I’ve always been interested in the pursuit of a martial arts. With over 1,500 Chinese martial art styles alone I was confident there was a style that would fit my requirements. I’ve been considering a martial art that integrates with my spiritual path by touching upon the Tao and Chi whilst at the same time enhancing my physical skills, attributes, dexterity, alertness and discipline – something that offers more than fighting. In fact, the fighting aspect doesn’t interest me. Inflicting violence on another regardless of the situation is not my idea of fun and something that I’ve never had to partake in – it’s far more important to avoid or resolve conflict than it is to strike.
The idea of participating in a martial arts, for me, is a form of self-discipline and self discovery, mental as well as physical, spiritual as well as earthly. As Shaolin.com points out,
“To be adept, one must follow the Tao, the way, the essence of the philosophy and life of the originators of the arts. One cannot pay to learn this art; it is only acquired by the desire to learn, the will to discipline one’s self, and devotion to practice.”
This pursuit I know will help me become more in tuned with my body. My new discovery can be integrated into my dance movements – a hobby that I passionately enjoy and after all, the creative side of martial arts is an expression of ones form. It’s also noted that music and martial arts go hand in hand. A quote from the Hero movie,
“Martial arts and music share the same principals – both wrestle with complex chords and rare melodies”
So… I’ve decided upon Shaolin Gong Fu; a subset of Kung Fu and whilst Kung Fu is not a martial art so to speak;
“it encompasses the most effects and devastating methods of self preservation know to man” (shaolin.com)
In April I’m going to Gong Fu, beginning with preparation classes; starting with basic techniques like kicks , punches, blocks and stances to ‘Full High Systems’ including Dragon, praying mantis and Wing Chun; it’s going to be a long road, it’s going to be a hard road, it’s going to require perseverance and dedication, appropriately a direct translation of Kung Fu is ‘Hard work / Effort’. I will train, I will persist, I will become the best that I can.
“Great benefits are available to serious students of Shaolin Gong Fu and Chan Buddhism. If you want to gain these and learn genuine Gong Fu do not be scared of hard training, do not be sluggish or lazy. Through willpower and perseverance comes success.” (Shifu Shi Yanzi) (a.)
a. Shifu Shi Yanzi is a 34th Generation Master of Shaolin Gong Fu from the Songshan Shaolin Temple in China where he spent 15 years studying under his Master Shi Yong Xin, the Abbot of the Temple. As a monk of the Shaolin Temple, Shifu Shi Yanzi learned and mastered the highest levels of Shaolin Gong Fu and excelled in Shaolin Sanshou and Steel Jacket. He is 6 times Chinese national Shaolin Sanshou Champion and twice International Shaolin Gong Fu. Shifu Shi Yanzi is the only official emissary to the UK from the Shaolin Temple in China.
