Basics of Shaolin Kung Fu Part 3: Punches

After learning the basic blocks of Shaolin kung fu and thus, defense, it's time to move onto the punches. In Shaolin kung fu and other Chinese martial arts, hand techniques are more ornate than other styles. There are hundreds of hand techniques, but we'll cover just a few of the basic ones. There are some critical things to remember when performing these, and these points apply to all Chinese martial arts.

In Shaolin kung fu especially, power needs to come from the entire body, by either twisting or advancing somehow. Until the moment of impact, the body has to be relaxed, as I stated in a previous article. If the arms are tensed, it tires muscles and slows you down. In Chinese martial arts, speed is important. The arm has to be like a whip. Basic physics shows us that the more mass you put into a punch, in this case the whole body as opposed to just the arm, the more powerful it will be.

Straight Crane Punch

Take a forward stance facing to one side, turning your head to face the target. Thrust the rear arm forward in a punch, making sure to keep the fist aligned with the wrist. In martial arts practice, it's important to keep the body aligned, or injury can result. In Chinese martial arts, especially Shaolin kung fu, there is reliance on chi which requires alignment of the body.
As you punch, twist the entire body so you end up in a forward stance facing the opposite side, and the punch is named because of its resemblance to the crane's wings.

Downward Crane Punch

Like the straight crane punch, assume a side-facing forward stance., raising the hands slightly above the head. In Chinese martial arts, this position also is a stance used in staff combat. Twist the body to the opposite direction, at the same time bringing the forward arm downward to strike with the bottom of the fist. The opposite arm should remain high.

Advancing Reverse Punch

This punch is done uniquely in Shaolin kung fu - that is, it's ideally performed from a back stance. Position your punching hand at your hip palm-up (similar to karate), and the other hand in front of you to block. Step forward with the rear foot, at the same time driving your punching fist forward and twist it halfway. This adds power to the punch as it buries the fist deeper into the opponent's midsection. Remember to shift the entire weight forward.

Reverse Punch

This is done in the same manner as the previous punch, sans the advance.
After drilling these punches until you can do them to perfection, you can then practice the more advanced Shaolin kung fu punches and other hand techniques.