Royal Dragon
07-09-2002, 07:35 PM
Ok, I'm putting up some basic history and promotional stuff on my site, and I came up with the following rough draft. Whats your opinion? (God I hope this isn't too hokey!!)
. Introduction
Martial arts history is a very complicated an inexact science. Each style started with one man or a small group and expanded and evolved through countless generations. Some systems were developed and perfected by the military, wile others were developed by the monks of many temples (particularly the Shaolin Temple in Denfeg China). Still others were developed by criminal organizations or underground revolutionary groups. Often, a system would be started by one individual or group and then later, be perfected by another
The birth of Shaolin
During the early Northern Wei dynasty (386 - 534 AD) the Emperor Hsiao Wien had a temple built in the Song Shan mountains for the Indian Monk Bu Tuo. The Temple was built on grounds that had previously been clear cut. Possibly to make fields for military training. Later trees were re planted there. "Shaolin" means Young Forest, and was named after the young forest it stood in. It began operation in 495 A.D.
The monk Bu Tuo concentrated on the translation of Indian Buddhist text into Chinese. He is most remembered by his statue, a fat, jolly and seated monk. Often called the "Laughing Buddha". The temple originally consisted of a round dome housing an altar and a platform where Indian and Chinese monks translated Indian Buddhist scriptures into Chinese. The Monks worked both day and night. To complete this task. Unfortunately not much else is known about Bu Tuo. Some say that some form of Martial practice was going on at this point but if so, not much if any survived to the present day.
Bodhidharma
(Ta Mo)
Some time after 500 A.D. the monk Bodhidharma, an Indian Prince, (Ta Mo or Da Mo in Chinese A.D.448-527) came to China. He was a 28th Patriarch of Buddhism and the third son of a Brahman King. He came to China to teach Buddhism from a monastery in southern India. He was apparently upwards in age at the time. Ta Mo traveled north across the mountains most likely on foot, A journey of several hundred miles. After his long and exhausting trek he came to the palace of the Emperor Liang Wu Ti of the Liang southern dynasty. Some texts indicate that he was summoned by this Emperor, and some say he just arrived there wile on his journey. The Monk's teachings proved to be beyond the capacity of the Emperor, who had him cast out of the Palace.
From there Ta Mo traveled north crossing the Yangtze River. He eventually ended up at the Shaolin Temple in the Song Shan mountains (in what is now Honan Province). After a short stay, he was also cast out of Shaolin by the temples Abbot. The Abbot feared that Ta Mo's teachings were to radical and would be disrupting to his followers. You see Ta Mo did not believe in the ritualistic ceremonial practices of the current Chinese Buddhism. He felt that the works and scripture translating were artificial and done in vain if they were made solely for the purpose of gaining entry into "heaven" and not truly heartfelt. He believed in a more practical and realistic method, consisting of meditation and purity of action & principal over superficial ritual. Rejected, Ta Mo took up residence in a cave just up the mountainside from Shaolin. He stayed there for 9 years.
Legend has it that he sat in intense Meditation for this whole time. Supposedly the power of his "Chi" burned an image of him in to the rock. In reality there is an image etched or burned or whatever into the rock face where he sat, but there is no scientific explanation as to how it got there. Legend also says that during his brief time at Shaolin he noticed that the Monks were very weak from living a very sedentary monistalific life. Their health conditions were very similar to the many health problems faced today by the "Creature Comfort" sedimentary life lived by "Modern Man". He supposedly meditated for the 9 years at his cave to figure out how to solve this grave problem. In reality, he probably went about his life as well as any cave dwelling, up in age soul might. Being a Monk with lots of free time he probably practiced the Yoga of his homeland and meditated long and often. During his stay he must have had semi regular contact with the Monks of Shaolin. After all Ta Mo's cave is so close to the temple that today's Monks jog to it every morning at sunrise for meditation and Chi Kung practice before starting their day. Over the years they must have come to slowly know and accept him. After his 9 years in the cave he was invited to live at the temple with the other monks. This is when he taught them three main exercises to develop their health, strength and stamina. They were the Yi Jin Jing (Muscle Tendon Changing), Xi Sui Jing (Marrow Purification) and the Shi Ba Fa Louhan Shou (18 Enlightened one's Hands). All of these exercises are still taught to this day by all good Shaolin Kung Fu schools somewhere in their curriculum. Of these three the 18 Louhan Hands had some basic martial application.
