Shaolin KongFu

Shaolin Kung Fu Overview

Shaolin Kung Fu, only one of several types of Chinese Kung Fu, or "hard-won achievement" (kung fu) "martial arts" (wushu), is, in turn, only one among many such martial arts that claim association with Shaolin Temple, the now famous Chan ("Zen", in Japanese) Buddhist temple located near the city of Zhengzhou, in China's Henan Province. The temple, which was founded in the 5th century CE, became famous in fact due to its assocation with the martial arts, in particular, with the strain of martial arts that was referred to as "external" (shaolin) martial arts (as opposed to "internal" (wudang) martial arts, the distinction being a sort of hair-splitting argument within the martial arts community in China at the time regarding whether the focus should be on mastering only the physical techniques associated with martial arts or mastering these in connection with mastering one's own particular abilities, or 'getting in touch with one's qi', or life force, as it were, in a "mind over matter" sense).

How Shaolin Kung Fu Became Famous in the West?

Kung Fu martial arts became famous worldwide (shown everywhere that syndicated US TV shows were broadcast), after the US television series of the same name, starring the US actor, David Carradine, was launched. The TV series was set in the US' Old West, a place characterized by the most un-subtle displays of power (think of a free-for-all bar fight in a typical western movie), while David Carradine, in the role of the Shaolin monk, Kwai Chang Caine, was the epitome of a polite, unassuming (read: subtle) figure who, as a master of kung fu, was also capable of amazing, mind over matter power displays, but resorted to this only when there was no alternative (there is perhaps a large measure of truth in portraying the Old West in the US as the "Wild West").

In spite of ostensibly being a master of "external" (shaolin) martial arts, Kwai Chang Caine turned out to be more of a master of "internal" (wudang) martial arts, which is also what gave the series in general – and David Carradine in particular – rave reviews, as Kwai Chang Caine's respectful self-restaint contrasted so sharply with the typical loudmouthed, bar-brawling cowboy's total lack of self-restraint. Kung Fu martial arts has since become even more famous due to the many video games devoted to its practice.

Another famous figure that made tremendous contribution in spreading Kung Fu in the west is Bruce Lee (1940 - 1973), the famous Chinese-American martial artist and actor. He is considered by many as the most influential martial artist and an important cultural icon of the 20th century. His films include the Big Boss, Fist of Fury, Way of the Dragon, Enter the Dragon, and the Game of Death. The Film" Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" made more introduce and detailed thoughts in chinese culture to the western people by the way of hollywood business style. However, a totally western-made cartoon film named "Kungfu Panda" blew the most popular Kungfu storm along the world loved both by children and the adults.

Modern Development of Shaolin Kung Fu Shaolin Kung Fu performance

During the reign (1722-1735) of Emperor Yongzheng of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the practice of all forms of martial arts was forbidden. Shaolin Temple, however, is said to have continued the practice of wushu in secret, and even helped to organize the continued teaching and practice of wushu throughout the country. In any case, after the fall of China's last Imperial dynasty, wushu blossomed, and Shaolin Temple could again openly teach it (banning an activity, paradoxically, seems to be one of the best ways to spark interest in it, as the prohibition of alcoholic beverages in the US from 1919-1933 proved!). Martial arts was again banned during China's Cultural Revolution (1966-76), but quickly bounced back afterward.