Roots of Martial Arts: Shaolin & Wudang.

Shaolin.

For many it is only a Legend.

... but I know that it is more than that, that it is in fact the Reality.

In the China, in the Henan province - there's the Temple of Martial Arts from which all of Martial Arts took roots.

It's name is Shaolin, which means: 'Young Forest'.

The Shaolin Temple was founded in 495 CE in the Songshan Mountains.

As the history tells, in past, the monks of Shaolin were in so poor physical shape, that they kept falling asleep during their meditations.

Then, the monk named Bodhidharma (also known as Daruma), came and gave them physical exercises lessons so their bodies could be in-shape.

Over the centuries, these physical exercises evolved into fighting methods, into Martial Arts.

This was only practical, as there banditry was abound.

-=- Bodhidharma. -=-

Bodhidharma, the founder of Chan (Zen) Buddhism, is believed to have lived during the 5th or 6th century CE. While the exact dates of his birth and death are uncertain, traditional accounts place his life around this period. He is thought to have been born in Kanchipuram, Southern India, and is credited with bringing Zen Buddhism to China.

Now considered one of Buddhas, Enlightened Ones, Bodhidharma is famous all over the east, and a little in the west as well.

I was present in one of Zen meditations & lessons, in Zendo (Zendo is like Gompa in Tibetan Buddhism), in the ZBZ 'Bodhidharma' (Zen Buddhists Center: 'Bodhidharma'), near Warsaw, in Poland. I was invited there by a friendly Karateka, when i trained Martial Arts (Karate Kyokushinkai mostly).


Wudang.

The Wudang martial arts tradition is linked to the Wudang Mountains and the figure of Zhang Sanfeng, who is said to have developed his Martial Arts after studying at Shaolin. While the exact date of Wudang's origins is debated, it's generally accepted that Zhang Sanfeng lived in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). Zhang Sanfeng was the Taoist hermit, and many believe invented the Chinese Martial Art Tai Chi. However, other sources point to earlier versions of Tai Chi predating Sanfeng. He is purported to have achieved immortality.


Differences.

Shaolin is known for its emphasis on external, or 'hard' styles, emphasizing strength, speed, and powerful techniques. Wudang, on the other hand, is known for its internal, or 'soft' styles, focusing on balance, harmony, and the cultivation of internal energy (Qi). But this distinction is false to certain extent, as - for example - Shaolin also has a bit of the energy work practices, called the: 'Qi Gong' lessons.

Warrior's Secret Initiation.

---

For many men (including this blog's author), the main motive for training Martial Arts is to be able to protect the loved woman.

I think that sex is main, driving motivation for training combat, for many at least.

Meanings of word: 'Karate' (Empty Hand).

In Japanese, word 'Karate' means: 'Empty Hand'. (Kara means: 'empty', Te means: 'hand').

Not only striking, training and fighting without weapons, there are subtler meanings.

Martial Arts - like Karate - have roots in the Buddhist Shaolin Temple in China (Henan Province), so those who look for meanings, should not ignore Buddhism in their search.

Emptiness in Buddhism means impermanence, not only enemies will pass away - karate itself is of empty nature, will fade with time. Then probably will reappear, as emptiness is impermanent too.

... how it is related with Rebirths & Reincarnations? (Rebirth and Reincarnation are not the same things).

Word: 'te', can be associated with giving hand, the hand that gives lessons.

Word: 'karat' is measure of gold purity, but also 'carat' is measure of weight and value of diamonds.

How many carats has the Diamond Way Karate? (what is it's value)?

... hopefully a lot of carats. :)

The Complete Picture.

For a long time i was so fascinated with Eastern Unarmed Martial Arts that i forgot about West and about Weapons.

But now i think that for a complete picture, one should not ignore Western Martial Arts.

One should not ignore Martial Arts with weapons as well, not only unarmed ones - i think.





... i also think that Unarmed Martial Arts can prepare one for weapons training, and more than that - can be used in these / for example: kicking during swordplay /.


