The
Five Elder Forms will give you the strength, health,
flexibility, power, and speed necessary to become a
dynamic Martial Artist. These forms are separate
from (yet compliment) the American Kenpo System and
provide a link to the health benefits of traditional
Chinese martial arts training. Classes are open to
adults of all ages, skill level and previous
experience is not required.
The name of the program (The 5 Elder Forms) - comes
from the legend of the 5 Elders of the Shaolin
Temple who, as the story goes, escaped the
destruction of the Temple and thus preserved the
teachings of their systems. Many different styles of
martial arts trace their lineage back to one of
these almost mythic figures. Although there is much
debate regarding the Five Elders, their teachings,
lineages, etc - the most commonly accepted names for
the Five Elders are as follows:
Gee Sin
Ng Mui
Bak Mei
Fung To-Tak
Mui Hin
The American Institute of Kenpo’s Five Elder
Forms Program actually consists of ten forms. Each
Elder having two forms that are representational of
their teachings. Some of the forms teach soft
flowing movements which are a beautiful and graceful
disguise for the iron palm training exercises
contained within. Others, work on explosive
techniques from a strong base to fortify stance and
develop stability. Each form contains a wealth of
information and provides the student a window into
the history of the martial arts. The ten forms that
you will learn prior to Black Sash Certification are
as follows:
Chinese Boxer (Boxing Form)
Monkey
Stalking Panther
Flowing Hands
Book Set
Tiger & Crane
Leopard
Tiger Hunt
Whispering Winds
&
Enter The Temple
In addition to the forms instruction, you will
also learn several stretch routines (flows) based
upon Yoga’s Sun Salutation combined with traditional
Qigong. Our students experience many benefits from
participation in AIK’s Five Elder Forms Program -
such as:
Increased Strength, Flexibility, & Range of Motion
Improved Balance, Coordination & Posture
Breath & Energy Cultivation
Stress Relief