Chicago Shaolin Temple

[wutangforever]

This Sunday (4/20/08, 1pm) in Chicago in Chinatown Square there will be a blessing ceremony for the Chicago bid for the 2016 Olympics and a blessing for the 2008 Olympics. There will also be shaolin performances by monks and students of the Chicago Shaolin Temple, and I believe monks are flying in from NY, SF, and LA to perform. Shi Yan Ju (head of the Chicago Shaolin Temple) is responsible for the event.

You can watch it over the internet if you cannot make it. I believe it will be here:
http://www.suncastv.com/chinese/
http://www.suncastv.com/channels/chicago2016.html

Here's a poster for the event:

http://www.chicagoguangzhou.com/poster%5B2%5D.jpg

Amituofo!

Ben

[LFJ]

Here's a poster for the event:

http://www.chicagoguangzhou.com/poster%5B2%5D.jpg

thats the longest iron body stick i've ever seen!

[wutangforever]

He just started in Chicago. I think he was in L.A. for a while before coming here a few weeks ago.

It is an amazing stance.

[David Jamieson]

thats the longest iron body stick i've ever seen!

The longer the stick the less force that goes into the receiver. physics.

[LFJ]

exactly my point. the stick was off the view of the camera.

[wutangforever]

Oh, heh, I misunderstood the iron body post. For some reason I thought you were talking about the stance of Shi Yan Yue (in blue). The sticks are thick though... some are even pressure treated wood. Usually they're shorter in our demonstrations.

[LFJ]

that is a nice stance though. :)

[Citong Shifu]

that is a nice stance though. :)

LFJ, are you still in St.Louis? If so, give me a call or pm me.... You know Chinese Cultural Day is coming up at the Botanical Gardens this month, right? Anyway, get in contact with me....

CS

[David Jamieson]

4/20 heh.

was it really smoky and were there lots of hipppies at this "blessing" :D

[wutangforever]

No hippies and wasn't really smoky... maybe a small amount of incense but not much smoke.

[Shaolindynasty]

Chicago tribune coverage of the event

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/custom/religion/chi-chinatown-olympics-apr21,1,5266336.story

[David Jamieson]

No hippies and wasn't really smoky... maybe a small amount of incense but not much smoke.

Your innocence is refreshing!

[shyphoenix]

You can watch it over the internet if you cannot make it. I believe it will be here:
http://www.suncastv.com/chinese/
http://www.suncastv.com/channels/chicago2016.html
Amituofo!

Ben

Footage doesn't appear to be up yet, unless I completely fail at navigating their site. I'll post youtube links of my own if I manage to get video up first (will probably be after May 1st, stupid move!!).

Good job at the demo!
Erin

[Pk_StyLeZ]

found this on youtube..seem like a clip from the event
damo cane form..i like this form..a lot better than the one i know
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGuAQdlTv2Y

[wutangforever]

Looks like that user put up a whole bunch of clips. We also have video at www.ShaolinTempleChicago.com , but I need to get a better player for it as you can't fast forward with the flash player it currently has.

[Pk_StyLeZ]

Looks like that user put up a whole bunch of clips. We also have video at www.ShaolinTempleChicago.com , but I need to get a better player for it as you can't fast forward with the flash player it currently has.

ya i saw those other clips after i made the post...
are those monks teach at that school?
or they were visitn monks?

[wutangforever]

3 of the monks (the one who did the cane, one of the ones in yellow, and the one who had the sledgehammer break concrete on his head) run the Chicago Shaolin Temple. A few were from the S.F. temple and a few from Flushing, NY.

[shyphoenix]

I also just put up the second half of Shifu Yanyue's tongzigong form (I'm assuming that's what it is).
Here it is! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wU7twnHyMEQ)

My Damo cane video pales in comparison to amiephoto's but I'm partial to xiao shifu's frog form. :D.


3 of the monks (the one who did the cane, one of the ones in yellow, and the one who had the sledgehammer break concrete on his head) run the Chicago Shaolin Temple. A few were from the S.F. temple and a few from Flushing, NY.

Yellow with the black sash!

[GeneChing]

I put the first part of this article on the Shanghai World Expo thread (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showpost.php?p=975773&postcount=8). Perhaps we need a Chicago Shaolin thread.


Shaolin Kungfu show stunning visual feast for Chicago audience (http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-12/14/content_12645300.htm)
www.chinaview.cn 2009-12-14 15:25:58

CHICAGO, Dec. 13, (Xinhua) -- Braving a cold, rainy December evening, nearly 2,000 fortunate Chicagoans had the rare opportunity to witness a fantastic Shaolin Kungfu performance Saturday night.

At the Paramount Theater in the Chicago suburb of Aurora, 14 warrior monks, led by their world acclaimed chief coach, Shi Yanlu, showcased the authentic and classic Shaolin martial arts, developed by generations of warrior monks over the last 1,500 years.

Along with local Chinese dancers and musicians, the Kungfu masters presented a stunning visual feast to an enthusiastic audience, which was opened with a spectacular 10-minute traditional Chinese lion dance.

