This is a fundamental set composed of eight basic Shaolin patterns for striking attack and defence. It is also employed to train breath control. Initially each pattern is performed individually in one breath with focus on accuracy of form, fluidity of movement and explosion of force. Then a whole sequence of about eight patterns is performed in one breath, hence increasing speed without sacrificing form, fluid movement and force.

Although this sequence is simple, comprising only one attack pattern and one defence pattern repeated thrice, many Shaolin Wahnam kungfu students are fascinated by this set. It is because this sequences focuses on developing fundamental skills. What two combat skills do you think are involved in this sequence?

Combat Sequence 2 is a logical development of Combat Sequence 1. At the end of Combat Sequence 1, add an extra pattern, “White Snake Shoots Venom”. To maintain uniformity for practice purpose, the first pattern of the sequence is taken away, leaving three attacks in the sequence.

Similarly, at the end of Combat Sequence 2, add an extra pattern, “Precious Duck Swims Through Lotus”. Then, take out one pattern at the beginning of the sequence. Remember to make foot-adjustment and cover yourself as you attack with a low punch.

When your opponent sweeps at your arm as you attack him with a low punch in Sequence 3, “leak” away from the hand-sweep and strike his temple with a horn punch. But be careful that he may, at the same time, strike you with a Black Tiger as in Sequence 3.

The four combat sequences are linked together to form a set. We name this set “Black Tiger Steals Heart” after its most frequently used pattern. Hence, the name “Black Tiger Steals Heart” may refer to a pattern, a sequence or a set. This set focuses on developing combat skills.

Combat Sequences 5 to 8 use the right leg mode and expands the range of techniques for striking attack. The “pressing” tactic is introduced in Combat Sequence 5.

This sequence introduces the left hand attack using a palm strike. It often catches an opponent by surprise. The counter is beautiful, revealing the profundity of Shaolin Kungfu. It strikes an opponent when his attack is just completed.

When chopping, the arm acts like a chain, not a rod. The pattern “Double Bows Tame Tiger” (or “Jade Girl Threads Shuttle” in Taijiquan) is subtle. When executed skillfully you strike an opponent just when he thinks he strikes you. It is a good example of “starting later, arriving earlier”.

First you tempt your opponent to attack you. When he does, you chop at his arm, then at his neck. The responder's counter against the initiator's horizontal sweep is “Carrying Single Knife to Attend Conference”, which is also the same pattern used earlier by the initiator in chopping the responder's arm.

This second combat-sequence set is composed from Sequences 5 to 8. While the first combat sequence set, “Black Tiger Steals Heart”, mainly uses the left leg mode, this set uses the right leg mode. While the first set focuses on developing skills, this set focuses on expanding techniques. Hence, many new techniques for striking are introduced.

Sequences 9 to 12 focus on kicks and their defences. The side-kick, executed in the pattern “Happy Bird Hops up Branch”, is employed in Sequence 9. The initiator opens the way with two pressing attacks, then tempts the responder to counter. As the responder counters, the initiator employs the side kick.

This is a development from Sequence 9. If the responder does not counter-attack, the initiator follows up with a thrust kick executed in the pattern “White Horse Presents Hoof”. Alternatively, this sequence is excellent for pressing attack.

This sequence incorporates the deadly organ-seeking kick executed with the pattern “Yellow Bird Plays with Water”. An effective counter, employing the tactic of “no defence, direct counter” is “Trim Bamboo with Branches”, striking the leg as it kicks. This sequence also employs an effective way to intercept a pressing attack.

This sequence incorporates the whirlwind kick, executed in the pattern “Naughty Monkey Kicks at Tree”. Take note that a whirlwind kick to the kidney can be fatal, so do be careful. The counter shown here is “hard”. A “soft” counter can be implemented using the pattern “Tame Tiger with Beads”, followed by “Golden Leopard Speeds through Jungle”.

This set is composed from Sequences 9 to 12. Four fundamental kicks are introduces. The sequences here are also effective for pressing attacks, as well show some effective ways to intercept pressing attacks.

Combat Sequences 13 to 16 introduce felling and gripping techniques and their counters. The sequence here incorporates the backward throw, which is a widely used felling technique. It is implemented by the pattern “Felling Tree with Roots”. Gripping techniques are also incorporated. Good stances are essential.

Like the previous sequence, both gripping and felling techniques are found in this sequence. The felling technique here makes excellent use of leverage, so be careful when felling your partner so that he would not break his arm or leg when falling. Note that in the previous sequence both you and your opponent are at the right leg mode when you apply the felling technique. If he is at the left leg mode, you would find it more effective to use the felling technique shown in this sequence.

The pattern “Farmer Hoes Rice Field” is used here to implement the shoulder throw. Take note that this throw may result in breaking an opponent's spine, which may paralyze him for life. So, be very careful. Throwing him across your waist would prevent this happening.

This is a merciful way of felling an opponent — by pushing him to fall backward. The push should come from the back leg, not the shoulder. Instead of pushing, you may strike him.

This set is composed from Sequences 13 to 16, and incorporates gripping and felling techniques.