The Top 5 Kung Fu Destinations in China

Written by Julia Ruston

As you may have heard, Kung Fu is one of the world’s oldest forms of martial arts. Throughout the years, Kung Fu has developed many different variations and styles of discipline so there is something out there for everyone! This 5000-year-old practice is so much more than just a sport as it integrates elegance, strength and philosophy. This article will take you through the 5 best Kung Fu destinations to visit when travelling China. Whether you’re just interested in the history of this ancient practice, or fancy watching a live performance, read our list to plan your Kung Fu trip at your best!!

1. Dengfeng, Henan

Located in the area of Zhengzhou, Henan Province, Dengfeng carries an interesting nickname: “The Land with the Greatest Number of Tough Guys”! Developed at the feet of the Songshang Mountain, the sacred mountain of China, the city is home to the “Centre of Heaven and Earth”, a cluster of 11 ancient religious monuments bringing together the Buddhist, Taosist and Confucian traditions in one place, all enlisted in the UNESCO world heritage. Among them stands the famous Shaolin temple, a 1,500 years-old a majestic architectural complex ago, which is home to the original Shaolin Kung Fu, the most influential style of Kung Fu in China, With over 60 martial arts schools, Dengfeng is considered the homeland of Shaolin martial arts and Zen culture. If you want to experience what it’s like to be a Shaolin monk, then look no further. Get ready for a full immersion in this Mecca of Kung Fu!

2. Cangzhou and Yongnian, Hebei

Want to follow the steps taken by a long line of warriors and Kung fu masters? The Hebei province is the place for you! Cangzhou and Yongnian are two cities located in Hebei which are home to some of the most influential styles of Kung Fu arts: Chinese Acrobatics and Tai Chi Chuan. The city of Cangzhou located in the Southeast, is particularly relevant to the development of kung fu practice. Considered to be the birthplace of acrobatics, the city was of strategic importance during wartimes when local people had to learn Kung Fu moves to protect themselves in order to survive. This is why practicing Kung Fu has been so prevailing in this city since Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644 A.D.). With more than 50 Kung Fu schools it is a great place to learn or perfect your skills. Especially since it is home to many Kung Fu masters like Ding Fangxian, Huo Diange and Zhang Zhijiang!

The other great destination, Yongnian, is the hometown of Tai Chi Chuan. This county is home to the Guangfu Ancient Town, a world-wide place of pilgrimage for Tai Chi fans. This small walled city is surrounded by a big moat and is definitely worth checking out!

3. Foshan, Guangdong

Foshan is famous for being known as “the capital of Chinese Kung Fu”, so it is a must in your list! It is the hometown of one of China’s most recognized icons: Bruce Lee as well as his master; Wong Fei Hung. If you are a Bruce Lee fan, you must visit the Bruce Lee Ancestral House. This testament to Bruce Lee’s roots, built by his grandfather, is located in the Shang Village area. Another interesting characteristic of this city is the Foshan Lion Dance. This Lion Dance is developed from Kung Fu and incorporates dance, kung Fu moves whilst accompanied by drums, gongs and cymbals.

4. Mount Emei, Sichuan Province

This mountain is one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains in China. This beautiful and scenic area rich with history and nature, designated as a UNESCO world natural and cultural heritage site. It is also the origin of Emei Kung Fu. This is one of the three major Chinese martial arts, along with Wudang Kung Fu and Shaolin Kung Fu. One characteristic of Emei Kung Fu is that its movements are inspired by monkeys as it imitates how the animals flail their arms. The style of Emei Kung Fu is characterized by a mix between the vigor of Shaolin and the softness of Wudang Kung Fu. It merges techniques of both and advocates for a combination of movement and stillness.

5. Beijing

As China’s capital, you can find pretty much everything you want! But, as mentioned, there are many authentic smaller destinations to experience authentic Kung Fu as Beijing is a huge city. One thing I would definitely recommend is going to watch a live Kung Fu show there! There is a very famous show named Kung Fu Legend which is performed in the Beijing Red Theatre. This show tells the growth of a young monk who tries to fulfill his dream of becoming a Kung Fu master. This 80-minute show is mostly without any speech as it centers around Kung Fu actors presenting dance and acrobatics.

