What is Shaolin Kung Fu?
Shaolin Kung Fu is the style of Kung Fu (or martial art) originally developed in the Shaolin Monastery in China. It has a history of about 1500 years and has since derived into various schools such as Luo Han, Praying Mantis, Cha Quan, Hung Ka, Wing Chun, Choy Li Fatt and many others.
A picture of the Shaolin Monastary
What benefits can one get from practicing Shaolin Kung Fu?
There are many benefits, and they may be generalized into five categories: self-defence, health, vitality, mind expansion and spiritual development.
In what ways can practicing Shaolin Kung Fu lead to mind expansion and spiritual development?
Mind expansion and spiritual cultivation were actually the original aim of Bodhidharma when he first taught the Eighteen Luo Han Hands and the Sinew Metamorphosis at the Shaolin Monastery. Later these two sets of exercises developed into Shaolin Kung Fu and Shaolin Chi Kung. Practicing Shaolin Kung Fu can lead to mind expansion and spiritual development because the training of mind and spirit is an integral part of its practice. This is attained through meditation or Zen. When you practice genuine Shaolin Kung Fu, you also practice Chi Kung and Zen. In Chinese culture, "mind" and "spirit" are similar, although there may be differences in emphasis and connotation.
Is Bodhidharma the founder of Shaolin Kung Fu and Shaolin Chi Kung?
No, but Shaolin disciples gratefully honoured him as the First Patriarch because it was through his initiative in teaching the Eighteen Luo Han Hands and the Sinew Metamorphosis that Shaolin Kung Fu and Shaolin Chi Kung developed. Before him there was no Kung Fu or Chi Kung training at the Shaolin Monastery. However, Kung Fu and chi kung were already highly developed in China. Generals of the Zhou and Han Dynasties, and Taoist masters before the arrival of Bodhidharma in China in 527 BCE were respectively great Kung Fu and Chi Kung Masters. There was no founder for Shaolin Kung Fu -- in the sense that Wang Lang was the founder of Shaolin Praying Mantis Kung Fu, and Yim Wing Chun the founder of Wing Chun Kung Fu; the very rich and extensive Shaolin Kung Fu and Chi Kung repertoire was the collective contribution of many, many masters through the ages. Bodhidharma the great is also the First Patriarch of Zen Buddhism.
A painting of Bodhidharma by Yoshitoshi
Is Shaolin Kung Fu religious?
No, Shaolin Kung Fu is non-religious. Throughout history, Shaolin masters have come from various religious backgrounds, including Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian, Christian and Muslim. There also have been masters who have claimed to profess no religion.
What advice would you give so that I can get the most from my Shaolin Kung Fu training?
The following five-step approach is very helpful for those who wish to get the most from their training:
- Have a sound understanding of the scope and depth of Shaolin Kung Fu.
- Define your aims and objectives for your training.
- Seek a good master or at least a competent instructor.
- Practice consistently and conscientiously.
- Regularly assess your progress, or otherwise, against your set aims and objectives.
Very briefly, how would you define the scope of Shaolin Kung Fu?
For convenience, Shaolin Kung Fu may be divided into four dimensions:
- Form.
- Force.
- Application.
- Philosophy.
Hence, to get the best benefits you should know at least something of every dimension. If you know only Kung Fu form, for example, at the best you can derive only a portion of the potential benefits Shaolin Kung Fu can offer.
Can you give an idea of the depth of Shaolin Kung Fu?
It is no exaggeration to say that its depth is unfathomable. We may examine its depth from various angles. One way is to consider each of its four dimensions. Regarding form, all the techniques found in other martial arts like Taijiquan, Karate, Taekwondo, Jujitsu, Judo, Aikido, Western Boxing and Siamese Boxing can be found in Shaolin Kung Fu. Shaolin Kung Fu force is incredible -- its Kung Fu application is not just for combat but also to enrich our daily living. Shaolin philosophy opens up vistas of wisdom ranging from the smallest sub-atomic particles to the infinite galaxies. Another way to examine its depth is from the perspective of personal development. Shaolin Kung Fu offers a comprehensive programme to develop a person in all his/her physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects. At the physical level, Shaolin Kung Fu enables the exponent to have radiant health and vitality; at the spiritual level, it leads them to the greatest attainment anyone can ever achieve, i.e. spiritual fulfillment. For someone used to only a partial knowledge of Shaolin Kung Fu, such as some Kung Fu patterns and sets, he or she may find it hard to believe its depth as mentioned above. A basic tenet of the Shaolin teaching, which is an echo of the Buddha's teaching, is as follows: do not accept any teaching based on faith alone, nor on the reputation of the master, but assess the teaching to the best of your understanding and experience. The aim of Shaolin Wahnam is to disseminate genuine Shaolin teaching as taught by traditional Shaolin masters.