Shaolin Kung Fu - Their Weapons
The Weapons and Equipment of the Shaolin Monks
Kung Fu could be defined as any of the various Chinese martial arts. Chinese Kung Fu was studied, organized and systematized by the Shaolin monks. Shaolin Kung Fu is known for their many animal styles such as Tiger, Crane, Dragon, Monkey, Praying Mantis and Snake. The word Kung Fu was originally used by the West. It means "skill" or "ability". It literally does not have anything to do with martial arts such as the word Tae Kwon Do, which means The Way of the Hand and Feet. In China today, Wushu is the preferred word to describe Chinese Martial Arts. The word Kung Fu was first used by a western Jesuit Missionary named Pere Amoit after witnessing exercises and training regimen in China. He called it "Cong Fou" in his personal journals. The term "Kuo-Shu" was popular in China until about 1930. This term has since been popularized by the Taiwanese Government to describe Chinese Martial Arts.
In the West, the term Kung Fu or Gung Fu is still the popular word to describe Chinese Martial Arts. Chinese Kung Fu is said to have started or organized at about 220 B.C. It has flourished since then. In days past, a popular Kung Fu fighter would travel from town to town, province to province to challenge the town's best fighters. He would then become a great teacher and teach students his techniques he had learned traveling and mastering his art.
Shaolin Kung Fu is the martial art developed and practiced by the Shaolin Monks. Shaolin Monks were often Buddhist or Taoist in Religion. They trained in the martial arts of Kung Fu to fight against thieves, bandits, to protect their temples, protect and defend the commoners, but most importantly for discipline, exercise and training. Being a Shaolin monk can be quite a sedentary exercise. Sitting all day, meditating, and reading. There were, of course, daily chores to do. Sweeping, cleaning, building, repairs, etc. But Kung Fu exercises soon became a staple choice to stay fit and healthy.
Next: We'll look into the equipment used by the shaolin monks. Some of them will surprise you. Some very non-deadly household items can be used by the Shaolin Kung Fu expert to fend off attackers!
Coming up... Modern Shaolin Temples / Shaolin Kung Fu vs Mixed Martial Arts / Is Traditional Kung Fu Dead? / Shaolin Monk Enters the UFC
In the West, the term Kung Fu or Gung Fu is still the popular word to describe Chinese Martial Arts. Chinese Kung Fu is said to have started or organized at about 220 B.C. It has flourished since then. In days past, a popular Kung Fu fighter would travel from town to town, province to province to challenge the town's best fighters. He would then become a great teacher and teach students his techniques he had learned traveling and mastering his art.
Shaolin Kung Fu is the martial art developed and practiced by the Shaolin Monks. Shaolin Monks were often Buddhist or Taoist in Religion. They trained in the martial arts of Kung Fu to fight against thieves, bandits, to protect their temples, protect and defend the commoners, but most importantly for discipline, exercise and training. Being a Shaolin monk can be quite a sedentary exercise. Sitting all day, meditating, and reading. There were, of course, daily chores to do. Sweeping, cleaning, building, repairs, etc. But Kung Fu exercises soon became a staple choice to stay fit and healthy.
Next: We'll look into the equipment used by the shaolin monks. Some of them will surprise you. Some very non-deadly household items can be used by the Shaolin Kung Fu expert to fend off attackers!
Coming up... Modern Shaolin Temples / Shaolin Kung Fu vs Mixed Martial Arts / Is Traditional Kung Fu Dead? / Shaolin Monk Enters the UFC
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