Martial Arts Discipline
What is Shaolin kung fu?
Shaolin kung fu is the traditional Chinese martial art practiced by Shaolin monks. It was developed in China, and it helped strengthen their body and mind because of its unique techniques and movements. The name "shaolin" comes from a temple in China called Shaolinsi, more commonly known as the Shaolin temple.
Who invented it and how?
The first written account of the existence of Shaolin Kung Fu dates back from around 550 AD when Buddhist monks realized that Da Mo, one of their members, was not only a great meditator but a good fighter as well. Many people were being attacked at that time, so Da Mo decided to create different fighting techniques from the ones he studied to defend himself and his fellow monks when they traveled through dangerous areas of China. These fighting styles included wrestling, archery, and even horseback riding, which is why Shaolin Kung Fu is still considered a mixed martial art.
History Of Shaolin Kung Fu
Who invented it and how?
The first written account of the existence of Shaolin Kung Fu dates back from around 550 AD when Buddhist monks realized that Da Mo, one of their members, was not only a great meditator but a good fighter as well. Many people were being attacked at that time, so Da Mo decided to create different fighting techniques from the ones he studied to defend himself and his fellow monks when they traveled through dangerous areas of China. These fighting styles included wrestling, archery, and even horseback riding, which is why Shaolin Kung Fu is still considered a mixed martial art.
Da Mo also traveled to the Shaolin temple in Henan province, where he changed his name to Bodhidarma, and it was there that this extraordinary discipline became more popular. The first manual of its kind dates back from around 700 AD, which means that during those years, these fighting techniques were being taught to other monks who then created their styles.
He went to China, where he contacted Emperor Liang Wu Di, known for his tyranny and lack of spirituality or empathy towards other people. Da Mo wanted to teach him the value of being a good person, but the emperor did not want any part of it, so he sent Bodhidharma away from his palace. After that, Bodhidharma went to the Shaolin temple and started teaching their monks his techniques.
Some years later, a monk named Jing Ji introduced some of those fighting moves into Buddhism, which resulted in him being labeled a heretic by other Buddhists because they thought it was not spiritual enough for them. Later on, another group of Buddhist practitioners started focusing on the movements of Da Mo, which resulted in them turning into martial arts. They also began using weapons to strike their opponents. They would fight against other monks who were practicing other styles until one day, a monk named Ta Mo decided to combine all of these different fighting techniques so that everyone could practice what suited them best.
It is believed that the temple was destroyed by fire during the Tang dynasty, so many of its Shaolin Kung Fu techniques were lost, but some people still think that they survived and have been passed on through generations until modern times. The main reason why this style has become so popular is thanks to the fact that many people think it was created by a Buddhist monk who meditated for nine years and then decided to learn how to fight. Shaolin Kung Fu has become associated with meditation.
Shaolin Kung Fu and its different styles
There are many Shaolin kung fu schools, but the most common ones include Choy-Li-Fatt Hung Gar, Dragon Style (Long Fist), Fut Gar, Southern Praying Mantis style, Tiger Claw style, and Wuzuquan. It is essential to mention that Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian thought have influenced these styles.
Choy-Li-Fatt Hung Ga is a more "traditional" style of Shaolin kung fu, and Buddhist monks developed it in China. These were the ones who traveled to southern provinces such as Guangdong, Fujian, and Guizhou, which is why this style includes many techniques from those areas.
Dragon Kung Fu or Long Fist Style is another popular Chinese martial art known for its dynamic kicks, punches, and stances. It was created by Dung Lai, who studied Wing Chun Kung Fu with Yim Wing Choon, a legendary martial arts master Wong Fei-Hung student. The style has many
fast movements meant to confuse or trick your opponent into thinking you are attacking him somewhere else.
Southern Praying Mantis Style is another of the most common styles in China, but Sung Long-Teng first practiced it. He used his knowledge to help defend himself against bandits and robbers after moving from the Shaolin temple into the southern provinces. He created this style because his father taught him how to protect himself while the family traveled through the southern provinces, and Sung Long-Teng also wanted to pass on what he knew so other people could learn it. "Praying mantis" because of its many techniques that resemble the mantis. It is also known for its quick attacks that are meant to be used against an opponent.
This discipline has many techniques that resemble an actual praying mantis, which is why it has become so popular in the south of China. Sung Long-Teng's style focuses on self-defense and helps people improve their health and live better life. Exercises that increase flexibility, strength, and stamina are genuinely a fantastic martial art for those who want to learn how to defend themselves and improve their overall well-being.
Tiger Claw Kung Fu is also one of China's more popular martial arts, mainly because it was created by a woman known as Ng Mui, who taught her techniques to Yim Wing Choon after seeing how talented he was with fighting. It focuses on solid stances meant to act like an actual tiger's claw that will strike your opponents. The style also focuses on using your hands and feet to attack the opponent's vital points, making it even more dangerous.
Wuzuquan is one of the most popular styles in Southern China, influenced by Taoist philosophy, and it focuses on fighting with a sword. Still, some schools teach other forms as well, such as staff fighting or even boxing. The name "wuzu" means five ancestors because there are five positions that mimic the hand movements of our ancestors.
What is the significance of it?
Shaolin kung fu has a long history that speaks volumes about how successful this martial art style was for many years in Asia. It helped so many people become more assertive individuals through its physical training techniques. They could defend themselves against other people who wanted them dead, but they also gained a lot of self-confidence, which allowed them to be at peace with their inner demons.
As time passed, many schools began incorporating Buddhist ideas into this martial arts style because that was what it needed to become more spiritual and less focused on physical strength and violence. There are many different techniques that one can master to get the most out of this martial arts style, but it requires a lot of time and effort to see results.
What makes it unique?
Shaolin kung fu is one of those martial arts brought to life by monks, and now they teach all over the world. It can be practiced as a form of self-defense or as a sport in the Shaolin Temple competitions. Even though this type of fighting was designed for protecting oneself and others, it is imperative to mention that this form of battle should be used as a last resort because violence has always been seen as something not worth pursuing.
What are the benefits of practicing Shaolin Kung Fu?
There are many benefits for someone who decides to practice Shaolin kung fu. Still, the most common ones are that they will become physically stronger, mentally stable, and emotionally in tune with themselves. This martial art has been around for a long time now, and its benefits go beyond just physical strength because it helps one become more spiritual.
How does one practice the art of Shaolin kung fu?
To practice this martial arts style, one must learn many different techniques that vary depending on what school they decide to do kung fu. They can also choose from many different weapons used by the monks until someone decides that it would be more beneficial for them to practice Buddhist ideas so that their art could become more robust.