... military affairs and philosophy, such as Sun Tzu's Art of War are also among thoughts of the Martial Arts Philosophy.

Sun Tzu, Sun Pin & Mechanics of Wars.

There are many wars in today's world.

Some things never change.


Wisdoms on wars - on strategy & tactics - can be found in many books.

First treatise - 'Art of War' - was written by Chinese General Sun Tzu, about 2,500 years ago.

One of 'Art of War's' interpretations was done by Sun Pin - another member of the Sun family - in his book: 'Military Methods'.

These books are studied and present in today's wars, some of ideas are still present in today's military training across whole world, including 'U.S. Marine Corps'.

Knowing these wisdoms can also be useful in all aspect of one's life.


This is a short mind-map of the wisdoms of Sun Tzu and Sun Pin, so we can try to understand what's really going on when wars happen, so we know how mass media manipulates us into thinking that 'we are winning', 'god is on our side', 'enemies are fanatical tyrants'.


Sun Tzu's 'Art of War'

1. Preparation for War.
1.1. Meticulous Preparation.
1.2. Analysing Scenarios.
1.3. Taking steps that have chance of success.
1.4. Misleading and Deceiving enemy are the Essence of the War.

2. Art of War.
2.1. Performing.
2.1.1. Prolonged war harms the nation.
2.1.1.1. Resolution of Conflict should be quick.
2.1.2. Motivating people to overcome fear.
2.1.2.1. Punishments and Rewards.
2.2. Defeating enemy without battle.
2.2.1. Suffering minimum of losses.
2.3. Starting war when victory is sure.
2.3.1. Strong defence position, opportunity for attack.
2.3.2. Every opportunity can be used for achieving our goals.
2.4. Attacking in the most appropriate moment.
2.4.1. Proper size of our forces, proper amount of men.
2.5. Combining conventional and nonconventional methods.
2.6. Key to victory is Flexibility.

3. Strategy.
3.1. Reconnaissance and holding advantageous position.
3.1.1. Taking advantage of enemy's gaps.
3.1.2. Strategic Advantage.
3.1.3. Terrain Reconnaissance.
3.1.3.1. Constant development of defenses.
3.1.4. Victory is for those who suprise enemies.
3.2. Using spies.
3.2.1. Knowledge about enemy, about competition.
3.3. Preventional tactical rules.
3.3.1. Don't force enemy 'to the wall', to the desperation.
3.3.2. Don't get caught by apparent, false benefits.

4. Warfare.
4.1. Carrying activities without fear.
4.1.1. Avoiding being carried by emotions.
4.1.2. Sacrificing individuals for benefit of many, for totality, for whole.
4.1.3. Avoiding anger and spite.
4.1.4. Reasonable risk.
4.2. Terrain, Landform.
4.3. Leading on basis of spying, reconaissance and analysis.
4.4. War is affair of great importance.
4.4.1. Start war only after giving it serious thinking backed by analysis.
4.5. Flexibility and acting quickly.
4.6. Flaming, attack.
4.6.1. Confusion and destruction.
4.6.2. Rumours and insinuations.

5. Military Methods.
5.1. 'Fluent in carrying warfare will conquer those who are easy to be conquered'.
5.2. Uses among competition and rivalry.
5.3. Rigtheousness is motivating factor.
5.3.1. Helps in everyday struggles.
5.4. Building defenses using only available resources.
5.5. Preparing for sudden, suprise attack.

6. People.
6.1. The most important factor.
6.2. Winning loyalty by uniting views and opinions.
6.3. Officers of lower rank.
6.3.1. Respect and backing by ordinary soldiers, by privates.
6.3.2. Trust of superiors.
6.4. Focus on loyalty.

7. Leaders.
7.1. Fighting only when victory is sure.
7.2. No pressures from outside.
7.3. Waiting for events to unfold.
7.4. Taking advantage of external factors and terrain.
7.5. Avoiding terrain that is difficult to pass through.
7.5.1. People who are stuck are easy targets.
7.6. Managing an Army.
7.6.1. All of leader's inclinations are immediately affecting people.
7.6.2. All of faults and emotions affect the team.
7.7. Leader has to:
7.7.1. Keep the inner balance.
7.7.2. Define organizational tasks.
7.7.3. Assign appropriate resources into project's realization.

