| The first time I saw Shaolin Kung fu techniques was | | | | Each one of these has a purpose behind it attached |
| while watching a martial arts movie. I loved the style | | | | to the meanings of the animals, not to mention that |
| of martial arts so much, that I watched the second | | | | the types of Shaolin have really cool names like 'Jiao |
| movie and fell totally in love. There was something so | | | | long nu kong', which means the /coiling dragon growls |
| riveting about watching the punches, kicks and jumps. | | | | in wrath', or 'Qian jintui' the 'leg weighing one |
| Even though it was Hong Kong Hollywood, it looked | | | | thousand jins'. compare that to boxing. Jab. Cross. |
| so much more real than most martial arts you see. | | | | How dull! |
| I've watched a lot of martial arts movies in my day. | | | | You can't help but admire the training and dedication, |
| In fact, they're actually my favorite type of movie. | | | | the grace, and fluidity of movement that |
| Recently I saw Jet Li in Fearless. Though his style in | | | | accompanies this martial art. Out of all of the ones |
| that movie was wing chun. | | | | I've read, seen or done research on, I keep coming |
| Why is kung fu my favorite form of martial art? | | | | back to this one. Warrior monks even won battles |
| Probably because of the exotic origin. It's a style | | | | and were honored using these techniques. It boggles |
| practiced by monks. You wouldn't think monks would | | | | my mind when I think of it. Weapon use, boxing, |
| know a fighting style, especially when they stand for | | | | spins, kicks - all of it at lightening fast speeds and |
| peace and nonviolence but they do practice it every | | | | almost inhuman precision. I find myself sitting on the |
| day, for the entirety of their lives. It's like their way | | | | edge of my seat waiting eagerly for the next bad |
| of finding enlightenment and it's a viable combat art. | | | | guy to come along or the next move in the |
| Most kung fu you see in movies or during shows, or | | | | exhibition. |
| exhibitions are stylized sport martial arts. But not the | | | | It's amazing how they can do all those moves - flying |
| shaolin. There are historical references of it being | | | | through various forms, blocks, kicks, jumps, punches |
| used in defensive battle as far back as 728 B.C. | | | | - and then stop give their bow and not even be |
| Normally, when you see a martial artist, it's usually big | | | | breathing hard. They don't just use any weapon, |
| muscles, lots of noise, a show, right? Not this one. | | | | either. A popular one is the long spear. I've held one |
| This art trains practitioners with the purpose of | | | | before. They aren't light and they're long. To use one |
| nature. I'm sure you've heard references to it in the | | | | takes a lot of skill, and they make it seem so easy. |
| movies, where someone engaged in kung fu took a | | | | It doesn't matter what form or practice of Shaolin |
| tiger stance or that of the crane. | | | | Kung fu techniques are being used, I love it! |