History of Kung Fu & Shaolin

Kung Fu did not originate from the Shao-lin temple as many people think. Before the temple was built in the third century, a Chinese physician Hwa Tor was using exercises based on animal movements to improve physical and mental health well before the temple existed. Many years later the temple was built and became the centre of development of martial arts in China.

[Shaolin Temple]

The original Shao-lin temple (pictured right) is located in Mount Song - the central mountain of the "five mountains" of China, near the city of Zhengzhou, Henan Province. Mount Song is further divided into two mountains: the Taishi and the Shaoshi. The name "Shao-lin" was inspired by the lush forest of the Shaoshi Mountain. Another story suggests that the temple was built on a piece of land that had recently been ravaged by fire, because the builders planted many new trees. The temple was thus named Shao-lin ("Shao" meaning "young" or "new", and "Lin" meaning "forest").

Tradition declares that an Indian monk arrived at the temple in the year 527 AD, this monk known as Da Mo (Bodhidharma) found his Chinese disciples too weak, both physically and mentally to practice the meditation which was very intense. Da Mo then devised exercises combining physical movement and breathing techniques to strengthen the body and mind. Breathing exercises were developed to improve health and strength to the bodies' inner organs. Although physical exercise can strengthen the body and limbs, Da Mo knew he needed to keep the inner organs healthy since they provided the fuel to keep the body going. As a person's breathing becomes better and his or her organs become stronger, that person will begin to develop "Qi" (pronounced ch-ee).

Qi is the ability to reach inside and draw power from within the body itself. This power comes directly from the "Dan Tien" which is located about one inch below the navel (the belly button).

As the monks became healthier and stronger, which enabled them to defend themselves if and when trouble arrived at the temple. The reputation of the Shao-lin temple soon spread through China attracting many people to become monks and learn historically, Shao-lin monks included some of the best generals, ministers, poets, philosophers, and various famous people. Thus, in Chinese history, the Shao-lin Temple was both a focal point and an education centre for some of China's elite. It truly represents an important Chinese cultural landmark. The history of the Shao-lin temple is long and controversial, but it is most important to acknowledge its impact on the Chinese population and the martial arts.