Info about Shaolin

All martial arts that exist today were born after Shaolin. Martial arts or Wushu are known in the Chinese culture, it is more than an art of fighting, it is a way of living. One 'is' or one 'converts' in Gong Fu. It is not something that is simply 'done'. Wushu has a philosophy about the art of living which a big part of it is based on the ancestral philosophies of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism.

Shaolin's monastery means “The monastery of the young woods or new” it is a Buddhist temple located in China's province of Henan and famous for its relationship with Chan Buddhism (zen) and its connection with Chinese martial arts.

The monastery was registered as a cultural heritage of humanity on July 31st, 2010.

There are many styles of Wushu and Kung Fu, but the most important in terms of organization, training methods and morality were developed at the Buddhist temple of Shaolin. These characteristica made learning at the Shaolin Temple a symbol of respect and dignity. Shaolin is not a branch of Wushu, Wushu is a branch of Shaolin.

There are many references that demonstrate the existence of the practice of martial arts in China, before the foundation of Shaolin's monastery such as: the history of Wei, “Wei Shou”. Shaolin's Temple was built in 495. A.C. By the emperor Xiao Wen for the monk Chan, Ba Tuo de Tian Zhu, these monks, it is told, used to practice Jiao li as an entertainment.

The participation of the monks in both military campaigns (one military campaign with the Tang Dynasty and the other one with the Ming Dynasty) made this temple well-known and hence the nickname Warrior Monks was created.

Noawadys, Shaolin warrior monks focus more on self-defense and authenticity of techniques. Performing monks are not obligated to practice or study Zen, while inside the temple, at least a bit of attention for the Shaolin customs is wanted by the masters of their chosen warrior monk disciples. Shaolin monks have been featured on martial arts. Today, warrior monks are compared to Wushu artists who focused in elaborately and original martial arts application. Shaolin Kung Fu accredits a collection of Chinese martial arts that claim affiliation with the Shaolin Monastery.