Participants from the Special Shaolin Kungfu Course of September 2005 work out various ways of combat based on certain themes. They choose their patterns from their specialized kungfu sets, which are “Tiger-Crane”, “Dragon Form”, “Dragon-Tiger”, “Five Animals” and “Monkey”.

Hubert chooses patterns from his specialized set, “Dragon Form”, to compose combat sequences with certain themes. The sequences here are comprehensive, covering all the four categories of attacks, and they are developed from the 16 Basic Combat Sequences learnt at an earlier level. He then explains the reasons for his choice. Will you still be able to use these sequences if the opponent attacks in a different order. You will if you have learnt how to make adjustment taught in basic Combat Sequences.

Hubert and Jonny, both specializing in the “Dragon Form Set”, work out combat sequences against Boxers and Muai Thai fighters. Could they defeat Boxers and Muai Tahi fighters with these patterns? That depends on the combat skills of their opponents, but it is certain that if someone practices these patterns correctly for a year, he will be in a better position in fighting Boxers and Muai Thai fighters than another person of a similar level free-sparring randomly for five years.

Simon, Chris and Mark work out two combat sequences against typical Kick Boxing attacks. The importance and advantages of stances are obvious here. Much of Mark's effectiveness in his counters against a Kick-Boxer's attacks lies in his agile body-work due to his good stance. What would happen if an attacker uses other techniques not from Kick-Boxing, such as from Judo throws or Aikido holds? Then we would use other appropriate combat sequences.

Here Simon, Chris and Mark work out patterns from their Dragon-Tiger Set against throws and holds, as well as upper cuts and side kicks. Are their movements too slow for real combat? This is a workout, not a real combat. They purposely slow down their movements both for themselves to check their forms and for others to see so as to comment. When the sequences have been studied, improved upon and accepted, the sequences can be performed fast and with flowing force.

The patterns here worked out by Sifu Jordan and Henrick from the “Five-Animal Set” are more sophisticated than the straight-forward punches and kicks of Boxers and Kick-Boxers, and are used by kungfu exponents who use kungfu fighting. This represents the next stage of the development of fighting techniques. By using stances and body-work they can be faster than Boxers and Kick-Boxers who bounce about.

The patterns used by Nicky and Ronny and taken from their specialized set, “Dragon Form”, are also more sophisticated. The attacks have also moved from linear to sideways. This video clip answers some common doubts of people who think that kungfu patterns are too elaborated, that stances slow down a fighter's action, and that effective fighting consists of punches and kicks like those from Boxing and Kick-Boxing.

Nicky makes good use of the swerving movements of the Dragon to handle some sophisticated attacks by Ronny. Her counters are fast, without appearing fast, using the principles “no defence direct counter” and “starting later arriving earlier”. She also uses the phoenix-fist. The Phoenix is the female counter-part of the Dragon.

Innes and Davie, both from Shaolin Wahnam Scotland, demonstrate some simple yet profound patterns from their specialized set, “Tiger-Crane”. Many people may not realize that the first few patterns are Tiger-Claw attacks, which by themselves can put an opponent out of action if internal force is applied at the opponent's vital points. Innes executed a beautiful Tiger-Tail Kick, to which Davie responses effectively due to his good footwork.

Davie and Innes demonstrate some beautiful and effective techniques from their specialized set, “Tiger-Crane”, which manifests both the “hard” and the “soft” aspects of kungfu. Notice how easily they counter Boxers' punches and Kick-Boxers' kicks. But if you use some of the Tiger-Crane techniques shown here to attack a Boxer or a Kick-Boxer, or an exponent of Karate, Taekwondo, Judo or Wrestling, he may not have any techniques in his art to counter your attack.

What would you do if your opponent catches your kicking leg? One counter is the Tiger-Tail Kick. Innes and Davie then explains the philosophy behind the composition of their combat sequences. Amongst other benefits, understanding the relevant philosophy enables us to achieve maximum results with minimum effort. It also helps us to realize the principle of “yiet lei thong, pa lei meng” (Cantonese pronunciation) or “having traveled the first mile, you will be able to travel hundreds of miles”.

Sifu Markus of Shaolin Wahnam Finland uses patterns from “Dragon Form”, while Chris from Shaolin Wahnam Scotland uses patterns form “Monkey Set”. Sifu Markus is fast, without appearing to be fast, which is of course a high level achievement in kungfu. On the other hand, many movements appear to be fast, but are actually slow. Some examples are flashy high kicks and vigorous bouncing about.

Techniques from the Monkey Set are tricky and deceptive. These two features may not be so obvious in this video clip because this is a workout where the movements are slowed down. An example of trickiness if found at the start of the video where Chris pretends to attack the top when he actually attacks below. This is poetically expressed in Chinese as “hui hui siat siat” (Cantonese pronumciation; in Mandarin pronunciation it becomes a tongue twister — "shi shi shi shi") or “false false real real”.