Shaolin Competition Stick Fighting

By Ruan Wenpian

Shaolin Temple, as one of the birthplaces of Chinese martial arts, carries a rich history and deep cultural heritage. Since ancient times, Shaolin Temple has not only been a sacred site for Buddhist practice but also a cradle for the development of martial arts. Its unique philosophy of combining Zen and martial arts advocates for the simultaneous cultivation of the mind and body, using Zen to enhance martial skills and martial arts to understand the principles of Zen. This philosophy elevates Shaolin Kung Fu beyond mere combat techniques, transforming it into a philosophy of self-cultivation and wisdom. Under the guardianship of Shaolin Temple, Shaolin martial arts gradually developed a distinctive style that has influenced martial arts in China and beyond, becoming a globally renowned cultural symbol.

In recent years, with the deepening of global cultural exchanges, Shaolin Temple has actively responded to the demands of the times by promoting the modernization of Shaolin Kung Fu. The temple recognizes that traditional martial arts need to integrate with modern sports while preserving their core values to be better inherited and promoted on the global stage. Therefore, Shaolin Temple has introduced the "Shaolin Staff Technique" competition project, aiming to bring Shaolin Kung Fu to a broader audience through this new format. This initiative not only contributes to the revitalization and development of traditional Chinese sports culture but also opens new avenues for Shaolin Kung Fu to reach the world and spread Chinese culture.

The origin of Shaolin Staff Technique can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty and is closely linked to the legend of the Shaolin Temple's guardian deity, the "Vajra King."（Jin Na Luo Wang 紧那罗王） According to the legend, this deity, while defending the temple, wielded a firewood staff and used his expert staff techniques to repel invaders and protect the temple. Since then, Shaolin Staff Technique has been passed down within the temple, becoming an essential part of the martial training of Shaolin monks. Although this legend is shrouded in mystery, it reflects the religious background and protective spirit of Shaolin Temple's martial arts. Over time, Shaolin Staff Technique evolved and became a prominent representation of Chinese martial arts.

By the Ming and Qing dynasties, the fame of Shaolin Staff Technique had spread far and wide, and it was extensively recorded in various martial arts texts, such as Jiangnan Jinglüe（江南经略） and Wubian（武编）. The renowned Ming dynasty martial artist Mao Yuanyi （茅元仪）highly praised Shaolin Staff Technique in his work Wubeizhi（武备志）, stating, "All arts stem from the staff, and the staff stems from Shaolin." This statement highlights the importance of staff techniques in martial arts and affirms Shaolin Temple's central role in the development of staff techniques. Due to its rich techniques and strong practicality, Shaolin Staff Technique has been hailed as a representative weapon of Chinese martial arts, holding a significant position in the martial arts world.

Additionally, the book Shaolin Gunfa Chanzong（少林棍法阐宗） by Ming dynasty martial artist Cheng Zongyou（程宗猷） serves as a milestone in the history of Shaolin Staff Technique. This book not only provides a detailed account of the history and origins of Shaolin Staff Technique but also systematically summarizes and explains its techniques. The characteristics of Shaolin Staff Technique stand out, with thrusting as the primary move and chopping as a supplement, combining the piercing power of a spear with the striking force of a staff. Its flexible and varied footwork allows Shaolin Staff Technique to exhibit a fierce and powerful style in combat, both offensive and defensive, showcasing the unique charm of Shaolin Kung Fu.

Currently, the rules of the Shaolin Staff Technique competition project are mainly based on the 55 staff techniques illustrated in Shaolin Gunfa Chanzong（少林棍法阐宗）. These ancient techniques have been studied and restored by modern martial arts experts and are applied in the competitive matches, laying a solid foundation for the modern inheritance of Shaolin Staff Technique. During the competition, participants are required to wear customized protective gear and staffs and, according to the rules, use staff techniques to attack designated scoring areas on their opponents within a circular arena. The outcome is determined by accumulated points, preserving the traditional techniques of Shaolin Staff Technique while enhancing the entertainment and competitive aspects of the event.

The launch of the Shaolin Staff Technique competition project is not only an important step for Shaolin Temple in inheriting and promoting martial arts culture but also a powerful means of popularizing Shaolin Kung Fu on a global scale. Through this project, Shaolin Temple aims to integrate this ancient technique into modern sports culture, revitalizing it in the new era and promoting Chinese martial arts worldwide, becoming a vital bridge for global cultural exchange.

About author:

Ruan Wenpian is a master’s candidate majoring in martial arts at School of Physical Education, South China Normal University. He is also a student of Jiangong Academy (健公书院) and is currently practicing the martial arts of Ma Tongbei (马氏通备武艺) with both Master Ma Mingda (马明达) and Master Ma Lianzhen (马廉祯). His contact email is 1433345933@qq.com.

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