There you have it, 5 amazing locations full of historical, cultural and philosophical insights and knowledge about Kung Fu. As you can see, you don’t need to be an expert to appreciate these amazing places, there is something for everyone! So, if you are planning to travel to China, make sure to check out at least one of these destinations and learn about this ancestral martial art that is so embedded in Chinese culture and lifestyle.

About Interact China

“A Social Enterprise in E-commerce Promoting Oriental Aesthetic Worldwide!”

Aileen & Norman co-founded Interact China in 2004 with specialization in fine Oriental Aesthetic products handmade by ethnic minorities & Han Chinese. Having direct partnerships with artisans, designers, craft masters and tailors, along with 13 years of solid experience in e-commerce via InteractChina.com, we are well positioned to bridge talented artisans in the East with the rest of the world, and directly bring you finely selected products that are of good quality and aesthetic taste.

So far we carry 3000+ goods covering Ladies Fashion via ChineseFashionStyle.com, Kungfu Fashion, Home Furnishings, Babies & Kids, Painting Arts, Textile Arts, Carving Arts, Tribal Jewelry Art, Wall Masks and Musical Instruments. Our team speak English, French, German, Spanish and Italian, and serve customers worldwide with passion and hearts.

P.S. We Need People with Similar Passion to Join Our Blogging Team!
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What is Zen philosophy all about?

Written by Julia Ruston

Zen: have you ever wondered what this word means? Having become an umbrella concept for a kind of oriental lifestyle and aesthetic, the true meaning of Zen is much more profound and mystical than its use in the mainstream culture. For starters, Zen is a form of spiritual philosophy and means “meditation” in Japanese. The philosophy is part of a school of Buddhism called Mahayana Buddhism which emphasizes practical and experiential wisdom instead of the study of philosophical and religious texts. The purpose of Zen is the realization of the self and its practice requires the direct experience of the self as the only viable way to manifest one’s nature.

This article will take you through the history and distinctive features of Zen philosophy. It will give you some ideas on how to apply its teachings to improve our mental and physical health and how to live a more fulfilling life.

The History behind Zen Philosophy

So… let’s go back to where the Zen philosophy started. Historically, Zen is a branch of Buddhism which developed in India around 2500 years ago and then came to China 500 years after. It received its name “Zen” once it arrived in Japan 1000 years later. Although its focus is on self-reflection and realization by transforming the psychological structure of the mind, it is also deeply rooted in the teachings of the Buddha Siddhartha Gautama.

The Principles of Zazen

You may be asking yourself: But how are you supposed to achieve self-realization? Well, Zen philosophy fundamental practice is zazen or as we commonly know it, meditation. Zazen is founded on the seated posture, where Buddha is said to have achieved enlightenment. It is also founded on the elements of mindfulness, which are part of the fundamental teaching of the Buddha known as the Eightfold Path. Zazen is a prioritized daily practice, but it is also important for Zen philosophy to practice as part of a group in order to communicate and grow from each other’s perceptions and points of view. Usually, this group experience centers around a Zen teacher who guides the pupils through meditations and scripture study as well as performing certain rituals.

Zen in the modern world

Now how does this tie in with Zen living nowadays and especially in modern society?

Well, since Zen living is all about living in harmony with our true essence and cultivates intuitive wisdom, we should use this wisdom to bring peace and harmony to this world. As one renowned Zen teacher puts this: We should live life through Zen. Philip Kapleau refers to Zen as “a one-pointed aware mind; of a disciplined life of simplicity and naturalness as against a contrived and artificial one; of a life compassionately concerned with our own and the world’s welfare and not self-centered and aggressive. A life, in short, of harmony with the natural order of things and not in constant conflict with it.”

How to apply to our everyday life

To achieve this, take note of these small tips on how to create a more present and meaningful life! It will help you to stop and fully embrace your existence since we are usually just doing things non-stop and we find ourselves caught up in our heads with a million worries and thoughts at once.

Live mindfully: Although mindfulness has been a buzz word recently, it truly is crucial and usually lacking in our current lifestyle. Being fully aware and present in each moment can help you cultivate this awareness and lead to living a more peaceful and harmonious life. It’s all about enjoying and fully living the moment, whether that having fun with our family or cleaning the toilet, as long as we are trying not to ruminate or worry about a future meeting at work.

The more simple and natural, the better! Understanding that less is more and being aware of how this affects the state of our mind as well as accepting things fully as they come or “going with the flow of things” so to speak.

