BEGINNERS / BASIC TRAINING
Many beginners are concerned that they must keep up with their classmates in learning new material, or that if they miss a grading they will fall behind and not progress. In fact there is no need to worry about such things, as when you become an advanced student (or even a teacher), you will treat all Kung Fu training as simply an opportunity to work on your basic technique.
As a beginner, you are in the best possible situation; with only a couple of sets to work on: Ma Sing (Stance Form) and Chuan Fa (Fist Technique), there is no need for confusion. The foundation you create here will make everything that follows easy or difficult, depending on how well you digest your basic training.
In the Fareham club, it is common to spend a year learning Ma Sing and Chuan Fa before starting your first form, Shaolin Chang Chuan (Long Fist), which combines the principles of both, along with introducing kicks and developing your striking technique into combination practice.
Alongside your curriculum (syllabus) material, you can also expect regular partner practice of applications, self-defence, and various forms of sparring. This partner practice is an essential aspect of your training, so that you understand how to apply your Kung Fu, and are not just practicing 'empty form'.
More about:
Curriculum (Overview)
Self-Defence
Forms (Shaolin Animal Forms and Weaponry)
Chi Kung (a.k.a. Qi Gong)