Our Curriculum
Wushu is known for its fluid, graceful movements and forms, and as the martial art itself is fluid, so are our classes, training methods and curriculum.
Broadly, our school focuses on three main methods, and all our training is based on this triangle if you will: Tai Chi, Northern Long Fist, and Southern Style. If you wish to learn Tai Chi, you may attend Tai Chi classes. And of course if you wish to learn Kung Fu, you may attend Kung Fu classes which are based around Long Fist (Changquan) and Southern Style (Nanquan). Ultimately, the three styles are related to each other and learning any combination of them can help your development over all. But your progress is your own and you may train in the areas you wish.
Broadly, our school focuses on three main methods, and all our training is based on this triangle if you will: Tai Chi, Northern Long Fist, and Southern Style. If you wish to learn Tai Chi, you may attend Tai Chi classes. And of course if you wish to learn Kung Fu, you may attend Kung Fu classes which are based around Long Fist (Changquan) and Southern Style (Nanquan). Ultimately, the three styles are related to each other and learning any combination of them can help your development over all. But your progress is your own and you may train in the areas you wish.
Tai Chi Chuan
Our Tai Chi classes are built upon both modern and traditional interpretations of the Yang Family Style. Beginning students learn a range of techniques which lead into two short routines: the 13 Forms and the 24 Forms. Sometimes referred to as the simplified method, the 24 Forms is a relatively modern Yang Style routine that was choreographed in 1956, and was built upon a foundation of traditional techniques. Probably the most widely-practiced Tai Chi routine in the world, should you already know this when you come to train with us, we can discuss stylistic variations and progress you more quickly to other, more challenging forms, including the 32 Sword Forms, the 42 Forms (the old international competition routine), and the traditional Restricted Yang Family 108 Forms.
The numbers relate to how many postures (or forms) are featured in each routine. Hence, the 13 Forms is the shortest and one of the easiest forms to learn, comprised of 13 key movements. The 108 Forms takes much longer to both learn and practice, and in general, students will progress from one form to the next, when they are ready.
The phrase “when you are ready” is also fluid. There are no examinations or grades in the Tai Chi curriculum. Everything is practice. You practice techniques, learn sequences, and practice techniques. Training is little more than this. One day, you’ll discover that you have developed sophisticated skills, you will be good at a range of complicated forms and techniques, and you will be able to move more freely and smoothly than before.
Over time, a range of self-defence techniques and sensitivity exercises will be introduced to the student’s training program, which is not comprised of forms training alone, but also includes qigong meditation and various conditioning exercises.
The numbers relate to how many postures (or forms) are featured in each routine. Hence, the 13 Forms is the shortest and one of the easiest forms to learn, comprised of 13 key movements. The 108 Forms takes much longer to both learn and practice, and in general, students will progress from one form to the next, when they are ready.
The phrase “when you are ready” is also fluid. There are no examinations or grades in the Tai Chi curriculum. Everything is practice. You practice techniques, learn sequences, and practice techniques. Training is little more than this. One day, you’ll discover that you have developed sophisticated skills, you will be good at a range of complicated forms and techniques, and you will be able to move more freely and smoothly than before.
Over time, a range of self-defence techniques and sensitivity exercises will be introduced to the student’s training program, which is not comprised of forms training alone, but also includes qigong meditation and various conditioning exercises.
Kung Fu
Kung Fu students initially learn two short sequences: the Northern Five Stance and the Southern Arms Routine. They will also learn a range of traditional foundation techniques including kicks, punches and blocks, as well as flexibility and conditioning methods.
After the student has become familiar with the foundation techniques, they will begin to learn longer and more complicated routines. The next three forms covered in our curriculum are the Shaolinquan 24 Forms, the Elementary Nanquan, and the Elementary Changquan, but not necessarily in that order. Our Kung Fu curriculum remains fluid, and students will have the opportunity to focus more upon the forms, styles and techniques that they are naturally inclined towards.
From this base onwards, the curriculum is geared around learning a range of different, yet related forms, combined with self-defence concepts and applications. In a broad sense, most of the routines belong to the Changquan or Long Fist family, and depending on your own strengths and weaknesses, you will have the opportunity to tailor your progress given the context of our training and class structure.
We aim to bestow upon each student a well-rounded Wushu education. This means that we try not to be too narrow or limited in our approach; the forms and techniques we cover, some of them are older, some more modern, and we also investigate the context and the relationship between different styles. As such, a historical context is built in to our training.
Each student will find some things come easier than others and some forms present surprising challenges; some may be more intricate, subtle and complex, and others may appear more simple, but are much more athletically demanding. Over time, you will learn forms that are appropriate to your progression, yet which may challenge you in unexpected ways.
Select traditional forms may be studied, of the Shaolin lineage among others, including Xiao Hongquan and Da Hongquan. Xiao Hongquan is thought to have contributed to the development of both Tai Chi and the modern, competitive Long Fist forms, so training in this style can be both significant in terms of your physical practice, but also interesting in a theoretical context.