Be compassionate and loving: We should be concerned for our own well-being as well as the well-being of all other beings and place this as a priority.

Now that you know a bit about the background of Zen philosophy and some small tips on how to incorporate this way of living into your life, I hope you can see that Zen philosophy is much more than just an aesthetic and is a truly powerful mindset. I’m sure we have all felt like we need a little more Zen in our life at some point and by that, I mean nearly every day!

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Tips For A Healthy Life: Qi Energy And How To Let It Flow

Written by Maria Giglio

We all know that modern Medicine is about blades and stitches, but to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM} blood is not the only thing that flows in our body. Healing is rather a matter of mind-body and Qi (氣).

What is Qi?

Qi is the vital energy flowing in the Universe and its parts, including men. It doesn’t start or end, it eternally transforms.

Two opposites make one

Qi has a dual nature represented by Yin/Yang (陰陽) polarity. In other words, how could you know good without bad existing, or see the light if you had never experienced darkness?

Keep balance

Balance of the opposites is the key to keep Qi in harmony and live a healthy and happy life. As Ancient Greeks used to say, ‘Meden Agan’, nothing in excess.

Zen remedies to disharmony

Disharmony can reveal both in physical and emotional forms. For example, emotional stress and air pollution are similar causes of excess in Qi. TCM offers different ways to practice control of Qi and keep a steady mind, like breathing techniques, feng shui, acupuncture, or tai chi.

Mens sana in corpore sano

TCM doesn’t offer a cure but rather methods to take care of ourselves. Whether it is by directing furniture towards east or taking 5 minutes to lie on the floor, we have the power to shape life as we want it.

After all, don’t you think it is exciting to feel that we are more than just flesh and blood?

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Qi And Chic: Feng Shui For A Life Full Of Energy

Written by Maria Giglio

Why moving furniture gives you thrills? Ask the Universe.

Feng Shui (风水, literally wind and water), the traditional Chinese geomancy, teaches how to set up our living space so to keep the Universal energy, Qi, in balance between its opposites Yin and Yang, and thus live better.

Want to know how? Here are some tips!

Take a compass

Suppose you have a compass. At the centre, you have Yin and Yang. Each direction instead represents an Earth element and an aspect of human life.

Colours matter

Colours channel energy. Want the sun to shine in your social life? Use bright colours like yellow to grant the right amount of Yang in your living room.

In bed instead, opt for darker tones to help you relax or use red to enhance passion.

The right spot

Want to get that promotion or have more love in your life? Put them in the right place!

Place your kitchen stove to South to Fire up your meals. Point your bedroom to Southwest to improve relationships.

Mirror, mirror…off the wall!

Mirrors reflect Qi energy and double it up, so they are perfect for hallways or small spaces. Don’t put a mirror in front of your front door: it would reject good luck.

In bedroom, avoid placing a mirror facing the bed. As it reflects the personal energy of the sleepers, it bothers their rest. Also, by doubling up love luck, it enhances the chance of infidelity between lovers.

Natural Decoration

Don’t take the use of plants for granted. As plants are full of Qi on their own, they can help or stop the correct flux in the house depending on their position.

If you enjoyed this very short guide about Feng Shui and want to learn more, here are some readings for you:

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Dimensions of Kung Fu Culture

Highlight: The martial arts of China originated for survival and warfare reasons, but in modern times, Kung Fu has spinoffs in a variety of fields, sometimes retaining the authenticity of the practice, and other times, breaking off into artistic and combined adaptations.

Kung Fu is a Chinese term referring to any study or practice that requires patience, focus, and time. Though it can refer to any general skill or discipline, it is also heavily linked to the martial arts world, especially by the Western media. The pin yin word, gōngfu (功夫), means “work” and “achievement”, often referencing more the process of achieving something rather than solely performing martial arts; this is why we are pleased to introduce the section where we delve into both the cultural and lifestyle affinities linked to Kung Fu.

Kung Fu as a Skill in Various Fields

Saying that a person has “Kung Fu” in an area implies that this person has a skill that is difficult to develop in that particular field. For example, someone can have Kung Fu in painting, or Kung Fu in cooking, or even have Kung Fu in a different sport unrelated to martial arts. The excellence reached in that field is what exemplifies Kung Fu, and this is why the term is an interestingly diverse application from Chinese culture to all other cultures.

