Shaolin monks, the guardians of the "vehicle to zen," are the subject of talented and determined photographer Justin Guariglia's new book, Shaolin: Temple of Zen. Having once made the two-day trip from Beijing to the birthplace of Zen Buddhism, the Shaolin Temples of central China, where Guariglia shot the series, I know these images were not easy to get. Walking the grounds as a visitor and watching demonstrations, it was understandable and very apparent that I was not experiencing anything close to authentic. Guariglia, on the other hand, befriended and gained the trust of temple inhabitants over numerous visits. As a result, for the first time in the secret society's fifteen hundred year-old history, the monograph documents the Buddhist monks dedication to preserving Kung fu.
Shaolin monks not to attend Olympic kung fu competition (from China View) BEIJING (Xinhua) -- Despite the announcement that Wushu, known in the West as kung fu, would be showcased alongside the Beijing Olympics, Shaolin Temple, China's most renowned home of martial arts, has said its monks will not be taking part. Shaolin Temple itself would not send people to take part in the2008 Beijing Olympic Wushu competition; Orient Today quoted Qian Daliang, general manager of the Henan Shaolin Temple Development Co. Ltd, as saying.
"Chinese wushu belong to competitive sports, whereas Shaolin wushu belongs to traditional martial arts. The two have different natures, standards and connotations," said Qian. "Performance in Chinese martial arts can be quantified but Shaolin wushu can not be measured in that way as it contains Buddhist elements and showcases a harmonious combination of Buddhism and kung fu. In ancient times, people practiced Shaolin wushu to resist outsiders, not for competitive purposes. Shaolin Wushu, as a cultural heritage, cannot be equal to competitive sports. They are two completely different concepts. They are all monks at Shaolin Temple, we cannot send them to take part in competitions."
Chinese Olympic Committee Vice-Chairman Zhang Faqiang confirmed earlier this week that wushu will be featured at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Zhang was quoted as saying that it will neither be a medal sport nor a mere demonstration. Qian said the Shaolin Temple would support the event "in a cultural and spiritual way" and they would definitely send martial art monks to the opening ceremony of the Olympics if they receive an invitation. The 1,500-year-old Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng City, in central China's Henan Province, is also China's most renowned home of Zen Buddhism.
Shi Yan Lu, Born in 1970, a 34th Generation Shaolin Monk (from Articlesbase) Lin Qing Hua, his real name, was born on January 1st, 1970 in Tan Cheng, in the province of Shan Dong. He is a member of a well-known family in martial arts. He began to practice with his father when he was a child. Like many others, the movie Shao Lin Si (Shaolin Temple) impressed him a lot. His father decided to take him to the Shaolin Temple to learn a few techniques of Shaolin Gong Fu but destiny of young Qing Hua was also devoted to Buddhism.
At fifteen, his love for martial arts became a passion for Shaolin and he was accepted at the Monastery as a disciple. He studied Buddhism and martial art techniques of Shaolin Gong Fu during three years and became officially disciple of Master Shi Yong Xin. In 1988, he became officially monk and received the name of Shi Yan Lu. Besides Buddhism, he is specialized, amongst others, in Wu Xing Quan, Da Hong Quan, Chun Qiu Dao and Tie Bu Shan (iron shirt in QiGong). He also participated in the writing of secret books of Shaolin.
LOS ANGELES - Tai chi is already known as a good low-impact exercise for older people. Now a recent study suggests it offers benefits beyond improving fitness and balance: It may help prevent shingles, a painful skin condition.
Researchers found older people who performed the slow, graceful movements of tai chi had a better immune response against the virus that causes shingles than those who only got health education, according to the most rigorous test to date.
Martial arts tournament draws hundreds of competitors (from The Brownsville Herald) SAN BENITO — Children and teens wearing traditional martial arts uniforms sat patiently on the Veterans Memorial Academy gym floor as parents and spectators watched competitors intently from the bleachers.
The Bei Shaolin Open Invitational began Saturday at 9 a.m. as martial artists demonstrated their skills with various weapons, said Scott Kimak, owner of Bei Shaolin Kung Fu and promoter of the event.
There were approximately 210 competitors and more than 500 spectators at the fourth annual tournament that is open to all styles of martial arts, Kimak said.
The participants competed in forms, which are a sequence of movements put together to demonstrate their abilities, weapons forms, a category in which competitors demonstrate their knowledge of use of weapons, and sparring, Kimak said. Primary Schoolkids Learn Shaolin-style Martial Arts (from China.org.cn)
Shaolin-style kungfu and dancing have replaced traditional morning exercises for the new term at many primary schools in Zhengzhou, capital of Henan Province, according to the report by the Henan Commercial News.
On October 30th, Milan Records will release the highly-anticipated SHAOLIN LEGEND stage show on DVD, a thrilling live event recorded on February 8th, 2006. An energetic demonstration of ancient kung fu techniques, you say? Color me vividly interested.
New Kung Fu Master TV Show Adaptation Gets a New Director (from IGN.com) Max Makowski (One Last Dance) has been hired by Legendary Pictures to direct the studio's forthcoming movie version of the '70s TV show Kung Fu. According to Variety, Makowski is planning an edgy take on the series, which revolved around a Shaolin monk (David Carradine) forced to flee to the Wild West. The project had been setup with the Hughes brothers at the helm, but the pair are now preoccupied with The Book of Eli, which Warner Bros. is trying to push through production before the possible industry strike. Kung Fu's most recent draft was written by Cory Goodman (Priest) who brushed up a screenplay by Howard Friedlander, who wrote for the original series, and show creator Ed Spielman. The script will likely see another draft before it goes before cameras. The film will reportedly be shot in China. Makowski is also attached to write and direct the similarly-themed Shinobi, based at Universal.
