Old legends refer to the Shaolin Temple the origin of all Chinese martial arts. While kung fu existed long before the Temple existed, it exerted a profound influence on the development and creation of many styles of kung fu. Built in AD 495, it was to the Shaolin monastery in Henan province that the monk Bodhidharma (Da Mo) would arrive in AD 527 to make a profound influence on the way kung fu was taught and practiced. Da Mo introduced a unique type of Buddhism called Chan (Zen). Over time, Shaolin became a place where noble warrior monks reached the highest levels of martial arts, standing for truth and justice throughout the centuries. It was a forum where top martial artists could collaborate and research their techniques, giving birth to many famous styles of kung fu including Praying Mantis, Eagle Claw, Tiger Claw, Luohan Boxing, Tongbeiquan, and Piguaquan. Today, the Shaolin Temple is flourishing and has become an international Mecca for martial arts enthusiasts.

Northern Shaolin styles are characterized by numerous kicking, jumping, and sweeping techniques, coupled with powerful open hand palm strikes. The movements are long, open and performed with a gallant spirit.