Two Nord Shaolin Kung Fu practitioners training traditional martial arts techniques
About Nord Shaolin Kung Fu – Traditional Martial Arts Training


What is Nord Shaolin Kung Fu?

Nord Shaolin Kung Fu is a traditional martial art founded by Soke Keido Yamaue in Denmark in 1972. The system grew from his extensive training in Northern Shaolin traditions, Shorinji Kempo, Aiki Jutsu, Ju Jutsu, Karate, Judo and other Japanese and Chinese martial arts.

Rather than being designed as a competitive sport, Nord Shaolin Kung Fu was developed as a complete system of self-defence, physical development and mental discipline. Its purpose is not simply to defeat an opponent, but to develop the whole person through the unity of body and mind.

Fast, Direct and Effective Movement

Nord Shaolin Kung Fu is recognised for its fast, direct and elegant movements. Its technical foundation combines linear power with circular motion and uses angles to redirect, control or neutralise an attack.

A central element is Soke Yamaue's 45-degree theory. Instead of always meeting force directly, the practitioner learns to change the angle of the body, move away from the strongest line of attack and respond from a more effective position.

The system also works with balance, timing, distance, centripetal force and precise targeting. This allows technique, body movement and accuracy to replace unnecessary muscular strength.

Hard and Soft Techniques

Nord Shaolin Kung Fu combines hard and soft methods as complementary parts of the same system.

Go-ho – hard techniques include:

  • Punches and other hand strikes

  • Kicks

  • Blocks and deflections

  • Combinations and counterattacks

  • Practical applications for self-defence

Ju-ho – soft techniques include:

  • Evasive body movement

  • Releases from grabs and holds

  • Throws and takedowns

  • Joint controls and locks

  • Wrist techniques

  • Pressure-point applications

  • Breakfalls and safe ways of receiving a technique

The practitioner learns not only how to generate power, but also how to receive, redirect and control force. Training develops the ability to move naturally between hard and soft responses according to the situation.

Forms, Applications and Partner Training

The system is taught through basic techniques, combinations, kata, practical applications, controlled partner exercises and free training.

Kata preserves technical principles in structured movement. Partner training transforms those movements into practical skills by developing timing, distance, precision, reaction and control.

Students gradually learn how individual techniques connect. A block becomes a movement into a better position; a strike may flow into a joint control or throw; and defence becomes one continuous response rather than a collection of isolated movements.

Self-Defence With Responsibility

Nord Shaolin Kung Fu teaches effective self-defence, but physical ability must develop together with judgement and responsibility.

The aim is not uncontrolled aggression. The practitioner should learn to recognise danger, remain calm under pressure and use only the level of force that is necessary. True strength includes the ability to protect oneself and others without causing unnecessary harm.

This principle reflects the traditional idea that martial skill and personal character cannot be separated.

Training Body and Mind

Training improves strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, endurance and body awareness. At the same time, it develops concentration, patience, self-control and the ability to remain mentally present.

Breathing and meditation form a bridge between the physical and mental aspects of the system. A calm and focused mind allows the body to move more freely, react more precisely and use energy more efficiently.

For this reason, Nord Shaolin Kung Fu is more than a collection of fighting techniques. It is a continuing practice through which the student learns to understand both movement and mind.

EMBU – The Highest Expression of Our Training

At the heart of Nord Shaolin Kung Fu is EMBU: a long, prearranged combat sequence performed with a partner.

EMBU is not simply a demonstration or a staged fight. It is a demanding method of training in which attacks, defences, strikes, kicks, throws, locks and evasive movements are joined into one continuous flow. Both partners must perform with precision, realism, control and complete awareness of each other.

Through EMBU, students develop timing, distance, coordination, courage and trust. They learn to give and receive energy, to adapt instantly and to remain fully present throughout a complex sequence. Neither partner can succeed alone; the quality of the performance depends on cooperation and mutual responsibility.

This is where the technical, physical and philosophical elements of Nord Shaolin Kung Fu come together.

Active Zen Meditation

Zen Buddhism is woven into the deeper purpose of the system. Its central principle is that body and mind are not separate. Physical training without mental development is incomplete, just as meditation without awareness of the body remains incomplete.

At the highest level, EMBU becomes active Zen meditation. There is no room for distraction, hesitation or unnecessary thought. The practitioner must be completely present in every movement, breath and moment of contact.

The aim is not to empty the training of intensity, but to find stillness within movement. Technique becomes spontaneous, the distinction between thought and action begins to disappear, and both partners move together in a shared state of awareness.

This union of effective martial technique, cooperation and meditative presence is the culmination of our training.

Nord Shaolin Kung Fu is not merely something we practise. It is a way of life.