Legends of Shaolin

Around AD 520, Tamo (known in India as Bodhiddharma) introduced Zen Buddhism to China and settled at the Shaolin Temple. From lack of discipline, the pupils could not concentrate, fell asleep during meditation and emaciated themselves during fasting. Thus, Tamo instituted a regular program of 18 different exercises and breathing disciplines at the monastery. With frequent attacks by bandits, they also developed a fighting system using the long pole. Thereupon, the legend of "Shaolin Kung Fu" begins.

Some historians believe that kung fu flourished at Shaolin because the temple was a haven for political malcontents, military men, revolutionists and dissidents who were skilled fighters. Within the temple walls, fighting knowledge was exchanged and developed to a high degree.

A young swordsman by the name of Kwok Yuen in the 16th Century is known to have systemized the Shaolin art form into the five animal categories of Tiger, Crane, Leopard, Dragon and Snake. This famous system is known as the "Five Forms Fist" of Shaolin Kung Fu.

(click images to enlarge) Tiger: Symbolizes ferocity and strength. Open hand striking techniques with the fingers clenched in the shape of a claw.

Crane: Evasive techniques, kicking (Crane standing on one leg), arms spread like wings opening, fingers pressed together to form a beak-like weapon.

Leopard: Foreknuckle strikes imitate the animal's paw.

Dragon: Claw techniques, whipping backfists that symbolizes a thrashing tail, scissors stance techniques that imitate the twisting maneuvers of a dragon.

Snake: Fingertips thrusts upon soft vital areas that characterize the serpent's forked tongue.