Greek Shaolin Cultural Organization
少林希腊文化組织

It was in the beautiful and evergreen slope of Chortiatis mountain, that the Greek Shaolin Cultural Organization was invited to present Rou Quan [Chin: Shàolín róu quán 少林 柔拳]. Mr Giorgos Bairaktaris the director of Chortiatis Refuge, welcomed master Shi Miao Yuan [Chin.: shìmiàoyuán 释妙原] – Vassilopoulos Ioannis who is an officially recognized martial arts master of EPOS.

The attendees were appropriately prepared for the presentation as some of them had to walk a set natural trail in order to reach the establishment of the refuge. As such, they managed to let go and further enjoy their practice.

Upon arrival the participants enjoyed the great scenery and natural delicacies that the cherry trees in particular had to offer.

Just before setting off a briefing was made about the principles and the culture of Shaolin, via its martial virtues (shaolin wu de), and the five skills (shaolin wu gong) that gradually emerge in every practitioner of Rou Quan regardless body type and age.

Among them there were yoga instructors, but also on the other side, members of civil protection and members of the club of reserve armed forces who took the challenge to give it a go. They were all surprised on how quickly and easily one can develop body conditioning and a calm state of mind. They tried several several kinds of Shaolin Qi Gong , traditional shaolin drills, and eventually they familiarised themselves with Shaolin Rou Quan, which constitutes the predecessor and traditional form of Tai Ji Quan.

As if that weren’t enough, the director of the Refuge Mr Bairaktaris granted the request to kindly share piece of his vast knowledge as a member of the Red Cross. Hence, a brief surprise first aid seminar run after the practice for all attendees.

Mr Bairaktaris and all participants were equally overwhelmed by the richness of the programme. He thanked too master Miao Yuan and asked to repeat the presentation in the near future.

The end of the session was followed by discussing on how important it is to apply the shaolin arts into our daily life and how the latter can be a great aid, to let go, and to get rid of wrong views, which poison the mind and inner state. There was plenty of time and willingness on behalf of the attendess to get to know the origins of Shaolin Rou Quan. It was pointed out that the Greek Shaolin Cultural Organization goes to great lengths at preserving the 1500 years of shaolin tradition in Greece.