Kung Fu in Dance, Cinematography and Cuisine

The martial arts of China originated for survival and warfare reasons rather than as an art, but in modern times, Kung Fu has spinoffs in a variety of fields, sometimes retaining the authenticity of the practice, and other times, breaking off into artistic and combined adaptations. Martial arts schools teach certain routines and practices, such as the art of lion dance, and this dance has grown from a display of Kung Fu to a full and colourful dance performance. Kung Fu has also reached cinematography and has its own film genre, Kung Fu film. Kung Fu cooking and Kung Fu chefs are presented in a recent documentary that explores the life of competitive Oriental cooks who must attain Kung Fu with their impressive dishes.

Finally, celebrities’ endorsements of different Kung Fu dress and adaptation of Kung Fu in Western movies has spread around the globe, most notably, in the works of Jackie Chan or the beloved children’s animated movie, Kung Fu Panda. It is therefore safe to say that even though Kung Fu can refer to martial arts, it is also a term often used within modern culture and lifestyle, given its adaptability as an ideal and as a practice known for its standard of human excellence. It may have originated in military circles of China, but it now exists in many dimensions and categories all over the world.

Written by Monica @ InteractChina.com

Posted by Yuqing@ InteractChina.com

About Interact China

“A Social Enterprise in E-commerce Promoting Oriental Aesthetic Worldwide”

Aileen & Norman co-founded Interact China in 2004 with specialization in fine Oriental Aesthetic products handmade by ethnic minorities & Han Chinese. Having direct partnerships with artisans, designers, craft masters and tailors, along with 12 years of solid experience in e-commerce via InteractChina.com, we are well positioned to bridge talented artisans in the East with the rest of the world, and directly bring you finely selected products that are of good quality and aesthetic taste.

So far we carry 3000+ goods covering Ladies Fashion, Tailor Shop, Home Furnishings, Babies & Kids, Painting Arts, Textile Arts, Carving Arts, Tribal Jewelry Art, Wall Masks and Musical Instruments. Our team speak English, French, German, Spanish and Italian, and serve customers worldwide with passion and hearts.

Chinese Diaspora Helps Bring Chinese Culture to the World

Highlight: Chinese culture has been exported worldwide, mostly due to extensive immigration from China, creating large expatriate communities that are keen to practice traditional values while embracing the lifestyle and cultures of their adopted homelands.

Chinese culture and lifestyle is promoted throughout the world thanks to the rich and vibrant Chinese immigrant communities located in nearly every country. The Mandarin word for people of Chinese heritage living abroad is 海外华人 (pinyin:Hǎiwài Huárén). Indonesia, the United States, Malaysia, and Thailand have the highest number of overseas Chinese, each with over 3 million citizens of Chinese heritage. Throughout generations of immigration, these communities have assimilated well into their host countries, but some of the larger overseas Chinese communities still practice traditions and celebrate festivals and holidays from China.

New York City Has Largest Chinese Population Outside Asia

This is particularly true in New York City, which has a Chinatown in Manhattan that boasts the largest ethnic Chinese population outside of Asia, and a large and growing Chinese community in Queens. Chinese people have been immigrating to America, and New York City in particular, since the mid-1800s, and today Chinese people make up the third highest percentage of annual immigrants to America, after Mexico and India. In 2013, nearly 20,000 immigrants from mainland China moved to New York City, more than the next two major American Chinese immigrant destinations, Los Angeles and San Francisco, combined.

Dissemination of Chinese culture in New York

Chinese culture is kept alive in New York City through institutions such as the New York Chinese Cultural Center, which offers classes in Chinese martial arts, visual arts, language, acrobatics, and dance. The Cultural Center also partners with more conventional American New York City establishments, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Lincoln Center, and Queens Botanical Garden, to promote Chinese culture throughout all five of New York City’s boroughs. Similarly, the Museum of Chinese in the United States, in Manhattan, curates a variety of interesting exhibitions on the long history of Chinese immigration to America and New York City, along with the food, art, and festivals that Chinese immigrants have brought to America and that have disseminated into mainstream American culture.

The Chinese New Year Festival is a particularly enjoyable and well-attended event in New York City, bringing together hundreds of thousands of people representing the diverse conglomeration of the city’s population annually since 1999. Politicians, celebrities, and international tourists have been known to frequent this yearly celebration, and it has become a much-anticipated and beloved aspect of life in New York City.