8. Motivating.
8.1. Disciplining people.
8.2. Punishments and rewards.
8.2.1. 'More than enemy, he fears his leader'.
8.3. Preparing mindset for victory.
8.3.1. Awareness of renunciations and seriousness of the situation.
8.3.2. Avoiding fears and doubts.
8.3.3. Inclination for sacrifices.
8.4. Friendly relations between soldiers.

9. Competition.
9.1. Strong enemy.
9.1.1. Dividing enemy forces.
9.1.2. Keeping enemy ignorant, unaware.
9.1.3. Forcing enemy to fight on large front.
9.2. Masterfully leading and controlling of the army.
9.3. Physical and moral weakening of enemy.

10. Carrying Activities.
10.1. Precisely set moment for starting activities.
10.2. 'Be like water'
10.2.1. Hardness and Softness.
10.2.2. Submission with Decisiveness.
10.3. Freedom of commander's activities from ruler.
10.4. Basic mistakes in leadership:
10.4.1. Smart leader instantly takes advantage of these.
10.4.2. Have fundamential importance.
10.4.3. Inevitably condemn for loss.

11. Measure forces by intentions.
11.1. Ten times stronger - surround enemy.
11.2. Five times stronger - attack.
11.3. Twice as strong - divide your troops.
11.4. Equal armies - battle.
11.5. Lesser forces - outsmart enemy.
11.6. Significiantly lesser forces - avoid.

Who's worthy of Good Training?

Years ago i've read that without compassion and good will one won't go far in Martial Arts.

... i sympathized with this idea, but could not find reason, didn't understand why.


Then, years later, a thought came to my mind.

When student doestn't care for Respect, for Philosophy, for Compassion, for Culture, for History, for important Names and Traditions ... is he/she worthy of good training?

Probably not.


That's one of many reasons, that's why aspiring martial artist should:
- one should follow traditions and customs of School(s) in which one practices,
  - traditions/customs may or may not include:
    - one should meditate at beginning of training,
    - one should bow when one enters Dojo,
    - one should learn and use Japanese (well, in case of non-japanese martial arts, one
      should choose other, appropriate language) words that are used in training and combat,
    - perhaps more,
  - different Schools may have different traditions/customs,
- one should not get late to training,
- one should study Culture, Names, Philosophy, History, Traditions of Martial Arts,
- one should be nice and gentle, help others instead of releasing anger in fight,
- one should be compassionate to other students and teachers,
- one should be respectful.

These practices are a signs of one's etiquette and respect.

Certain Martial Arts Schools do not train at all people without etiquette. 'Please go out'.

Certain Martial Arts Schools have secret lessons reserved for the best student(s) as well.

Martial Arts & Guru Yoga.

One of the goals of Martial Arts is to be better person than a day before training.

Since a short while, i've trained Shaolin Warrior Qi Gong, vol. 1.

Part of this practice is focus, to breathe ... taking in what's nice with inhale, and exhaling bad things.

... i have imagined taking in what's best of the Teacher, the person who trained on a Shaolin Warrior Qi Gong DVD film.

... then i've noticed similarities between Him and Buddha Karmapa 17th Trinley Thaye Dorje - Qi Gong Teacher is young, has oriental looks, has short hair.

... then i imagined that i'm receiving lessons from Buddha through him, that blessings flow from Buddha's Heart to my Heart with inhales.

... then i imagined that i'm exhaling what's worst in certain Martial Art Master(s), getting rid of them.

... i understood that this practice is a form of Guru Yoga, practice that allows a student to develop Teacher's Precious Qualities.

... at first it's in heart, in mind ... later also in speech and in body.

... in my Mind, being nice, compassionate, polite and good person is more important than ability to beat someone efficiently.