The Shaolin 5 Star

The 5 Star/ 5 Sector Blocking/ Deflecting Pattern is the foundation method in the 5 Form Fist Shaolin system, along with the inner and outer circle blocking/deflecting methods. There is the Single Hand 5 Star method, and Double Hand Five Star method. Picture the 5 Star Diagram- the pentagram- with a circle connecting each point on the perimeter. ‘5 Star' refers to each point of the star- a potential point of contact- and '5 Sector' refers to the space in between the '5 stars/ points.' The basic method utilizes a single hand making various palm/ palm heel/ wrist deflections, along with a rising dragon tail block...as this is mastered, there are many other ways of working the '5 Stars'- closed fist, knife edge, tiger and dragon methods, and more...and many ways to practice it, from on the air with a variety of breathing methods, to simple methods with a partner; in and with a variety of stances/ movements/steps; to more active and complicated free style methods in self-defense and sparring. Dedicated Five Star practice will lead to mastery of the point and circle for defense. The 5 Star Diagram- the pentagram- with a circle connecting each point on the perimeter is of course also a mystical symbol, and is also utilized as such in various ways in the Shaolin 5 Form Fist system. Other blocking/deflecting methods include: 3 Star, 7 Star, and 9 Star; along with many other specialized methods utilized within the various animal systems/ styles as well as tai chi and internal arts, each of which has it’s own unique ways of working with and applying the 5 Star/ Sector pattern and concepts.

The 5 Star also serves as a matrix from which any combination of these other methods may all be utilized from; the 5 Star Guard being the seed of the whole system of blocking/deflecting/passing.

A basic Double 5 Star Solo Drill.

The Shaolin 5 Star Guard.