The special characteristics of Putian martial arts contain forms and training methods that focus on ging lik. They tend to utilize all four limbs in close range, but their specialty is still the arm bridge. The basic exercises and movements of the southern systems commonly focus on the arm bridge, the waist / hip, and the use of Jong training, including standing Jong and Muk Yan Jong (collectively known as jong gung). The ging lik focuses on cheun ging (short power) and sticking energy. Speaking in realms of applications, they tend to operate with close range strikes and kicks, containing expertise in kam na as well as pressure point technology.

Out of all those systems and skills, which are more originally systems that were practiced in the Southern Shaolin temple? Which systems and skills were created after the destruction of the temple? Before anyone can answer these questions, researchers must know the DNA and characteristics of both Northern and Southern Shaolin.

There are three characteristics that mark an art as belonging to the classification of Shaolin: Chan (Zen) philosophy, internal and external health development, and martial skill based on combat reality. We call these the three treasures of Shaolin.

The first treasure, Chan (Zen), is the heart of all Shaolin Kung Fu. Chan (Zen) places emphasis on instant awakening rooted in awareness of 'here and now'. Equally important is the Chan (Zen) mandate for practicality. This refers to Chan's (Zen) emphasis on understanding and relating to reality through the senses of the body and intuition in harmony rather than creating complex philosophical models of thought that are not directly tied to daily experience. Finally, Chan (Zen) insistence on 'completeness' refers to looking at issues or situations from all angles rather than one's personal, subjective, frame of reference.

The second treasure of Shaolin, internal and external health development, deals with keeping the body in good working order and living in harmony with the needs of the body. Medicinal and qigong practices are used to heal the body and maintain a proper internal functioning of the viscera in harmony with the muscles and bones. Forms achieve multiple aims from moving meditation to external strengthening of the body to internal conditioning of the viscera through static postures and rhythmic movements of the limbs.

Instructor Allen Kong demonstrating the Human Standing Post Qigong of Hung Fa Yi Wing Chun.

The final treasure, martial skill, was also an important facet of Shaolin Chan (Zen). The body must be kept in balance and self-defense is necessary to keep the world in balance. Shaolin monks use the process of learning self-defense in addition to fighting scenarios to delve into their personal demons and attachments to root out the source of ignorance, fear and greed.

Master Meng demonstrating Hung Fa Yi Wing Chun fighting applications.