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Shaolin Kung Fu
History Shaolin Kung Fu specifically refers to a collection of Chinese martial art forms that evolved over many centuries by the practice of Shaolin monks from the Songshan Shaolin Temple in China. Historical texts date the Shaolin Temple in China to 495 A.D, built in the remains of a forest not far from one the Emperor's grounds that had been cleared out. When the temple was constructed the Emperor's gardeners planted new trees thus giving the temple the name Shao Lin which in Mandarin means "Young (or New) Forest".
Boddhidharma The art of Shaolin Kung Fu finds its roots in the teachings of an Indian monk known as Boddhidharma, or Da Mo in Chinese, who was born a prince in Southern India, but renounced his royal heritage to become a devoted Buddhist monk. He was considered to have been a bodhisattva, an enlightened being who had renounced nirvana, the supreme state of enlightenment, in order to teach others.
In the monastery Da Mo saw that the monks were in poor health and lacked mental stamina, most likely as a result of the harsh weather conditions, the compliance with the austere ways of Buddhism or as a result of long hours hunched over tables transcribing religious texts. He decided to formulate a way to improve the monks’ health and vitality and developed a series of exercises, in a work known as Yi Jin Jing, which were aimed at developing internal power, vitality and physical strength by increasing the flow of ‘chi’ (life energy) through the body. Once the monks started to practice Yi Jin Jing exercises they found they became healthy and physically stronger. The movements taught the monks how to use ‘chi’ to cleanse their bone marrow, strengthen their immune system, energize their bodies and to still the mind so as to attain mindfulness and spiritual awakening.
Basis of Shaolin Kung Fu This 'chi' energy training forms the basis of Shaolin Kung Fu self-defence and is at the core of the spiritual path to becoming a Shaolin Master and disciple. Shaolin monks are very gentle and good natured as the spiritual way of Kung Fu is fuelled by Ch’an Buddhism and views fighting only as a way to defend against harm and avoid conflict. More importantly Kung Fu integrates moral discipline, courage, strength and flexibility in its movements in a way which translates into the daily life of the person who practices it.
Benefits Kung fu improves physical stamina, promotes mental clarity and is a successful self-defense tool. For optimum health benefits, it is advisable to train as often as possible or at least twice a week.
Physical Noticeable improvement in physical strength, stamina and muscle development is experienced by the student practicing kung fu and the overall effect is a healthy, toned body that is agile and full of energy.
Mental Mental health benefits include releasing stress and calming the mind. Kung Fu promotes clarity and determination. A feeling of self-worth and achievement is gained by those students who build strong foundations and progress through the various Kung Fu levels, as they build steadily upon their abilities.
Furthermore, the self defense quality of kung fu cultivates self-awareness and a peaceful state of mind as the student misplaces fear and feels safe in the knowledge that any obstacle can be overcome.
Benefits of Kung Fu for children The Shaolin Kung Fu & Tai Chi Centre organizes classes for children of all ages and encourages parents and teachers to assess the many benefits gained by practicing Kung Fu from an early age.
Focus The set of exercises based on the movements of the 18 main animals in Chinese iconography (tiger, snake, dragon, mantis, monkey, eagle etc.) require focus, stamina and attention. This translates into children becoming better performers at school as their levels of concentration improve.
Self esteem Children also build a positive attitude towards life as they aspire to reach higher levels of achievement. Kung Fu promotes self esteem and confidence as the progression through the various levels breeds a strong sense of accomplishment. Furthermore, discipline and moral integrity naturally develop through a mind and body connection. This instills in children a sense of non-violence towards their peers as they become aware of their own strength and feel confident in their own potential.
Energy As children release vast amounts of energy during Kung Fu training, they naturally become more relaxed in their daily lives and are predisposed to making healthier lifestyle choices. Self defence As a form of self-defense Kung Fu encourages children to remain calm in difficult situations and gives them the ability to discern danger and unsafe activities. The ability to protect themselves instills in children the self-belief that they are able to deal with any kind of confrontation and that they need not engage in hostile behaviour.
Shifu Heng Sheng teaches Shaolin Kung Fu to students of all ages. To arrange workshops or private lessons please contact us. |
Genuine Shaolin Kung Fu & Tai Chi
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Da Mo traveled extensively to spread the teachings of Ch'an Buddhism and is believed to have reached the Shaolin Temple situated in the Song Mountain, the Central Sacred Mountain in the Henan Province of China, in 527 A.D. Initially Da Mo was not accepted by the Shaolin Temple monks and spent nine years meditating in a nearby cave until the monks saw his religious prowess and admitted him into the temple.
Kung Fu training fosters a feeling of deep seated well-being, focus and confidence as it works to allow the flow of ‘chi’ in meridian points in the body.
