Shaolin Kung Fu

Historia

The Shaolin Monastery on Mount Song, in Henan, was founded in 495. It is the cradle of Chan (Zen) Buddhism — tradition links it to the Indian monk Bodhidharma — and its monks became famous for kung fu, which they practised as discipline and protection.

In 621 thirteen staff-wielding monks helped Li Shimin, future emperor of the Tang dynasty. The temple was burned several times, notably in 1928 by a warlord. Today it is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site (2010), and Shaolin monk troupes tour the world.

¿Sabías que…?

• Many kung fu styles claim Shaolin roots, from Hung Gar to Wing Chun.
• The "Forest of Pagodas" holds more than 200 tombs of monks.
• Shaolin monks train famous "hard qigong" feats, such as breaking sticks on the body.
• Training includes the 18 traditional weapons, with the staff as the most typical.

Formas

Xiao Hong QuanDa Hong QuanLuohan QuanTongbi QuanPao Quan

Armas y equipo

Gun

staff, the typical Shaolin weapon

Dao

broadsword

Qiang

spear

Yue ya chan

monk's spade

⚔ In the Arsenal

DaoGun (bastão)Bastão de três secçõesPá de monge

☯ Philosophy and quotes

Kung fuWu deSee all →

Fuentes: UNESCO — Historic Monuments of Dengfeng · Encyclopaedia Britannica