Kung Fu Taolu (Forms)
For a broader overview of forms across all martial arts, see the Kata & Forms hub.
Forms Overview
Kung Fu has more forms (taolu) than any other martial art — possibly thousands across all styles. Forms are central to Kung Fu training and range from simple beginner sequences to elaborate, acrobatic competition routines.
Notable forms by style
| Style | Form | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Wing Chun | Siu Nim Tao (Little Idea) | The first form. Centerline theory, basic hand techniques. Performed standing still. |
| Wing Chun | Chum Kiu (Seeking the Bridge) | Second form. Adding footwork, turning, and entry techniques. |
| Wing Chun | Biu Jee (Thrusting Fingers) | Third form. Emergency techniques, recovery from bad positions. |
| Wing Chun | Muk Yan Jong (Wooden Dummy) | 116-movement form practiced on the wooden dummy. The most famous Kung Fu training tool. |
| Shaolin | 5 Animal Fists | Tiger, crane, snake, dragon, leopard — each section embodies a different animal’s fighting principle |
| Shaolin | 18 Luohan Hands | Legendary first Shaolin form, attributed to Bodhidharma |
| Tai Chi | 24-form Yang Style | The most widely practiced Tai Chi form worldwide. Slow, flowing movements. |
| Tai Chi | 108-form Yang Style | Complete traditional form. Takes 20–30 minutes to perform. |
| Wushu | Changquan (Long Fist) | Competition form with acrobatic kicks, sweeps, and aerial techniques |
Video resources
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Wing Chun Siu Nim Tao (complete) | YouTube |
| Wooden dummy form (Ip Man lineage) | YouTube |
| Shaolin 5 animal forms | YouTube |
| 24 form Tai Chi (step by step) | YouTube |