been successful in the past.
Snake stylists do not like to experiment/ They feel this shows a lack of education and class. Any situation, any success and any achievement that is to be made has bee, in one form or another, made before. We do not need to stumble through life blindly but look at those who have pioneered success and follow their examples. Why beat a new path when a successful path is ready and waiting?
The Snake Practitioner is on who like to learn it all, every detail, every possibility, how something was successful and what was not. The Snake Practitioner believes in the tried and Proven not in magic and Mirrors! Want to know more . . . . .
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Quiet Confidence, Gentle Power and Wisdom
Shaolin Kung Fu has survived so long because it is the best. It is not the most popular because it is not easy. Two lessons will not make a fighter out of you. The Way of Shaolin Kung Fu is one of Quiet Confidence, Gentle Power and Wisdom. It is a style that can become a life long focus or just a long lasting comprehensive health and fitness exercise. It does not require you to adapt to it but rather, after some basics you take from it what suits you best and works most.
Not an easy style to teach and in Australia there are only 2 fully qualified teachers and both at the Shaolin Academy. Come and visit us some time. Just look up your closes location and try out three free lessons. And as they say, you never, never know, if you don't give it a go!
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13 Reason why you would want to try Shaolin Kung Fu
Well, for one, if you never ever give it a go, your will never ever know! more . . .
1 - Your initial training is FREE.....more
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The First three classes are absolutely FREE; so that you can make sure you like what you are doing! Click on the picture to the right for a free voucher with address, time and map details.
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2 - Your training is PAIN FREE.....more
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Pain is our body's way of telling us something is wrong. We need to be able to take some pain but not become immune to it. Ignoring pain is one of the best ways i know to get to the 2nd of our body's great messages that we are doing something wrong - death!
No pain during training, no pain after training and no pain the next day. Pain = No Brain! Adults know that progress is not made through pain but Determination, Diligence and Doing. Pain comes from Rushing, Overdoing and a sense of Immortality.
You pain threshold will be increased in the mature and sensible way, without pain or often without you even noticing it. Shaolin is a smart way of doing life!
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3 - Your training is BULLY FREE.....more
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There are enough aggressive and bullying people out there in the world starting fights, wars and making life miserable for gentler beings. Shaolin Academy is happy to help and learn how to manage bullies, but we do not accept any type of bullying, aggressive, intimidating or bullying behaviour. We most certanly will not put the skills of Shaolin into the hands of such either so;
Shaolin Academy is a Bully, Yahoo's, Bogen, Hot Head, Agro FREE ZONE!
We have students aged 12 training happily with students aged 70 and everywhere in between. Parents with Children, siblings and even young and not so young couples. The Shaolin Academy is for mature persons who like health, fitness and self-defence training in a fun and professional atmosphere!
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4 - Your training PROBLEM FREE.....more
You can train in any of our locations, in any of our classes anytime. There are no Contracts or "Agreements of Training". Your are not locked in to any particular class, time or location. If you can't make it one day then make it the next, day or week. It's a mature and relaxed environment without the need for 'overt' discipline.
5 - Your training is INJURY FREE.....more
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As a mature style we know the value of preparation. This become even more important as we mature. Habits that we establish now need to be smart, effective, economic and to a degree future proof (we don't want to establish habits that become obsolete in a few years). Shaolin Academy no one rule is safety and this also means not injuring yourself because of a lack of preparation!.
In 19 years of operation, we have not had a person-to-person accident requiring more than a salve for bruising and a band-aid. New students and beginner students are 'untouchables' and have never ever been hurt or injured! Advanced students can choose to be ... tougher; but this is their choice in their time and not a prerequisite for training. Your are not training to be a fighter; you will be training to be an effective Conflict Resolution Manager; preferably Spiritual and Mental but you will also be able to be very effective physically!
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6 - Professional but not a Commercial.....more
The Academy is run, classically, by a semi retired Martial Art Master of some 50 years Martial Art experience. The quality of instruction, style and interaction is highly professional, warm and supportive. Our focus is on the art and our members, not commerce and profit!
7 - Effective Stress & Depression Reduction.....more
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Everyone knows that sport is good for the Body but Shaolin is also good for the Mind and Spirit. Physical activity combined with the thinking required in martial arts serve as double stimulation to blood flow in the brain. To obey directions and learn new techniques, concepts & strategies. Students also develop a high degree of focus and concentration. In more senior levels they need to concentrate and focus under pressure applying their learned skills and behaviours. A training skill that proves valuable in academic studies as well as work and home life.
Everyone also know that the best way to train is to have fun!
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8 - Improves your Problem Solving Abilities.....more
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As Shaolin members learn to master them selves and their body, overcome challenges and acquire more skills, they also improve their Problems Solving and Planning skills. This in turn helps them gain confidence. Most martial artists begin study with little ability. Their gradual progression in level and accumulation of skills provides great satisfaction and increased self-esteem. Those who may have been prone to be bullied also feel better about themselves and their ability to deal with conflict. Specific studies have found that martial art training improved "individual self-confidence and group morale" more than fitness, resistance, or obstacle training; martial arts students, when assessed one year after finishing a one semester class, showed a decrease in feelings of vulnerability and likelihood of attack.
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9 - Social, Friendly and Indiscriminate.....more
10 - Shaolin Allows you to be You.....more
Shaolin does not require artificial military like discipline where everyone is like everyone else. The Shaolin Style specifically encourages and helps members to develop who they are and who they wish to be not requiring everyone to conform to one manageable standard. Actually, individuality, experimentation and explorations are the key to advanced kung fu. This can not be done in a closed environment. A balance between discipline and focus versus exploration and imagination is thre tru challenge and skill of a good Shaolin Kung Fu class and style!