Tang Dynasty
Between 625 and 698 A.D. during The Tang dynasty, the Emperor T'ai Tsung was at war with General Wang-Shih-Chung. Li Shimini, the Emperors son was leading the army against Wang. Wang's army managed to capture the Emperor's son. He caused great damage to the Tang army. The Shaolin Monks were called upon by the Emperor to rescue his son. History records that thirteen Monks were sent on that mission. Even against impossible odds and large numbers of enemy troops, they were successful, and because of their heroics they were given much land in which to expand. They were also commissioned at this time to train Elite Military troops for the Emperor. From this period, Shaolin Monks were allowed to eat meat and sometimes drink alcohol. Later after succeeding his father, Li Shimin promoted Tan Zong (a chief of the Shaolin militia) to the rank of General gave more land to the Monks and 1000 pieces of silk. The temple was given the title of "First Monastery Under the Sky". Regular interchange and training between high-ranking soldiers and Master Shaolin monks saw further development of Shaolin Kung Fu during this time period. Unfortunately later Tang Emperors eventually became paranoid of such a powerful and independent military force existing within their borders and had the Temple destroyed.
Shaolin Expands to Fukien
Built around the same time as the Henan Temple, the Fukien Temple was integrated into mainstream
Shaolin around 650 A.D. It was a much larger temple than the one in Henan and served as the main temple in times when Henan was destroyed or occupied. Many famous styles later emerged from this temple, or the Monks that came from it.
Around 800 A.D. the third temple was integrated into the Shaolin order. It was called The Wutang
Temple. It was located in the politically unstable area near Manchuria and the Korean Peninsular. It was often pillaged or attacked by bandits, robbers or local war lords. The monks there were very versed with the practical aspect of war, weaponry & defense and proved a tough match for any one foolish enough to engage them.
72 & 170 Movements
Sometime between the Yuan dynasty (1260-1368 A.D.) and the beginning of the Ming dynasty there lived a young nobleman. This nobleman entered the Shaolin to become a monk. Although his original name is not known to me, the name he assumed apon entering the temple was Chueh Yuan. He spent much time studying the Louhan style. He expanded it by developing the 72-movement exercise. The 72 movements were very effective for both internal and external fitness and was soon adopted by all the monks of Shaolin. Later with a desire to continue improvements Chueh Yuan traveled to seek the tutelage of other masters. He came across an old man being attacked by bandits. The old man effortlessly defended himself against them. Thinking this old man knew a new kind of martial art he introduced himself. The old man denied knowing much abought fighting and stated what he did know was taught to him by a master named Pai Yu-Feng. After seeking him out the two Masters went back to Shaolin and further developed and expand the Louhan style by the addition of a new 170-movement exercise. This expansion, was in reality a new style, called the Five Animal style. Much of today's Shaolin Kung Fu comes from this routine. On a side note some writings indicate that the preceding story actually occurred after the Tang dynasty just prior to the Song. This may not be accurate since the 170 movements were the original Five Animal style which was often said to have been developed some time after the Yuan or during the Ming dynasty.
. Introduction
Martial arts history is a very complicated an inexact science. Each style started with one man or a small group and expanded and evolved through countless generations. Some systems were developed and perfected by the military, wile others were developed by the monks of many temples (particularly the Shaolin Temple in Denfeg China). Still others were developed by criminal organizations or underground revolutionary groups. Often, a system would be started by one individual or group and then later, be perfected by another
The birth of Shaolin
During the early Northern Wei dynasty (386 - 534 AD) the Emperor Hsiao Wien had a temple built in the Song Shan mountains for the Indian Monk Bu Tuo. The Temple was built on grounds that had previously been clear cut. Possibly to make fields for military training. Later trees were re planted there. "Shaolin" means Young Forest, and was named after the young forest it stood in. It began operation in 495 A.D.
The monk Bu Tuo concentrated on the translation of Indian Buddhist text into Chinese. He is most remembered by his statue, a fat, jolly and seated monk. Often called the "Laughing Buddha". The temple originally consisted of a round dome housing an altar and a platform where Indian and Chinese monks translated Indian Buddhist scriptures into Chinese. The Monks worked both day and night. To complete this task. Unfortunately not much else is known about Bu Tuo. Some say that some form of Martial practice was going on at this point but if so, not much if any survived to the present day.
Bodhidharma
(Ta Mo)
Some time after 500 A.D. the monk Bodhidharma, an Indian Prince, (Ta Mo or Da Mo in Chinese A.D.448-527) came to China. He was a 28th Patriarch of Buddhism and the third son of a Brahman King. He came to China to teach Buddhism from a monastery in southern India. He was apparently upwards in age at the time. Ta Mo traveled north across the mountains most likely on foot, A journey of several hundred miles. After his long and exhausting trek he came to the palace of the Emperor Liang Wu Ti of the Liang southern dynasty. Some texts indicate that he was summoned by this Emperor, and some say he just arrived there wile on his journey. The Monk's teachings proved to be beyond the capacity of the Emperor, who had him cast out of the Palace.