Paula Lazarz, a Chinese martial arts practitioner and teacher, and Helen Wang, an executive officer and TV anchor at Suncastv, co-hosted the event and inserted glamour and humor to the enjoyable evening.

The most exciting moment finally came when the Shaolin Kungfu masters, in their light gray Kungfu uniforms, took the stage as if it was their battle field.

Within the blink of an eye, "hai..""ya.."crackled through the theater. The powerful sound rumbled like thunder breaking through clouds, followed by the warrior monks' sweeping sequence of movements as brisk as lightning.

Holding their breath, and eyes popping, the audience watched the intricate fighting styles in absolute awe.

Monk Shi Hengshi kicked off the show with Shaolin's famous drunkard boxing. While portraying the illusion of a stumbling drunk, this maneuver is actually a highly skilled movement that combines power and grace.

Immediately following was Shi Hengli's tiger boxing performance, one of 10 open-hand boxing styles that mimic movements from animals such as tigers, eagles, snakes and grasshoppers. Jumping, kicking and roaring like a real tiger, Shi concluded his performance standing tall and courageous like a true king of the mountain.

During the weapon routines, warrior monks adroitly commanded awide range of weapons, such as double spears, swords, strings and knives, to demonstrate their incredible strength, flexibility and elegance.

Meanwhile, the Shaolin masters displayed their implausible internal strength and ability by performing the Qigong arts.

The audience shouted with excitement when one monk astonishingly threw a needle through a glass wall and popped the balloon on the other side, just like a magician.

A 10-year old warrior monk, Shi Xiaoliang, drew prolonged applause after performing Shaolin children's Kungfu, a style designed particularly for young practitioners. He acquires amazing flexibility and was said, to borrow the words of the hostess, as soft as cotton and as hard as steel.

Xie Yunliang, acting consul general of the Chinese Consulate in Chicago, said, "over 20 years ago, the movie 'Shaolin Temple' brought huge fame to Shaolin Kungfu, which is a precious part of Chinese culture."

Chicago Shaolin Temple teachers and students also presented very impressive performances, including circular boxing and eight-step continuous boxing.

Chicago Shaolin Temple was founded by Master Shi Yanju, who launched the training classes aiming both at sharing his teachings with martial arts enthusiasts and preserving the rich tradition of Shaolin Kungfu.

"Our mission is to promote spiritual cultivation, improve health and carry forward the spirit of Zen-Wu and the Shaolin culture," said Shi Yanlu, "We would like to promote cultural exchange and help our American friends become more interested in Chinese culture and understand it better."

At the end of the performance, Jesse White, the Secretary of State of Illinois, received a Chinese calligraphy gift from Liu Yingbiao, a notable calligraphy artist at Shaolin Temple.

Jointly presented by Chicago Shaolin Temple and the Chicago-based IPTV provider Suncastv, the event is designed to further promote Shaolin Kungfu and Chinese culture through multi-media platform.

[wutangforever]

Thanks for posting this Gene! It was a fun event.

Ben
Student, Chicago Shaolin Temple

[Shaolindynasty]

I think one of the best parts was Shi yanlu demonstraiting dahong I posted it on youtube you can see it here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riV5LIMgi0M

Also it was cool getting to say hello to some of the people there that I met while I was at shaolin last summer.

[GeneChing]

It's now 'Chicago Shaolin Temple'. The previous title focused on the Olympic demo, but we really need a Chicago Shaolin Temple thread here and this seems like a good place for it. I tend to focus on the S.F. Shaolin Temple since that's my 'hood. I don't mean to overlook Chicago by any means... :o

Keep us updated, wutangforever

[wutangforever]

Thanks Gene! We'll definitely keep you guys updated...our school is growing and we now have 3 of Shi Yan Ju's disciples here helping to teach, and Shi Guolin has been out here a couple times.

[Shaolindynasty]

This is Shi Heng Cheng from chicago shaolin temple performing a the show

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2B_0fY4YvOo

[Shaolindynasty]

Shi Heng Long from Chicago shaolin at the aurora performance last saturday

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Sly8RvNIyM

[sha0lin1]

Shi Heng Long from Chicago shaolin at the aurora performance last saturday

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Sly8RvNIyM

He, he, he, what a great name....Heng Long, wish that one was my Shaolin name.

[GeneChing]

My Shaolin name is Xing Long. ;)

[sha0lin1]

Just laughing at the way it is pronounced and what that would mean in English. At least its not Biggus ****us.

[GeneChing]

...that we "longs" are very proud of our name. ;)

[GeneChing]

The latest from Shaolin Chicago...

Chinese Lantern Festival in North Central (http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=372778&src=2)
By Sara Hooker | Daily Herald Staff
Contact writer
Published: 4/15/2010 12:05 AM

North Central's Pfeiffer Hall becomes an ancient Chinese monastery with a Buddha and fighting monks this weekend at Xilin Art Center's Lantern Festival.

The fifth annual festival will include 100 performers and feature the martial arts ad worship of China's Shaolin monks.

Xilin Art Center, based in Naperville, is an organization that serves the Asian population's needs in the Chicago area.

