Shaolin Master Reveals the Ancient Wisdom of Chinese Kung Fu
Shaolin kung fu, rooted in Zen philosophy, combines fast, effective combat techniques with mental discipline and inner calm, says Shaolin master Shi Yanxuan.
In the CGTN documentary “Spirit of Shaolin,” he shares his understanding of the ancient martial arts. The Shaolin Monastery, located in Henan Province, is known as the cradle of Chinese martial arts.
In Shaolin kung fu, the focus is placed on pre-arranged sets of movements known as taolu. These sequences simulate combat techniques against an imaginary opponent and help develop strength, balance, internal energy, and skill.
“There are now more than 700 sets in Shaolin boxing, each with its own name, such as ‘Moon Embraced to the Chest’ or ‘White Clouds Above the Peak,’” says Shi. Mastering these taolu requires extensive practice and time.
The master explains that in ancient times, fixed routines did not exist: on the battlefield, individual techniques were used, accumulated, and refined over time. “It’s like learning a language: first a single character, then sentences, and finally the formation of complete taolu,” Shi notes.
The principles of Shaolin emphasize that techniques can be demonstrated even in a confined space. In the monastery, all taolu are carefully documented and preserved in the Pagoda of Sacred Scriptures, along with the holy Buddhist texts.
