Shaolin Wushu Training

Shaolin monk in fighting pose.

Shaolin Wushu, also known as Shaolin Kung Fu, is regarded as the mother style of all Asian martial arts. Shaolin training at the Shaolin Temple in China is rigorous and intense. Children leave their families at a very young age and spend three years undergoing a training regimen that is harsh but very comprehensive. Here in the west Shaolin Wushu training takes on a more conventional tone. Instruction in Shaolin techniques is available at schools all over the country, often from instructors who themselves trained at the Shaolin Temple school in China.

History

As the story goes, the Bodhidharma was on his way from India to China to spread the word of the Buddha. Along the way the Bodhidharma was often beset by bandits and brigands. Thus he developed a system of self-defense that was based on the way the animals he observed fought in the wild. When he arrived at the Shaolin Temple in China he found the monks fat, lazy and spiritually flaccid. He set about instructing them in the fighting style he'd developed. Thus was born Shaolin Kung Fu.

The Five Animals Styles

Shaolin Kung Fu evolved and splintered off over the centuries to form what we now regard as the five animals styles. While many Kung Fu schools focus in depth on just one of the animal styles, Shaolin Wushu training incorporates elements of all of the styles. The five animals styles are Crane, Tiger, Dragon, Snake and Leopard. Each of the animal styles incorporates attacking techniques and movements that are reminiscent of the animal they are named after.

Weapons in Shaolin Wushu

Shaolin Wushu training employs many traditional Chinese weapons, some of which were developed at the Shaolin Temple itself. The staff, broadsword, straight sword and 9-section chain-whip are all among the weapons students of Shaolin Wushu train and achieve mastery in.

Northern and Southern Styles

Over the years, former Shaolin students migrated to different parts of China. There they continued to teach and develop Shaolin Wushu and over time it evolved into distinct regional styles. Employing long-range techniques such as kicks, leaps, quick advances and wide stances, Northern style martial arts acquired a more external character than their Southern counterparts. Southern martial arts acquired a more internal character and employed tighter stances, fast hand techniques and short direct kicks and strikes.

Modern Shaolin Wushu

Today people train in Shaolin Wushu in countries all over the world. Contemporary Wushu is an excellent form of fitness and offers students a chance to tap into a fine and ancient tradition. By training in Shaolin Wushu you can acquire speed, grace, flexibility and more control of your body. Modern interpretations of Shaolin techniques also make for a very reliable and effective method of self-defense.

References

• Kung Fu Training in Shaolin