Chinese culture has been exported worldwide, mostly due to extensive immigration from China, creating large expatriate communities that are keen to practice traditional values while embracing the lifestyle and cultures of their adopted homelands. Nowhere is this more true than in New York City, where the largest Chinese immigrant population in the Western hemisphere has helped introduce Americans to Chinese culture for over 150 years.

Written by Amber @ InteractChina.com

Posted by Yuqing@ InteractChina.com

About Interact China

“A Social Enterprise in E-commerce Promoting Oriental Aesthetic Worldwide”

Aileen & Norman co-founded Interact China in 2004 with specialization in fine Oriental Aesthetic products handmade by ethnic minorities & Han Chinese. Having direct partnerships with artisans, designers, craft masters and tailors, along with 12 years of solid experience in e-commerce via InteractChina.com, we are well positioned to bridge talented artisans in the East with the rest of the world, and directly bring you finely selected products that are of good quality and aesthetic taste.

History of Chinese Martial Arts

Chinese Kungfu, also called “martial art”, or “wushu”is a sport item created by the Chinese people during a long time of historical development.

Chinese Kungfu

Legendary origins

According to legend, Chinese martial arts originated during the semi-mythical Xia Dynasty （2070–1600 BCE） more than 4,000 years ago. It is said the Yellow Emperor, Chinese Han people’s ancestor, introduced the earliest fighting systems to China. The Yellow Emperor is described as a famous general who, before becoming China’s leader, wrote lengthy treatises on medicine, astrology and the martial arts. One of his main opponents was Chi You who was credited as the creator of jiao di, a forerunner to the modern art of Chinese Wrestling.

Early history

It is generally estimated that the origin of Chinese marital arts can be traced back to the primitive society. At that time human beings were outnumbered by animals due to harsh natural conditions. At that time, the principle of “survival of the fittest in natural selection” couldn’t be truer. In the grim struggle for survival, people naturally developed some basic offensive and defensive movements like beating, kicking, seizing, striking, rolling and jumping etc. Later, people gradually learnt to make and use stone and wood tools as weapons. And some fighting and hunting skills with or without weapons were developed. This is the budding of martial arts.

In the Shang Dynasty (1600–1029 BCE) field hunting came into being and was further regarded as an important way of martial art training. During the period of Shang and Zhou Dynasties, martial art was a form of dancing. “Martial dance” was used to train the soldiers and boost their morale.

Ever since the Western Zhou Dynasty (1029-771 BCE), practical Wushu training has included basic skills, such as strength training, fencing, staff sparring, spear training, etc., and it has also included training by using forms, such as the Shaolin Eight Methods, with the basic form supplemented by weapons forms, two-man forms, staff forms, etc.

The emphasis and importance of this type of martial training has played an important role throughout Chinese history. During the Tang Dynasty (618-907 A.D.), which was one of the most powerful periods of Chinese history, warriors were actually chosen through martial competition and officers were promoted through this same sort of competition. Since at that time communications were well established with many neighboring countries; Chinese Wushu had a pronounced impact on these countries. During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 A.D.), various forms of Wushu were well established in Korea, Japan, Tibet, and many other countries. What is called “Karate” is actually a descendent of Southern Chinese boxing forms, and similarly, Judo can trace its origins to the importation of Chinese wrestling and Qinna, the precursor of Jiu-jitsu.

This spreading of Chinese Wushu has interested martial-arts researchers; some researchers have found many rare martial arts styles from records or isolated practitioners in neighboring countries.

Modern history

Currently, Wushu styles are being openly taught, with martial artists sharing their knowledge and comparing their styles. This movement has brought harmony to the martial community and has encouraged the polishing of the individual styles.

In addition, many martial arts training manuals were published, training academies were created, National examinations were organized as well as demonstration teams travelled overseas and numerous martial arts associations were formed throughout China and in various oversea Chinese communities. Eventually, those events lead to the popular view of martial arts as a sport.

by Xiao Xiao @ InteractChina.com

About Interact China

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“A Social Enterprise in E-commerce Promoting Oriental Aesthetic Worldwide”

Aileen & Norman co-founded Interact China in 2004 with specialization in fine Oriental Aesthetic products handmade by ethnic minorities & Han Chinese. Having direct partnerships with artisans, designers, craft masters and tailors, along with 10 years solid experience in e-commerce via InteractChina.com, we position well to bridge talented artisans in the East with the rest of the world, and bring you direct finely selected products that are of good quality and aesthetic taste.

