13. Exercise "Jumping Centipede"

WU GONG TIAO

Brief description*

*Excerpt from the book: Jin Jing Zhong. Authentic Shaolin Heritage: Training Methods of 72 Arts of Shaolin. ISBN: 978-1440474170

Shaolin exercise “Jumping Centipede” is also called “The Art of Slithering Snake” (SHE XING SHU). It trains arm and leg skills well and spring ability at the same time.
Training method: both hands with the palms and both feet with the toes take a firm stand...

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...When a certain level of skill is attained in this exercise, the palms may be clenched into fists, then proceed to a support on five fingers, three fingers, two fingers and, finally, one finger (forefinger). One may also raise one foot and continue doing the exercise until it is possible to make jumps in any direction – either forward or backward. The exercise is considered to be worked through at this stage.

...If you encounter the enemy, the force of fingers and toes will help to overwhelm him; moreover, jumps can be used for retreat in a fight. You can press yourself close to the ground and slither like a snake if the enemy suddenly rushed to you and you could not foresee this.

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