Can't wait!

 

You all know that there are monks from Northern Shaolin who travel the world to present arguably the best martial arts demonstration in the world.

I am not exaggerating. Sure- Wudang has Pushing Hands and the movies tell us they walk on water etc, but what have they actually demonstrated thus far?

We have even seen tile breaking and Iron Shirt demonstrations from Karate and related arts.




Shaolin, however, has demontrated amazing feats of strength and resilience off the silver screen.

These amazing skills include:

- One Finger Zen: Having so much strength in the index finger that it can support the whole body;

- Iron Shirt: Being able to withstand percussive blows, but wait- there is more!

- Golden Bell Cover: BEING IMPERVIOUS TO SHARP OBJECTS!




The saying goes: "Every martial art under the sun comes from Shaolin".

To some of us this will not hold true. I know that the custodians of the Rajput traditions in India will be quick to shake their heads.

I also often tell people that fighting itself existed long before the Shaolin Temple started practicing martial arts.



What has not always been around before Shaolin, though, was spiritual practice through combat training.

The techniques and exercises used by the Shaolin Monks are due to the sage Da Mo's efforts to strike a balance between the long hours of meditation and prayer they spend with physical training. The fighting skills and abilities are the fruits of dilligent cultivation of an unassailable body, mind and spirit.

The show is going to be at Montecasino in Johannesburg this next Saturday.

I don't know whether I'll be able to snap a photo or maybe take a video, but I shall certainly tell you all how it was when I am back. :)

Have a great week, everyone!