So far we carry 3000+ goods covering Ladies Fashion, Kungfu Clothing, Home Furnishings, Babies & Kids, Painting Arts, Textile Arts, Carving Arts, Tribal Jewelry Art, Wall Masks and Musical Instruments. Our team speak English, French, German, Spanish and Italian, and serve customers worldwide with passion and hearts.

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P.S. We Need People with Similar Passion to Join Our Blogging Team!

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Tai Chi and Health Keeping

Tai Chi, as an excellent way of keeping fit, originates from ancient Chinese arts of health preservation.

Ancient methods of maintaining health may be divided into two main categories: static and dynamic, the distinction being whether or not physical movements are involved.

As a form of wushu, tai chi assimilates the essence of both the static and dynamic exercises. Combining the features of ancient static and dynamic exercises, the tai chi movements are slow and gentle, without exerting force to the utmost, the purpose being to activate the organism, to promote the circulation of qi and blood, and to achieve harmony between yin and yang, mental equilibrium and spiritual peace.

Health benefits

Researchers have found that intensive tai chi practice shows some favorable effects on the promotion of balance control, flexibility, cardiovascular fitness, and has shown to reduce the risk of falls in both healthy elderly patients, and those recovering from chronic stroke, heart failure, high blood pressure, heart attacks, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and fibromyalgia,. Tai chi’s gentle, low impact movements burn more calories than surfing and nearly as many as downhill skiing.

A study also found that tai chi (compared to regular stretching) showed the ability to greatly reduce pain and improve overall physical and mental health in people over 60 with severe osteoarthritis of the knee. In addition, in a randomized trial of 66 patients with fibromyalgia, the tai chi intervention group did significantly better in terms of pain, fatigue, sleeplessness and depression than a comparable group given stretching exercises and wellness education.

Stress and mental health

A systematic review and meta-analysis, funded in part by the U.S. government, of the studies on the effects of practicing t’ai chi found that, “Twenty-one of 33 randomized and nonrandomized trials reported that 1 hour to 1 year of regular tai chi significantly increased psychological well-being including reduction of stress, anxiety, and depression, and enhanced mood in community-dwelling healthy participants and in patients with chronic conditions. Seven observational studies with relatively large sample sizes reinforced the beneficial association between t’ai chi practice and psychological health.”

There have also been indications that tai chi might have some effect on noradrenaline and cortisol production with an effect on mood and heart rate. In one study, t’ai chi has also been shown to reduce the symptoms of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in 13 adolescents. The improvement in symptoms seems to persist after the t’ai chi sessions were terminated.

As a development of ancient static and dynamic exercises, tai chi has become a unique health-oriented system in its own right. It is a valuable asset belonging not only to the Chinese people; with its value gaining wider and wider appreciation; it will benefit more and more people in the rest of the world.

by Xiao Xiao xiaoxiao@interactchina.com

About Interact China

“A Social Enterprise in E-commerce Promoting Oriental Aesthetic Worldwide”

Aileen & Norman co-founded Interact China in 2004 with specialization in fine Oriental Aesthetic products handmade by ethnic minorities & Han Chinese. Having direct partnerships with artisans, designers, craft masters and tailors, along with 10 years solid experience in e-commerce via InteractChina.com, we position well to bridge talented artisans in the East with the rest of the world, and bring you direct finely selected products that are of good quality and aesthetic taste.

So far we carry 2000+ goods covering Ladies Fashion, Tailor Shop, Home Furnishings, Babies & Kids, Painting Arts, Textile Arts, Carving Arts, Tribal Jewelry Art, Wall Masks and Musical Instruments. Our team speak English, French, German, Spanish and Italian, and serve customers worldwide with passion and hearts.

Shaolin Influence In and Outside China

Shaolin Monastery or Shaolin Temple is a Chán Buddhist temple at Mount Songshan in Henan Province, China. Founded in the 5th century, the monastery is long famous for its association with Chinese martial arts, particularly with Shaolin Kung Fu, and it is the Mahayana Buddhist monastery perhaps best known to the Western world.

