From the flowing robes of Shaolin monks to today’s modern kung fu school attire, uniforms have always been more than clothing. They embody tradition, discipline, and practicality—linking generations of martial artists through shared heritage and purpose.
Why do martial artists say “train in the coldest days of winter and the hottest days of summer”? In this article, we explore why summer provides the perfect conditions to develop flexibility. From Shaolin training wisdom to modern sports science, discover how heat boosts agility, protects tendons, and unlocks your body’s full range of motion.
What makes airbending so graceful and spiritual? This deep dive uncovers the real martial arts, monks, and philosophies behind Avatar: The Last Airbender's Air Nomads — from Baguazhang to Buddhism, Shaolin Temple to Daoist sages.
China’s temples have stood at the crossroads of faith, history, and culture for over 2,000 years. This article explores their rise, destruction, and revival—from imperial-era shrines and Daoist mountainside sanctuaries to living Buddhist monasteries and folk temples still in use today. Discover how religion, politics, and heritage shaped the temple landscape we see across China today.
In Part 2 of our article series featured in Martial Arts Magazine Australia, we explore the five foundational categories of Shaolin training—neigong, waigong, yingong, qinggong, and qigong—and how they integrate into a holistic system that develops not only martial skill but energy control, physical resilience, and mental clarity. With insights from Master Shi Xing Jian and the Maling Academy, this section reveals the inner architecture of true Shaolin Kung Fu.
In Part 1 of our new series featured in Martial Arts Magazine Australia, we explore how the Shaolin Temple became a haven for martial artists across China—preserving, evolving, and synthesizing styles into what is now known as Shaolin Kung Fu. Discover why it’s said that “All martial arts under heaven come from Shaolin.
Grandmaster Shi De Qian’s Shaolin Quan Pu is a treasure trove of Shaolin martial arts wisdom. This eight-volume series details hand forms, weapons, qigong, and more, preserving centuries-old techniques. Explore the history, philosophy, and legacy of Shaolin Kung Fu in this in-depth guide.
Discover the legendary Shaolin Winter Trials, a rigorous tradition testing monks' resilience, harmony with nature, and mastery of mind and body amidst the harshest winter conditions. This article delves into the history, philosophy, and transformative power of these iconic cold-weather practices.
How did the rise of New China affect Shaolin kung fu? Despite common misconceptions, the Communist government supported wushu as a cultural asset, helping traditional and modern martial arts thrive. This article dives into the factors shaping Shaolin kung fu's evolution, from political and economic influences to the impact of the Cultural Revolution, revealing how Shaolin endured and grew into a global phenomenon. -As published in Martial Arts Magazine Australia, Issue 6
The global fascination with kung fu has led to an abundance of information—often riddled with myths and misconceptions—about the art form, its origins, and its place in the modern world. Online platforms like Reddit, Quora, Facebook, and Instagram teem with debates about the authenticity of modern kung fu, the impact of China’s political history on traditional practices, and what truly defines "real" martial arts. -As published in Martial Arts Magazine Australia, Issue 6