Best Shaolin Kung Fu Books and Media for Legendary Training
Discover top resources that capture Shaolin Kung Fu fundamentals, styles, and training wisdom for martial artists and enthusiasts. This guide highlights five standout items that span instructional DVDs and classic series, offering practical drills, historical insights, and reliable routines suitable for home practice or classroom use. Each pick is evaluated on content quality, accessibility, and relevance to Shaolin training methods, with a compact buying guide to help readers compare formats and depth of instruction.
| Product | Brand |
|---|---|
| Shaolin Kung Fu Fundamental Training Exercises (YMAA) Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming Kung Fu DVD | YMAA Publication Center |
| Kickin’ It Shaolin Style – 12 Movie Set | Mill Creek Entertainment |
| Shaolin Longfist Kung Fu Basic Sequences (YMAA) Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming | YMAA Publication Center |
| Kung Fu: The Complete Series Collection | WARNER BROS |
Whether you are a beginner seeking foundational drills or an experienced practitioner exploring Shaolin lineage in motion pictures and comprehensive series, the following selections offer accessible entry points and reliable demonstrations. The emphasis is on practical routines, clear explanations, and enduring training concepts that align with traditional Shaolin methods.
Shaolin Kung Fu Fundamental Training Exercises (YMAA) DVD
This YMAA publication features a comprehensive DVD that lays out the essential foundations of Shaolin training. The program covers movement patterns, stances, and conditioning designed to build power, balance, and coordination for practitioners across skill levels. The disc is noted for Worldwide compatibility with multiple language menus and subtitles, making it accessible to a broad audience. Instructors emphasize the core principles of Shaolin drills, ensuring that viewers can translate on-screen technique into effective practice sessions. The material also serves as a solid reference for martial artists seeking a structured regimen that complements in-person coaching or dojo work.
Key elements include-region free playback (Region 0), multilingual options, and a focus on fundamental training that supports progression into more advanced forms. While the program centers on Shaolin basics, it also offers additional training components that can benefit athletes from various disciplines who want to incorporate Shaolin-inspired conditioning and form work into their routines.
Kickin’ It Shaolin Style – 12 Movie Set
This 12-movie collection offers a broad look at Shaolin-inspired action through cinematic storytelling. While not a classroom manual, the set provides exposure to Shaolin-inspired stances, footwork, and dynamic movements seen in a variety of film contexts. The compilation serves as a cultural and visual reference for fans who want to study how Shaolin-style sequences are portrayed in film, offering pacing, rhythm, and dramatization that can inspire shadow boxing and light practice. For practitioners, the package can complement technical work with entertainment that demonstrates practical applications of form across different narratives.
Shaolin Longfist Kung Fu Basic Sequences (YMAA)
Presented by Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming, this DVD focuses on the Longfist (Changquan) style’s basic sequences. Viewers can expect instruction on foundational form, footwork, and body alignment that underpin more complex combinations in Shaolin kung fu. The program is positioned as a bestseller within YMAA’s catalog, indicating its popularity and practical value among students who want a clear, technique-driven approach to basic sequences. The material is suitable for independent practice, enabling learners to establish a daily routine that emphasizes precision and fluidity in movement.
Kung Fu: The Complete Series Collection
The Kung Fu complete series collection provides a historical and cultural window into Shaolin-inspired martial arts narrative on screen. While primarily a TV series, it offers recurring thematic elements such as discipline, balance, breathing, and stances that align with Shaolin practice. Viewers can observe how characters move through routines that emphasize precision, timing, and energy control—concepts that translate into physical training. The boxed set format makes it a durable addition for libraries, classrooms, or personal study, especially for learners who appreciate long-form storytelling alongside technical demonstrations.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right Shaolin-focused resource depends on learning goals, preferred formats, and how you plan to practice. Consider the following perspectives to guide your purchase:
- Instructional depth: DVDs from YMAA emphasize foundational drills and progressive training; film collections lean toward entertainment with occasional practical movement cues.
- Format and accessibility: Look for regions and language options that fit your setup. If you need subtitles or multilingual menus, verify those features in advance.
- Practice setting: For home routines, choose resources that present clear sequences, repetition cues, and pacing that suits solo training. For dojo use, consider materials that align with instructor-led formats.
- Progression and variety: A combination of foundational sequences (Longfist, basic drills) plus broader exposure (film sets, complete series) can reinforce techniques while expanding motivation through varied context.
- Media type: DVDs provide structured instruction and repeatable viewing, while series collections offer cultural context and extended practice narratives that can complement technical work.
Buying considerations also include durability, availability, and compatibility with current playback devices. For learners prioritizing technique and progression, pairing a foundational DVD with supplementary viewing of Shaolin-inspired cinema can enrich understanding of form, timing, and rhythm. If possible, supplement these resources with live instruction or online drills that emphasize body alignment, breath control, and safe training practices.