Shaolin Kung Fu

 

 

My master: Shi Xinghong, 32nd generation Shaolin monk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Shaolin Temple

A small Buddhist temple in the Henan Province of China (an eight-hour train ride south from Beijing), this historical location is home to the Shaolin monks.  A famous quote from the Temple roughly translated says, “All kung fu was created under the sun of the Shaolin Temple.”

 

Back in the Tang Dynasty, the Shaolin monks had defeated so many enemies for the Emperor that he granted them special permission to eat meat, for strength, and drink alcohol, for courage.  To this day, even without the duty to protect the Empire, the monks retain these special privileges.

The City of Shaolin

The monks were basically completely disbanded with the Chinese cultural revolution, and scattered all over the country to blend in with the rest of society.  Thanks to the movie “Shaolin Temple”, starring a 16-year-old Jet Li, released in 1980, interest in legendary Shaolin Kung Fu was rekindled.

 

The impact of the movie really took effect in 1988 when a town was formed around the Shaolin Temple, mostly composed of kung fu schools and thousands of kids sent by their parents to learn the ancient martial art.  The town expanded to about 50 schools and tens of thousands of kids by the late 1990’s.

 

In the summer of 2000, a decision was made by the government to tear out the town to bring in a more traditional look and feel to the Temple.  The result: a more touristy Shaolin.  While daily tour buses, carrying visitors from all over the world, may water down the Shaolin experience for a few people, it does spread awareness of a very interesting part of Chinese history.

My Cocoon

I began studying kung fu at the Shaolin Temple in the summer of 1994 at age 17, realized by a high school graduation gift from my father.  Utilizing many connections and making many phone calls to China, my dad was able to secure a stay in Shaolin for me.  Once I arrived, I realized that a black belt in Tang Soo Do and eight years of martial arts training were just the first step in my journey.  After ten days of training with my master, Wang Deqing (Shaolin name of Shi Xinghong, 32nd generation Shaolin monk), I knew I had a special connection with this place, and vowed to return as often as possible.

 

Now I have been to the Temple four times (1994, 1998, 2000, and 2002).  I consider this place my haven of mental peace, rejuvenation, and growth.  Sort of like a cocoon.