From there Ta Mo traveled north crossing the Yangtze River. He eventually ended up at the Shaolin Temple in the Song Shan mountains (in what is now Honan Province). After a short stay, he was also cast out of Shaolin by the temples Abbot. The Abbot feared that Ta Mo's teachings were to radical and would be disrupting to his followers. You see Ta Mo did not believe in the ritualistic ceremonial practices of the current Chinese Buddhism. He felt that the works and scripture translating were artificial and done in vain if they were made solely for the purpose of gaining entry into "heaven" and not truly heartfelt. He believed in a more practical and realistic method, consisting of meditation and purity of action & principal over superficial ritual. Rejected, Ta Mo took up residence in a cave just up the mountainside from Shaolin. He stayed there for 9 years.
Legend has it that he sat in intense Meditation for this whole time. Supposedly the power of his "Chi" burned an image of him in to the rock. In reality there is an image etched or burned or whatever into the rock face where he sat, but there is no scientific explanation as to how it got there. Legend also says that during his brief time at Shaolin he noticed that the Monks were very weak from living a very sedentary monistalific life. Their health conditions were very similar to the many health problems faced today by the "Creature Comfort" sedimentary life lived by "Modern Man". He supposedly meditated for the 9 years at his cave to figure out how to solve this grave problem. In reality, he probably went about his life as well as any cave dwelling, up in age soul might. Being a Monk with lots of free time he probably practiced the Yoga of his homeland and meditated long and often. During his stay he must have had semi regular contact with the Monks of Shaolin. After all Ta Mo's cave is so close to the temple that today's Monks jog to it every morning at sunrise for meditation and Chi Kung practice before starting their day. Over the years they must have come to slowly know and accept him. After his 9 years in the cave he was invited to live at the temple with the other monks. This is when he taught them three main exercises to develop their health, strength and stamina. They were the Yi Jin Jing (Muscle Tendon Changing), Xi Sui Jing (Marrow Purification) and the Shi Ba Fa Louhan Shou (18 Enlightened one's Hands). All of these exercises are still taught to this day by all good Shaolin Kung Fu schools somewhere in their curriculum. Of these three the 18 Louhan Hands had some basic martial application.
Tang Dynasty
Between 625 and 698 A.D. during The Tang dynasty, the Emperor T'ai Tsung was at war with General Wang-Shih-Chung. Li Shimini, the Emperors son was leading the army against Wang. Wang's army managed to capture the Emperor's son. He caused great damage to the Tang army. The Shaolin Monks were called upon by the Emperor to rescue his son. History records that thirteen Monks were sent on that mission. Even against impossible odds and large numbers of enemy troops, they were successful, and because of their heroics they were given much land in which to expand. They were also commissioned at this time to train Elite Military troops for the Emperor. From this period, Shaolin Monks were allowed to eat meat and sometimes drink alcohol. Later after succeeding his father, Li Shimin promoted Tan Zong (a chief of the Shaolin militia) to the rank of General gave more land to the Monks and 1000 pieces of silk. The temple was given the title of "First Monastery Under the Sky". Regular interchange and training between high-ranking soldiers and Master Shaolin monks saw further development of Shaolin Kung Fu during this time period. Unfortunately later Tang Emperors eventually became paranoid of such a powerful and independent military force existing within their borders and had the Temple destroyed.
Shaolin Expands to Fukien
Built around the same time as the Henan Temple, the Fukien Temple was integrated into mainstream
Shaolin around 650 A.D. It was a much larger temple than the one in Henan and served as the main temple in times when Henan was destroyed or occupied. Many famous styles later emerged from this temple, or the Monks that came from it.
Around 800 A.D. the third temple was integrated into the Shaolin order. It was called The Wutang
Temple. It was located in the politically unstable area near Manchuria and the Korean Peninsular. It was often pillaged or attacked by bandits, robbers or local war lords. The monks there were very versed with the practical aspect of war, weaponry & defense and proved a tough match for any one foolish enough to engage them.
72 & 170 Movements
Sometime between the Yuan dynasty (1260-1368 A.D.) and the beginning of the Ming dynasty there lived a young nobleman. This nobleman entered the Shaolin to become a monk. Although his original name is not known to me, the name he assumed apon entering the temple was Chueh Yuan. He spent much time studying the Louhan style. He expanded it by developing the 72-movement exercise. The 72 movements were very effective for both internal and external fitness and was soon adopted by all the monks of Shaolin. Later with a desire to continue improvements Chueh Yuan traveled to seek the tutelage of other masters. He came across an old man being attacked by bandits. The old man effortlessly defended himself against them. Thinking this old man knew a new kind of martial art he introduced himself. The old man denied knowing much abought fighting and stated what he did know was taught to him by a master named Pai Yu-Feng. After seeking him out the two Masters went back to Shaolin and further developed and expand the Louhan style by the addition of a new 170-movement exercise. This expansion, was in reality a new style, called the Five Animal style. Much of today's Shaolin Kung Fu comes from this routine. On a side note some writings indicate that the preceding story actually occurred after the Tang dynasty just prior to the Song. This may not be accurate since the 170 movements were the original Five Animal style which was often said to have been developed some time after the Yuan or during the Ming dynasty.