ShaoLin - History


Shao Lin temple

Shaolin martial arts originated at the Shaolin Temple located in the Dengfeng County, of China's Henan province, Built in 495 AD during the Northern Wei Dynasty. The temple is situated in the Song Yue Shi Mountain range. Because the temple was erected in the forests at the foot of Shao Shi Mountain it was named Shaolin, which means "Young Forest"

The Shaolin Temple is the birthplace of Chan (Zen) Buddhism and Shaolin Kung Fu. Chan Buddhism was founded by Bodhidharma (Puti Damo), the 28th generation disciple of Buddha

Shi Jia Mo Ni. Bodhidharma arrived at Shaolin Temple in 527 AD and is said to have sat facing the wall of a cave on Wu Ru Peak for nine years behind Shaolin temple, before founding the Chan (Zen) sect of Buddhism. Bodhidharma is accredited with passing on the treasures of Yi Jin Jing - Muscle/Tendon Changing Classic and Xi Sui Jing - Marrow/Brain Washing Classic to the monks of Shaolin Temple.

Martial arts were all ready being practised at Shaolin prior to Bodhidharma’s arrival. It is from Bodhidharma’s presence at Shaolin Temple however that Shaolin Kung Fu began to further develop and refine itself into one of the worlds most sought after arts. During the Song Dynasty, The Abbot Fu Yu, invited experts from 18 schools to exchange and teach each other skills at Shaolin. They remained for 3 years and edited the Shaolin Boxing manual, which described 280 routines.

ShaoLin - Training

Shao Lin temple yard

Shaolin is a complex art that has evolved over the last 1500 years. It utilises all aspects of martial practice: punching, kicking, striking, throwing, grappling, weaponry, point striking and qi cultivation. It contains both Wai Gong (External skill) and Nei Gong (Internal skill) in its methodology. It is another common misunderstanding that labels Shaolin as only an external style of Kung Fu. Shaolin Kung Fu cultivates Qi, Jing and Shen and promotes the development of the muscle, bones and skin. Shaolin practice is also a pathway to Chan (Zen). Shaolin Kung Fu consists of Ji Ben Gong (Basics), routines, application analysis, selected combinations, sparring, conditioning, Qi Gong, and meditation (Chan (Zen) practice as well). Shaolin can be described as fast, agile, unpredictable and effective.

The Shaolin practitioner is never an attacker, nor does he or she dispatch the most devastating defenses in any situation. Rather, the study of kung fu leads to better understanding of violence, and consequently how to avoid conflict. Failing that, a Buddhist who refuses to accept an offering of violence (i.e., an attack) merely returns it to the sender. Initially, the kung fu expert may choose to parry an attack, but if an assailant is both skilled and determined to cause harm, a more definitive and concluding solution may be required. The more sophisticated and violent an assault, the more devastating the return of the attack to the attacker.

Shaolin Kung Fu is most famous for its animal imitation styles. The most famous of the Shaolin techniques is the five animals. Snake, Dragon, Crane, Tiger and Leopard make up this system. Each animal displays a certain characteristic throughout the forms. The Dragon develops spirit, the Tiger develops the bones and tendons, the Snake develops internal energy, the Crane develops the essence and the Leopard develops strength. Although these are well known, Shaolin has other animal styles as Praying Mantis, Eagle Claw, Duck fist, Toad, Monkey, Dog and also Scorpion to name a few.

Iron Palm, Tong Zi Gong (Youth Skill), Yi Zi Chan (One Finger Zen) and Iron Shirt are a sample of the famous skills Shaolin holds true today. The Shaolin Temple is known for its rigorous body training, both externally and internally. Originally Shaolin temple had 32 hard arts and 32 soft arts. The practice of the 72 arts is under strict supervision and usually a student will only practice a select few techniques, as desired by their teacher. The understanding of breath and Qi is a must for the correct application and practice of the 72 arts. Shaolin Kung Fu is a form or manifestation of Chan. Shaolin Martial arts are then, an integral part of spiritual practice from China's Shaolin Temple. The idea is that by following a strict martial arts discipline, the gap between the body and the mind is bridged.