11 - No Limitations; everyone can train Shaolin.....more
Because martial arts offers the opportunity to strengthen mental and social skills. It can dramatically influence children and adults with physical and learning disabilities. These include those with polio, cerebral palsy, birth defects, amputees, the deaf, and the blind. Martial arts training is especially popular for people with attention deficit disorder (ADD) as well as people with OCD (which in some ways is almost required to be a master of the art!). And yes, it also helps people without disabilities to improve their skills, focus and self-discipline!
12 - Shaolin is Relaxing and Fun.....more
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Shaolin Kung Fu is founded in Buddhist Principles which are non-violent, non-aggressive and focus on attaining inner and outer peace, tranquility and oneness. This unique combination of Physical Exercise, Yoga like Stretching, Calming Meditation and Energy Giving Breathing Routines help to find Inner Peace, Fitness, Energy, Relaxed Mind Set and a Stress Management tool 2nd to none. And with an estimated 60 to 70 percent of hospital visits due to stress-related illnesses (not always recognised as such), Shaolin training reduces your probability of Sickness, Accidents and Strass related lost time.
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13 - Improved Life Control and Confidence.....more
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As Shaolin Kung Fu teaches you to know when quick decisions are needed and when contemplation is required. Shaolin Kung Fu teaches you to master quick, effective and correct reflexes in stress situations. It is about Conflict and Life Management; a way to deal with the world and the challenges we need to face to achieve the success we wish to have. And there are many 'strategies' to achieve these including the 7 Habits of Successful People and The Art of War; both of which feature heavily in Shaolin Academy teaching (amongst others)!
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History and proven reliability
The Shaolin Kung Fu & Self Defence Academy has been teaching 'Smart' and conscionable self defence to it's students since it was founded in 1992.more . . .
The style is based on the legendary Shaolin Temple Kung Fu, developed by Buddhist Monks. The Shaolin Kung Fu Self Defence is an Art that highly values intelligent self protection and conscionable self defence which focus on causing minimal harm even to person seeking to cause you great harm. With 1500 years of development, Shaolin Kung Fu has the ways and means of achieving this high degree of self defence whilst maintaining your own personal safety. Takes a bit longer to learn but is leaves you with a clear conscience if you ever need to use it! even more . . . . .
Peace not Violence
The Shaolin style was not developed as a Sport or War Art. It does not seek to make you violent or aggressivemore . . .
but gives you the skills and confidence to 'Manage' a violent situation, based on that which suits your nature, size, demeanour and life outlook. By identifying different human behavioral styles using Animal Metaphors you learn to maintain your dignity and conscience even in the face of a physical, mental or other threat. Learning this skill and being more in control of your life is an asset in itself and especially important to teenagers and young adults future life. Considering that it is also a superior way of maintaining health, flexibility, fitness and strength, it comes to being a very valuable way of achieving many wins through just one activity. even more . . . . .
All can train Shaolin Kung Fu
At this time (24 June 2011 our 19th Birthday!) our youngest student in our Beginners classes is 10y and our oldest 72y. Most students are betweenmore . . .
15y and 35y. In one venue (Camberwell) we have more female student than male. Our students are from a very diverse ethnic, cultural and religious background without this having ever cause any problems to anyone. We wear a uniform and are very flexible with religious or cultural dress requirements. even more . . . . .
Academy Credentials & Professionalism
The Shaolin Academy is a recognized Martial Art Teaching Center and accredited by several national and international orgs including but not limited to; themore. . .
Martial Art Industry Association (Aust Gov Accr.), International Kung Fu Wushu Federation (USA), Kung Fu & Tai Chi Association (China) and Black Belts International (US & GB). Shaolin Academy Instructors go through and additional 3 year Train the Trainer process equivalent to Cert 4 in Workplace Training & Development, L2 First Aid, grading & Feedback Accreditation and personal Specialisations. Shaolin Academy Instructors are truly Professional and simply good!even more . . . . .
Train with us for Free;
click here for a voucher!
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The Top 5 Great Reason for try Shaolin Academy Kung Fu!
Aside from the Excellent Instructors, Fantastic Students, many Social Activities we are Professional not Commercial! And then there are the 5 FREE reasons!
Your training is FREE
The First three classes are absolutely FREE; so that you can make sure you like what you are doing! Click on the picture to the right for a free voucher with address, time and map details.
Your training is PAIN FREE
No pain during training, no pain after training and no pain the next day. Pain = No Brain!
Your training is BULLY FREE
No Bullies, Yahoo's, Bogens, Hot Heads, Agros or such. We have students aged 12 training happily with students aged 70 and everywhere in between. Parent with Children, siblings and even young and not so young couples. The Shaolin Academy is for mature persons who like health, fitness and self-defence training in a fun and professional atmosphere!
Your training PROBLEM FREE
You can train in any of our locations, in any of our classes anytime. You are not locked in to a specific attendance. If one week you have more time, train a bit more and if you miss a class, no problem, catch-up anytime you want.
Your training is INJURY FREE
In 17 year of operation, we have not had a person-to-person accident requiring more than a salve for bruising and a band-aid. New students and beginner students are 'untouchables' and have never ever been hurt or injured!
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Time to Try
If you are reading this still than you are interested! If you would like to take it a step further, come in and try out for three free lessons at any of our three venues in Mordialloc, Caulfield or Camberwell. Just print out the Free Training Voucher which also has the details of the location, and bring it with you. We look forward to meeting and training with you.
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