Why You Should Consider Shaolin Kung Fu As An Alternative to Tai Chi

Shaolin Kung Fu - An Alternative to Tai Chi

In the region of the Song Mountain, Dengfeng City in the Henan province lays the Shaolin Temple. Claimed to be the birthplace of martial arts the temple is also referred to as 'the number one temple under heaven' and it is here where students, monks and practitioners of various styles of martial arts gather to practise Kung Fu and Buddhism. The Shaolin monks have been practising and refining their Kung Fu for over 1,500 years, originally stemming from an Indian monk called Dharma who taught the monks various methods to improve their health, and to stop them from falling asleep while meditating. Those initial forms of exercise have been developed and single handily transformed the Shaolin Temple, and created one of the greatest/ oldest martial art systems in the world.

Bodhidaharma (Dharma) was a buddhist monk from South India who travelled to the Shaolin Monastery. He meditated near the temple, facing a wall for nine years. He left behind an iron chest containing two books "Marrow Cleansing Classic" and "Muscle Tendon Change Classic" known as Yi Jin Jing. The second book was used by the Shaolin Monks to develop their bodies and skill.

There are tens of thousands of Kung Fu styles in the world associated to Shaolin Kung Fu but most common traditional forms (Tao Lu) taught within the temple are Xiao Hong Quan, Da Hong Quan, Tong Bei Quan and Yin Shou Gun to name a few. Forms such as Wu Bu Quan and Lian Huan Quan have been developed for the West to learn the basics of the traditional forms. There is a list of 72 Shaolin Arts Training Methods within the temple that can produce extraordinary skills and abilities. A few of these methods are 'Iron body' also known as 'steel jacket' 'pressure point' and 'nerve manipulation' even 'jumping'.

One Shaolin form Xiao hong quan (mandarin pronunciation) is known under various translations as; small 'Hong' fist, small 'red' fist and small 'flooding' fist, and in its original form is well over one thousand years old. It is one of the most traditional and oldest forms presently taught at the temple and around the world due to the popularity and spread of Shaolin Kung Fu. The name 'Hong' originates from Hongwu part of the Hong clan, this was the title of the reign of the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty. Xiao hong quan consists of approximately 64 steps and there are internal and external versions for all techniques. The most beautiful part of learning xiao hong quan is that it embodies all the reason why martial artists practise tao lu (forms) by letting the individual express themselves through the movements, embracing 'active meditation'.

Shaolin Kung Fu is not just a martial art, it is not something you practise two hours a week. Its not for fighting, it's for peace. Shaolin Kung fu is a life long commitment, a way of life. Kung fu can be transferred into any activity from making a cup of tea to most famously putting on your jacket. It can be practised by any age young and old alike.

The current Shaolin abbot Shi Yong Xin has decided to embrace modern day culture and promote Shaolin. The official first branch in the UK was the Shaolin Temple UK set up by Shifu Shi Yanzi who continues to teach today endorsed by the abbot himself. Similar Shaolin schools have been set up all over the world to help preserve and expand the system/ Buddhist influence.

Qi Gong is a type of Kung Fu Training for health, martial arts and awakening to ones true nature. Chi (pronounced chee and also spelled qi) is your internal energy. Life giving energy within the body, mind and spirit. Everyone and everything has Chi. Chi is the life force found in all living things and when you die, your chi is no longer there. It cantake a lifetime of study to understand and develop Chi. You can improve your chi flow through breathing exercises and simple movements. With more Chi you can live a more balanced healthy life through the natural flow of your energy. Good health and strong, balanced Chi are almost one and the same. Even though your Chi is located in your whole body your dantian is the best home for your Chi. Your dantien is just below your navel and several inches in toward your spine.

Without Chi there is no life, there is no Kung Fu.

'Gong' is that of achievement or results. The word Qi Gong is a system of 'energy cultivation' within your body. This is what makes some impressive Shaolin feats possible.

Shaolin Kung Fu can be practised anywhere. Wu Shu (translation 'martial arts') shoes have been developed especially for strenuous training sessions and it's advised for Kung Fu practitioners to wear the correct shoes to train in. Wearing the incorrect shoes can restrict movement, damage your joints and support bad technique. Robes are worn by Monks and Disciples, although it's perfectly fine for students to wear robes with their teacher consent to connect to the Shaolin way of life. Lightweight satin trousers and t-shirts should also be worn for unrestricted movement, specifically designed for strenuous and flexible techniques. Some students wear Chinese Buddhist pendants for protection or beads on the left wrist.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.