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The
Beginning: Shaolin and Ta Mo
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| It
is very difficult to separate fact from fiction regarding the
origins of the martial arts. Many of the more colorful martial
arts legends either have no historical basis whatsoever, or
exist in diametrical opposition to facts we can document historically.
What we do know is that today nearly every martial art in the
world traces its beginnings to the Shaolin Temple. |
While
the Shaolin temple undeniably played the most important of roles
in the evolution of the martial arts there was in actuality
already a long tradition of martial arts before the Shaolin
Temple entered the scene in roughly the 6th century AD. |
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A
stylized system of fighting existed in ancient Greece as long
ago as 2,000 BC which was known as Pankration. Evidence exists
of martial arts practice in India during the same time period.
The martial arts appear to be rooted in both cultures much like
many language groups. Historians can document the existence
of trade routes between ancient Greece and India which would
explain the cross cultural development of martial arts as well
as language.
Evidence also points to the existence of early forms of martial
arts in China as early as the third century BC. These systems
were developed by Chinese doctors as a means of toning the body. |
By
the 5th century AD it is clear that various fighting styles
had developed throughout Asia. Also by this time Buddhism had
spread throughout much of the continent. The original Shaolin
temple was built in the 4th century AD by order of the Emperor
and functioned only as a religious center. The practice of martial
arts at the temple did not begin until the 6th century AD with
the arrival of the legendary Bodhidarma. |
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| Bodhidarma
(Ta Mo in Chinese, Daruma in Japanese) was a Buddhist monk from
India who likely belonged to the ruling warrior class. The details
of the story vary dramatically depending on which legend one
chooses to examine but the underlying theme remains. Bodhidarma
is credited with starting the practice of the martial arts at
the Shaolin temple in addition to founding the form of Buddhism
known as Chan. |
Chan
Buddhism, which is called Zen in Japan, teaches the concept
of gradual practice and sudden enlightenment. Previous schools
taught that the disciple of Buddhism practices meditation over
a long period of time and achieves enlightenment in stages.
Chan contends that while the practice takes place over a long
period of time the moment of enlightenment occurs suddenly and
spontaneously. |
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| Another
tenet of Chan pertains to the unity of the body and mind. Meditation
is practiced in the full lotus position because that position
is conducive to the healthy flow of energy in the body; this
practice is commonly known by the Japanese term "zazen."
Chan teaches that a healthy body as well as a healthy mind is
necessary for enlightenment. This belief helps explain the development
and refinement of the martial arts by the Shaolin monks. |
Over
the centuries the Shaolin temple became the foremost martial
arts training center in China. The Shaolin warrior monks became
famous as many different schools of kung fu developed. These
schools taught empty hand fighting as well as weapons combat. |
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| The
Shaolin arts also spread across all of Asia. Many warriors and
princes from other countries trained with the Shaolin monks,
and many monks traveled throughout Asia spreading their fighting
styles. This spread ultimately led to the creation of various
Karate systems in the Okinawan islands as well as early forms
of Tae Kwon Do in the Korean peninsula. |
In
the 18th century the original Shaolin temple was burned down.
Legend has it that five monks escaped and went on to establish
the Shaolin temple in Fukien Province. The temple at Fukien
is the birthplace of the five Shaolin animal styles, based on
the movements of the Dragon, Tiger, Crane, Leopard and Snake. |
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| Since
the creation of the Fukien temple there have been many instances
of Shaolin temples being burned or destroyed and recreated.
Throughout this process new styles have been created, including
Tai Chi, Wing Chun, Choy Li Fut, Hung Gar and Praying Mantis.
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Chinese
martial arts are typically divided into northern and southern
styles, with the Fukien temple as the fountainhead of the
southern styles, and the original temple in Honan Province
that of the northern styles.
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