What is Shaolin Kungfu?

Shaolin Kungfu is the style of kungfu (or martial art) originally developed in the Shaolin Monastery in China. It has a history of about 1500 years and has since derived into various schools such as Lohan, Praying Mantis, Chaquan, Hoong Ka, Wing Choon, Choy-Li-Fatt and many others.

What benefits can one get from practising Shaolin Kungfu?

There are many benefits, and they may be generalized into five categories: self-defence, health, vitality, mind expansion and spiritual development.

In what ways can practising Shaolin Kungfu lead to mind expansion and spiritual development?

Mind expansion and spiritual cultivation were actually the original aim of Bodhidharma when he first taught the Eighteen Lohan Hands and the Sinew Metamorphosis at the Shaolin Monastery. Later these two sets of exercises developed into Shaolin Kungfu and Shaolin Chi Kung. Practising Shaolin Kungfu can lead to mind expansion and spiritual development because the training of mind and spirit is an integral part of its practice. This is attained through meditation or Zen. When you practise genuine Shaolin Kungfu, you also practise chi kung and Zen. In Chinese culture, "mind" and "spirit" are similar, although there may be differences in emphasis and connotation.

Is Bodhidharma the founder of Shaolin Kungfu and Shaolin Chi Kung?

No, but Shaolin disciples gratefully honoured him as the First Patriarch because it was through his initiative in teaching the Eighteen Lohan Hands and the Sinew Metamorphosis that Shaolin Kungfu and Shaolin Chi Kung developed. Before him there was no kungfu or chi kung training at the Shaolin Monastery. But kungfu and chi kung were already highly developed in China. Generals of the Zhou and Han Dynasties, and Taoist masters before the arrival of Bodhidharma in China in 527 BCE were respectively great kungfu and chi kung masters. There was no founder for Shaolin Kungfu -- in the sense that Wang Lang was the founder of Shaolin Praying Mantis Kungfu, and Yim Wing Choon the founder of Wing Choon Kungfu; the very rich and extensive Shaolin kungfu and chi kung repertoire was the collective contribution of many, many masters through the ages. Bodhidharma the great is also the First Patriarch of Zen Buddhism.

Is Shaolin Kungfu religious?

No, Shaolin Kungfu is non-religious. Throughout history, Shaolin masters have come from various religious background, including Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian, Christian and Muslim. There also have been masters who have claimed to profess no religion.

What advice would you give so that I can get the most from my Shaolin kungfu training?

The following five-step approach is very helpful for those who wish to get the most from their training:

Have a sound understanding of the scope and depth of Shaolin Kungfu.
Define your aims and objectives for your training.
Seek a good master or at least a competent instructor.
Practise consistently and conscientiously.
Regularly assess your progress, or otherwise, against your set aims and objectives.