The Shaolin Temple and Martial Arts During Communism
Martial arts in China at the Shaolin Temple were surpressed during early Communist rule, shortly after World War II, when the practice of religion was forbidden. In the 1949, the leader, Mao Tse-tsung, also banned the practice of martial arts and humiliated practitioners (who were mainly Buddhist monks). This was to prevent another rebellion from occurring, that could be strong enough to overthrow the government. Combined with an invasion and ransack by the Japanese during the war, needless to say, the popularity of Chinese martial arts and the Shaolin temple suffered for many years. Most martial arts practitioners trained secretly during Communism.
The Origins of Wushu
The Communist government viewed Chinese martial arts more favourably later on, when it allowed the practice of a “compromised” martial art. Called Wushu, it encompasses techniques and movements from varieties of martial arts across the country, into a single style fit for self defence, exercise, meditation, and most importantly, competition. Stylized competition is so important that Wushu can also be considered a sport, and will be included at the Olympics in Beijing as an exhibition sport. In contemporary times, Wushu refers to this style of martial art, and should not be confused with any type of martial art that exists in China. It can also be called Modern Wushu or Contemporary Wushu.
It was only in 1981 when martial arts and the Shaolin temple were revived, after Deng Xiaoping legalized the practice of Buddhism and allowed monks to practice once again. Outside of religion, the martial arts were recognized in popular culture in the movie, Shaolin Temple, starring Jet Li.