MYTH VS. HISTORY

The Shaolin-Temple

In the center of China, on the "Yellow River", is the cradle of Chinese culture. Even today the wealth of finds from prehistoric and imperial periods is overwhelming. It was around 500 AD at the foot of the Songshan Mountains when the Shaolin Monastery was founded.

According to legend, the Indian monk Bodhidharma, who introduced Chan (Zen) Buddhism in China, meditated there for many years and taught the monks the "Eighteen Lo-Han exercises" to promote their physical and mental strength.

However, the origin of Chinese martial arts has not yet been clearly proven. What is certain, however, is that martial arts have accompanied Chinese culture for a very long time. Because "Wushu" in the original sense means "the art of war" and thus, in a broader sense, also actual fighting methods. Evidence suggests that generals and mercenaries retired long before Bodhidharma’s arrival at Shaolin Monastery. It is therefore not surprising that the proven fighting methods of the generals were used to protect the monastery in turbulent times.

KNOWLEDGE OF THE BODY

From Kungfu to Wushu

A wide system of martial arts developed from health exercises and ancient fighting methods of Chinese and Indian origin. Many styles developed, partly regional, partly familial, over several hundred years.

The tradition of the Wu family is shaped by the southern Shaolin styles. The training of Sifu Wu Mei Ling in Guangzhou added elements of the more modern Wushu. The exchange between traditional kung fu and modern wushu created a particularly expressive movement and martial art. We want to lead the academy with its arts into the future and this includes preserving tradition. At the same time, traditional martial arts form the basis for translating practical applications into a modern context.