The Eight Great Schools

Each school of Chinese martial arts carries a distinct philosophy, training methodology, and cultural heritage. Discover the school that resonates with your path.

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Shaolin

少林

External / Hard StyleHenan Province, 5th Century CE

The birthplace of Chan Buddhism and the most famous school of Chinese martial arts. Known for powerful external styles, iron body training, and Buddhist warrior monks.

FAMOUS TECHNIQUES

Iron PalmShaolin StaffArhat FistHard Qigong
☯️

Wudang

武当

Internal / Soft StyleHubei Province, 13th Century CE

The Taoist mountain monastery known for internal martial arts. Emphasizes yielding, softness overcoming hardness, and the cultivation of qi.

FAMOUS TECHNIQUES

Tai Chi ChuanWudang SwordBa Gua ZhangXing Yi Quan
🌊

Tai Chi

太极

Internal / MeditativeChen Village, Henan Province, 17th Century CE

The supreme ultimate fist — a martial art, moving meditation, and health practice rooted in Taoist philosophy of yin and yang.

FAMOUS TECHNIQUES

Yang Style 24 FormPush HandsChen Style Silk ReelingSword Form
🤲

Wing Chun

咏春

Close-range / DirectFoshan, Guangdong Province, 18th Century CE

A concept-based close-quarters fighting system specializing in rapid strikes, simultaneous attack and defense, and economy of movement.

FAMOUS TECHNIQUES

Chain PunchWooden DummyChi Sao (Sticky Hands)Centerline Theory
⛰️

Emei

峨眉

Internal-External HybridSichuan Province, 16th Century CE

A unique school combining Buddhist and Taoist influences, known for its women warriors and techniques that blend softness with explosive power.

FAMOUS TECHNIQUES

Emei Piercing PalmTwelve PosturesJade Maiden SwordCloud Steps
🐅

Hung Gar

洪拳

Southern / Hard StyleGuangdong Province, 17th Century CE

A major southern Chinese martial art known for deep stances, powerful hand techniques, and the legendary tiger-crane combination form.

FAMOUS TECHNIQUES

Tiger Crane FormIron Wire FistFive AnimalsTaming the Tiger
🔄

Baguazhang

八卦掌

Internal / CircularBeijing, 19th Century CE

The Eight Trigram Palm — characterized by circular walking patterns, fluid palm changes, and evasive footwork. A core internal martial art.

FAMOUS TECHNIQUES

Circle WalkingSingle Palm ChangeDouble Palm ChangeDragon Form

Xing Yi Quan

形意拳

Internal / Linear ExplosiveShanxi Province, 17th Century CE

Form-Intention Boxing — a direct and aggressive internal style based on the five elements and twelve animal forms. Known for explosive linear power.

FAMOUS TECHNIQUES

Five Element FistsTwelve AnimalsSplitting Fist (Pi Quan)Crushing Fist (Beng Quan)