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Origins of Shaolin The beginnings of Shaolin kung fu have been shrouded in mystery and known only through legends. Fifteen hundred years ago, the first Shaolin, or "young forest," temple was built in the Henan Province. Temples and monasteries throughout China were built to teach Chan meditation to those seeking enlightment. These sanctuaries were tucked deep in forests or high in the mountains to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, and to ensure only the truly dedicated would make the pilgrimages to the temples. |
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| In the sixth century, a prince named Bodhidharma journeyed to China to spread Buddhism. Bodhidharma, or Tamo for short in Chinese, was the 28th patriarch of Buddhism, but his ideas were not well received initially. He found that the Chan teachings had become distorted with mysticism and the monks weakened, unable to meditate for long periods of time. He decided first to teach the monks the "Muscle Tendon Changing Classics", or I Chin Ching. Tamo taught that Chan was the study of one's nature. Clearly, sitting around, falling asleep did not promote much in the way of one's nature. The I Chin Ching rewarded its practictioners with health, vigor and body awareness, and with full awareness came enlightment. |  |
Shaolin kung fu spread from the Henan temple to several others. There are between seven and fifteen major temples in the Shaolin network and hundreds of smaller ones. Major temples include Emei, Fujian, Shantung, and Wudang. Throughout history, wealthy citizens have practiced their religion through generous donations to churches, temples and monasteries. |
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Bandits and thieves knew this as well and they often preyed on temples and monks. This was easy pickings when their victims sat around all day. Shaolin monks learned, studied and developed their kung fu to defend themselves. Countless systems have been created over the last 15 centuries including ways to harden one's body to resist being cut, leaping incredible distances to safety, and unleashing a fury of lighting fast attacks to pressure points. Fifteen hundred years of evolution has led to many Shaolin legends including Tiger-Crane, the 13 Monks, Tung Hai Chuan and Yueh Fei, China's most respected general. Shaolin warriors have since spread throughout the world, carrying their teachings to those that are ready. |