Bei Shaolinquan
The Northern Shaolin Style (北少林拳- Běi Shàolínquán) is a traditional system of Chinese martial arts. Northern Shaolin emphasizes large frame techniques, quick and light footwork, clever kicking combinations and circular defensive movements, it also relies on agility, creativity and aggressiveness in its attacks.
The system teaches its techniques through the practice of Tàolù (套路- patterns), also known as "forms". Students practice the techniques in the taolu until the movements become instinctual. Two person sets are also practiced to train certain applications of techniques learned from the sets in a safe and predictable environment. The practice of these taolu, by the student, brings together three important aspects in Chinese martial arts:
健 - Jiàn - Health - Practicing taolu is a great way of exercising your whole body.
用 - Yòng - Use - Practicing taolu allows you to analyze your techniques and movements to later be used in combat.
看 - Kàn - Looks - Practicing taolu gives you a way to express yourself artistically through movement.
Northern Shaolin is one style of the many styles of China, it shares technical similarities with some styles created in the Central Plains region (中原 - Zhōngyuán) of China, however it is distinct in its use of ten specific taolu and that its most famous exponent was Master Gù Rǔzhāng (顧汝章- 1894-1952).