Training in the four fundamental weapons is offered - being the broadsword, straight sword, staff or cudgel, and the spear. Thereafter, the possibility exists to study a limited range of other, rarer weapons, including the three-section-cudgel, fan, the long spear, and hook swords.
A student may also learn two-person choreographed dueling routines, either with or without weapons.
And a selection of longer, athletic competition forms may also be studied.
Ultimately, the application of martial arts and effective self-defence must not be too contrived, yet you cannot rely on pure, untrained spontaneous movements either. The end goal is not only to learn and develop, but also to bring your own character to your martial art. To apply insight to the techniques and develop the spirit of your own Wushu.
After the student has become familiar with the foundation techniques, they will begin to learn longer and more complicated routines. The next three forms covered in our curriculum are the Shaolinquan 24 Forms, the Elementary Nanquan, and the Elementary Changquan, but not necessarily in that order. Our Kung Fu curriculum remains fluid, and students will have the opportunity to focus more upon the forms, styles and techniques that they are naturally inclined towards.
From this base onwards, the curriculum is geared around learning a range of different, yet related forms, combined with self-defence concepts and applications. In a broad sense, most of the routines belong to the Changquan or Long Fist family, and depending on your own strengths and weaknesses, you will have the opportunity to tailor your progress given the context of our training and class structure.
We aim to bestow upon each student a well-rounded Wushu education. This means that we try not to be too narrow or limited in our approach; the forms and techniques we cover, some of them are older, some more modern, and we also investigate the context and the relationship between different styles. As such, a historical context is built in to our training.
Each student will find some things come easier than others and some forms present surprising challenges; some may be more intricate, subtle and complex, and others may appear more simple, but are much more athletically demanding. Over time, you will learn forms that are appropriate to your progression, yet which may challenge you in unexpected ways.
Select traditional forms may be studied, of the Shaolin lineage among others, including Xiao Hongquan and Da Hongquan. Xiao Hongquan is thought to have contributed to the development of both Tai Chi and the modern, competitive Long Fist forms, so training in this style can be both significant in terms of your physical practice, but also interesting in a theoretical context.
Training in the four fundamental weapons is offered - being the broadsword, straight sword, staff or cudgel, and the spear. Thereafter, the possibility exists to study a limited range of other, rarer weapons, including the three-section-cudgel, fan, the long spear, and hook swords.
A student may also learn two-person choreographed dueling routines, either with or without weapons.
And a selection of longer, athletic competition forms may also be studied.
Ultimately, the application of martial arts and effective self-defence must not be too contrived, yet you cannot rely on pure, untrained spontaneous movements either. The end goal is not only to learn and develop, but also to bring your own character to your martial art. To apply insight to the techniques and develop the spirit of your own Wushu.
SMW Examinations and Belts
As discussed above, our Tai Chi curriculum does not include examinations or formalised progressions. As a student of Kung Fu, early in your training you will be presented with a red sash or belt. You are free to wear this while training or not, as you wish.
Once you have learned nine forms, you may apply to undertake the black belt examination. There are no other coloured belts in our system, only red and black.
In the interests of possessing a well-rounded Wushu education, to make up the nine forms you will be required to demonstrate at least one modern form, one traditional form, one long form, one two-person dueling form, one internal style, one external style, and one weapons form. Beyond these requirements, you may have learned a range of forms that are quite different to those of any other student.
Truly the black belt isn’t about status. The reason for the black belt examination at Song Mountain Wushu is essentially this: we value the concept of quality assurance and we want you to have documented evidence of the effort you have applied. These days, certificates are useful. If you were also to complete a certificate in Personal Training or Coaching, you could present that qualification along with your black belt certificate and apply for membership with an appropriate governing body, and you may become accredited as a martial arts coach and teach your own classes. Or you may simply continue to train Wushu for as long as it interests you, but you will neither be burdened nor motivated by grading after grading, belt after belt. The true benefits of learning the martial arts we teach do not relate to status, but are internal.
Once you have learned nine forms, you may apply to undertake the black belt examination. There are no other coloured belts in our system, only red and black.
In the interests of possessing a well-rounded Wushu education, to make up the nine forms you will be required to demonstrate at least one modern form, one traditional form, one long form, one two-person dueling form, one internal style, one external style, and one weapons form. Beyond these requirements, you may have learned a range of forms that are quite different to those of any other student.
Truly the black belt isn’t about status. The reason for the black belt examination at Song Mountain Wushu is essentially this: we value the concept of quality assurance and we want you to have documented evidence of the effort you have applied. These days, certificates are useful. If you were also to complete a certificate in Personal Training or Coaching, you could present that qualification along with your black belt certificate and apply for membership with an appropriate governing body, and you may become accredited as a martial arts coach and teach your own classes. Or you may simply continue to train Wushu for as long as it interests you, but you will neither be burdened nor motivated by grading after grading, belt after belt. The true benefits of learning the martial arts we teach do not relate to status, but are internal.