The Lantern Festival, a special occasion celebrating life and light, is a traditional Chinese festival celebrated on the 15 day of the first lunar month. It indicates the end of all Lunar New Year festivities.

In the past, colorful red lanterns decorated the streets and buildings of China during the festival. Today, the lantern festival remains a major event for the country with elaborate fireworks displays.

The feature presentation on Sunday, April 18, is by the Shaolin monks, who originated in China 1,500 years ago and now have temples in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles.

Using spears, swords and knives, 10 monks, two of whom traveled from China for the event, will use strength and flexibility to demonstrate their swift movements and martial arts.

The performance will include a backdrop and a big Buddha that will emulate the actual morning ritual in China. The monks' costumes are tiger orange, fitting in with the festival's theme "Rising Tiger."

"Basically they're going to have their morning worship, and the song they will sing is really what they're doing over there in the morning," said Xilin Executive Director Linda Yang. "They're doing what they're doing at the original Shaolin temple."

Other performances include Chinese dancing, singing and music. Special appearances will be given by the Chengda Percussion Ensemble and the Xilin children's performing choir.

This is the second year Art Director and Choreographer Yang Qiang has organized the performance. An award-winning dance instructor, Qiang originates from the prestigious Beijing Ballet Dance Institute in Beijing, China.

Last year's performance was sold out, and tickets are nearly sold out for Sunday's performance, Yang said.

"We're just trying to bring different things to the public and let people enjoy the rich culture of the performing arts," Yang said.

The Xilin Lantern Festival begins at 5 p.m. Sunday, April 18, at North Central College's Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave., Naperville.

Tickets are $10 for general seating or $20 for VIP seating. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Xilin Center, 1163 E. Ogden Ave., Suite 301, or at the door the day of the performance if seats are available.

For information, call (630) 355-4322 or visit xilin.org.

[richard sloan]

I tell people all the time I had to do extra pushups to get my dharma name.

[GeneChing]

Asian culture takes stage in annual Naperville festival (http://napervillesun.suntimes.com/news/4733486-418/asian-culture-takes-stage-in-annual-naperville-festival.html)
By Hilary Decent For The Sun Apr 17, 2011 11:14PM

More than 100 performers of all ages brought a taste of Asia to Naperville on Sunday as they presented the 2011 Lantern Festival at Pfeiffer Hall.

In their sixth annual festival, members of the Xilin Performing Arts Center entertained a packed house for more than two hours with displays of dancing, singing and martial arts.

Special guests included Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White; Naperville Mayor A George Pradel; and Maoming Chu, deputy consul general of the People’s Republic of China in Chicago.

“This is all about raising meaningful funds,” White said, addressing the crowd. “Every day we should do something good for someone.”

“I am so happy you are all here tonight,” Pradel said. “I am privileged to have the honor to be your mayor for four more years, so I will be able to attend this event for more years.” He joked that he still enjoys the title of the smiling Buddha.

The concert, which was hosted in English and Chinese by Steve Smith and Helen Wang of Suncastv Chicago, drew an audience from across the western and northern suburbs. It was expected to raise between $10,000 and $15,000 for the Xilin Community Center based on Ogden Avenue in Naperville.

“Naperville has been such a great supporter of the Asian community,” Xilin board President David Tsang said. “They have embraced Xilin and our services with open arms. We could not have this performance in a better place than Naperville.”

Tsang added he was proud of all the performers, who included Shaolin monks, some of whom had come over especially from China to take part.

Director June Yang explained that rehearsals for the 136-strong show began back in September.

“The youngest is only 3, the oldest have daughters in college,” she said during the intermission. “I’m very tense, but it is going very well.”

Thirteen-year-old audience member Grace Ludwig from Lombard said she had studied Chinese culture in school.

“I loved the bells and the little kids,” she said.

Her grandmother, Xilin board member Mary Jo Arndt, added: “I think the performance, as usual, is so outstanding.”

The show included the traditional lion dance and a Kung Fu dance with nunchucks, as well as ethnic dances from across China.

"a Kung Fu dance with nunchucks" This quote alone is why I needed to post this. :D

[wutangforever]

Thanks Gene! Yes, it was quite an event. We did lion dance and then about 6 minutes of kung fu forms. Illinois Shaolin (different from Chicago Shaolin Temple) was also there and their Master had one 9 yr old do tongzi gong while the other kids did a bunch of stuff with nunchucks.

Ben

[GeneChing]

I just posted it on this thread because it was the Chicago Sun Times.

Can you clarify the difference? I can split this off into an independent thread just for Illinois Shaolin if need be.

[wutangforever]

I just posted it on this thread because it was the Chicago Sun Times.

Can you clarify the difference? I can split this off into an independent thread just for Illinois Shaolin if need be.


Don't get me wrong, we the Chicago Shaolin Temple did perform kung fu and lion dance.

Illinois Shaolin was recently established in Naperville, IL by Master Chen (Shi Yan Yang). I don't believe he's full monk, but I do think he spent time training at Shaolin a while back. Kids from his school did the nunchucks dance.

http://www.ilshaolin.com/ is his website.

[GeneChing]

Well, we'll leave it so for now. Thanks for the clarification.