Shaolin kung fu

What is the story of the Shaolin?

Legend says that a group of Shaolin monks rescued the Kangxi Emperor from nomads in 1674. According to the story, envious officials then burned down the temple, killing most of the monks and Gu Yanwu traveled to the remains of Shaolin in 1679 to record its history.

Key points about the Shaolin Kung Fu story:

Origin with Bodhidharma:
According to legend, when Bodhidharma arrived at the Shaolin Temple, he found the monks physically weak and unable to sustain long periods of meditation. He developed a series of exercises that combined physical movements with breathing techniques, laying the groundwork for Shaolin Kung Fu.

The "18 Arhats":
One of the foundational elements of Shaolin Kung Fu is said to be the "18 Arhats" (or "18 Lohan") - a set of postures and movements inspired by Buddhist mythology, which are considered the core of the martial art.


Self-defense and Protection:
Over time, as the Shaolin Temple became a target for bandits and political unrest, the monks further developed their martial skills to defend themselves and their temple.




Integration with Buddhism:
The philosophy behind Shaolin Kung Fu emphasizes the connection between physical strength and spiritual development, with the training seen as a way to cultivate self-discipline, mindfulness, and inner peace.




Famous Shaolin Styles:
Different styles of Shaolin Kung Fu emerged, incorporating animal movements like the tiger, crane, snake, leopard, and dragon, each with its own unique techniques.


Historical Impact:
During periods of political turmoil, Shaolin monks were sometimes called upon to assist the ruling government, further enhancing their reputation as skilled warriors.