The Shaolin Temple
The Buddhist monastery, the Shaolin Temple, is credited as being the birthplace for major styles of martial arts in China. Shaolin is located in Henan province, located in the centre of the eastern part of China. Henan province is recognized for many other major contributions to Chinese culture and tradition.
The Shaolin Temple is only one of several thousand temples constructed in 495AD under the reign of the Emperor Wei Xian Wen, and it was an indication of the growing importance of Buddhism in the country. It is believed that the construction of Shaolin was due to the Buddhist monk, Batuo, who profoundly influenced the emperor. Later, in the Sui Dyansty (580-618 AD), the religion and the existence of the temple became even more important when both Taoism and Buddhism were endorsed by the government.
Martial Arts at the Shaolin Temple
The Shaolin monastery was a centre for martial arts back in the Sui Dynasty, when it was promoted by the ruler at the time. Monks residing at the Shaolin temple practiced Chan Buddhism, combining martial arts in their daily activities as a form of exercise and meditation for the release of the life force, chi (qi). It may have also been part of training for more practical reasons: to defend the temple from enemies and intruders. Their training was rigorous and physically demanding.
Several styles of martial arts are believed to have originated at the Shaolin Temple. These styles, known as the southern Chinese martial arts, include Choy Lee Fut, Wing Chun, Do Pi, Hung Gar, and White Crane. Some may have been developed from combining techniques and movements that were from other parts of the country.