Shaolinquan (Shaolin Quan) is also know as Shaolin Kung Fu or Shaolin Wushu. It is one of the oldest, largest, and most famous styles of wushu or kung fu. The difference between it and wushu is in how Shaolinquan generates power, uses Qi energy, and/or responds to an attack. Shaolin style comes from the Shaolin Temple in Henan Province of North China, and is considered an external or “hard style” of Chinese martial art. After the 1982 film Shaolin Temple, staring Jet Li, the Temple became famous. There are now many martial arts schools, one with over 25,000 teachers and students.
Legend states that around 500 CE, Bodhidharma (a patriarch of Zen Buddhism from India) came to the Shaolin temple and saw that the monks present were too weak to meditate for a length of time and would fall asleep during his teachings. He proceeded to teach them breathing and internal energizing techniques which became the foundation of Shaolinquan. He also taught them a martial art based on 5 animals: Shaolin Five Animal Style, as well as the art of combat using different weapons, including the staff.
A slightly different legend names DaMo (a Buddhist priest from India) as one who taught the monks marrow washing and muscle change. According to this legend, he taught them Buddhism and a fighting system which became the legendary Shaolin martial arts system from 600 A.D. to 1600 A.D.
Shaolin style focuses on the outside of the body,while strengthening the muscles, skin, and bones. Some practitioners strike their own body to train to be able to withstand strong incoming strikes. A major aim is also building speed. Movements are in a linear, tense and defined manner. This form uses force again force. However, it is also said to cultivate and support a person’s journey towards self awakening, enlightenment, and a peaceful mindset.
The basic goals of the Shaolin style are building stamina, flexibility and balance. There also use power skills of Qigong meditation (either static or dynamic) methods, as well as some soft and hard Qigong. Last, but certainly not least, are combat skills including barehanded, weapon, or both. Forms are both small and/or large. One has to consider that there are more than a hundred different styles. Perhaps even a thousand.
So how does all this relate to Tai Chi Chuan (usually know as Tai Chi) you may be asking. First, Zhang Sanfeng (creator of Tai Chi) was a Shaolinquan master of the highest level, who made “improvements” to Shaolinquan. The martial art system that Zhang had created was superior to what he had learned because he integrated the forms, Qigong, and meditation into one form. Because of this integration, he is honored as the “First Patriarch of Internal Arts”. Zhang’s form was first considered Shaolinquan, then Wudang Shaolinquan, and much later when the yin-yang principles from were added: Tai Chi Chuan (Taijiquan").
The aims of Tai Chi and Shaolin are very similar, however, their philosophies and practice are quite different. Both are martial arts for people of all ages! Tai Chi training makes a person stable, whereas, Shaolin training makes one agile. Both involve training the body, mind and energy. The difference is that Tai Chi training is graceful while Shaolin training is forceful. Taoist (Tai Chi) philosophy is nature oriented with goals of longevity and immortality. Zen Buddhist (Shaolin) philosophy deals with compassion and wisdom.
Tai Chi is done slowly and in a graceful manner, while Shaolin Kungfu is done in a manner that is fast and powerful. If in fact, Shaolin Kungfu was done slowly, it may look much like Tai Chi and vice versa. Tai Chi is movements are slow, flowing and continuous like a stream of water. Movements flow with their oppponent’s movements instead of against them. Whereas, Shaolin is movements are simple and direct but effective. Shaolin practitioners avoid hurting their opponents in combat.
True Masters of Tai Chi or Shaolin only practice the art they have chosen. Teachers may teach both, but true Masters do not. There will always be a debate as to which is superior to the other, but no definitive answer!
Your choice of style may depend on your aims, philosophies, and/or personal preference. As well, location of a qualified instructor may affect your decision. No matter which you choose, your mind, body, and energy will certainly take a turn for the better!
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