Chinese Kungfu

Shaolin in China

The oldest evidence of Shaolin participation in combat is a stele from 728 that attests to two occasions: a defense of the monastery from bandits around 610 and their role in a defeat in 621. In this defeat, Kungfu monks saved and allied with Li Shimin, who later became the second Emperor of Tang Dynasty (618-907). Thereafter Shaolin enjoyed the royal patronage of the Tang.

Chinese Kungfu

From the 8th to the 15th centuries, no extant source documents Shaolin participation in combat; then the 16th and 17th centuries see at least forty extant sources attest that, not only did monks of Shaolin practice martial arts, but martial practice had become such an integral element of Shaolin monastic life that the monks felt the need to justify it by creating new Buddhist lore. References to Shaolin martial arts appear in various literary genres of the late Ming (1368-1644): the epitaphs of Shaolin warrior monks, martial-arts manuals, military encyclopedias, historical writings, travelogues, fiction, and even poetry.

In addition, in the long-history development of Shaolin Kung Fu, masters at Shaolin Temple also taught Kungfu to non-Buddhist followers to allow commoners the chance to practice Shaolin Kungfu. This allowed Shaolin Temple to develop several branches in other regions.

Influence outside China

Chinese Kungfu

Some lineages of Karate have oral traditions that claim Shaolin origins. Martial arts traditions in Japan and Korea, and Southeast Asia cite Chinese influence as transmitted by Buddhist monks.

Recent developments in the 20th century such as Shorinji Kempo still maintain close ties with China’s Songshan mountain Shaolin Temple due to historic links.

In popular culture

Shaolin, in popular culture, has taken on a second life. Since the 1970s, it has been featured in many films, TV shows, video games, cartoons, and other media.

Chinese Kungfu

While some of these are clear commercial exploitation of the Shaolin Temple and its legends, they have helped make Shaolin a household name around the world, and kept the temple alive in the minds of many young generations, and from vanishing into obscurity like many other ancient traditions. To date, no other temple in the world has achieved such wide spread recognition.

by Xiao Xiao @ InteractChina.com

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Chinese Kung Fu- An Integral Part of Chinese Culture

Chinese martial arts, also known as kung fu, are a number of fighting styles that have developed over the centuries in China.

Genesis of Chinese martial arts

The genesis of Chinese martial arts has been attributed to the need for self-defense, hunting techniques and military training in ancient China. Hand-to-hand combat and weapons practice were important in training ancient Chinese soldiers.

Chinese Kungfu

From this beginning, Chinese martial arts proceeded to incorporate different philosophies and ideas into its practice—expanding its purpose from self-defense to health maintenance and finally as method of self-cultivation. Conversely, the influence of martial arts ideals in civilian society can be found in poetry, fiction, and eventually film. Chinese martial arts are now an integral element of Chinese culture.

An Aspect of Chinese Culture

Chinese Kungfu

Chinese martial arts are an organic component of the Chinese culture. Chinese martial arts have a long history, converging Chinese philosophy, medicine, military strategy, techniques, education, aesthetics, etc., and mirroring the character and sagacity of the Chinese people. It can be concluded that Chinese martial arts reflect the entire Chinese cultural characteristics from one aspect.

On the level of philosophy, the marital arts stress “unification of man and nature”. On the social level, the martial arts stress cultivation of mind and personality, awareness of the natural law. Therefore, the Chinese martial arts are not simply a fighting technique, but are a style, life attitude and personality cultivation.

Popular culture

Chinese Kungfu

Chinese martial arts are an integral element of 20th-century Chinese popular culture. Wuxia or “martial arts fiction” is a popular genre which emerged in the early 20th century and peaked in popularity during the 1960s to 1980s. This type of fiction is based on Chinese concepts of chivalry, a separate martial arts society and a central theme involving martial arts. Wuxia stories are still extremely popular in much of Asia and provide a major influence for the public perception of the martial arts.

In modern times, Chinese martial arts have spawned the genre of cinema known as the martial arts film. The films of Bruce Lee were instrumental in the initial burst of Chinese martial arts’ popularity in the West in the 1970s. Martial artists and actors such as Jet Li and Jackie Chan have continued the appeal of movies of this genre. Martial arts films from China are often referred to as “kungfu movies”. Martial arts themes can also be found on television networks.