Greek Shaolin Cultural Organization
少林希腊文化組织

The Greek Shaolin Cultural Organization, always aiming to improve the quality of life and everyday life of the modern man and with particular interest in the vulnerable groups, has taken a unique initiative for Greece, perhaps globally, by presenting Shaolin soft arts at the Greek Down syndrome Association, that is based in Thessaloniki.

At the initiative of the EPOS Director, Master Stavridis Iordanis and in direct consultation with the specialist in the Department of Physical Education, teacher Evangelos Manthos, a presentation and interactive experiential seminar on Shaolin soft arts, such as Rou Quan and Qi Gong, was held on Thursday 16 November 2017 at 18:00 at the headquarters of the Association. The presentation was made by the Director of Northern Greece, Mr. Vassilopoulos Ioannis, from the Thessaloniki Cultural Center "True Path", accompanied by the demonstration team of the Center.

The group received a warm welcome from the Board of Directors, parents and members of the Down syndrome Association.

Initially, a brief historical review of Shaolin soft arts was presented. It was explained that Shaolin Rou Quan [chin.: Shàolín róu quán 少林 柔拳­] or "Soft Fist" and Shaolin Qi Gong [chin.: Shàolín qìgōng 少林气功] consist of mild, soft successive movements combined with diaphragmatic breathing, which aim to develop steadily the natural and vital energy reserves available to the human body by offering a holistic (mental, physical) empowerment to the practitioner. They are an integral part of the 1500 years of Shaolin Temple Culture, which UNESCO recognized on 1 August 2010 as a Cultural Monument of Humanity and classified it as a World Heritage Site. The art of Shaolin Rou Quan is the ancestral form known to the general public as Tai Chi Chuan or more correctly Tai Ji Quan [chin.: tàijíquán 太极拳]. Shaolin Rou Quan and Qi Gong proposed, are in their prime form, something that is not the case with Tai Chi, which has been remarkably altered by the Chinese Sports Committee since 1956.

The union's students then showed armed and unarmed Shaolin skills, culminating in the impatience of all attendees.

It was briefly explained how these exercises affect not only the trainee's daily routine but also its narrower environment.

Then there was an experiential seminar of Qi Gong and Shaolin Rou Chuan, encouraging all attendees to participate, parents, children, members of whatever age, body type, thus demonstrating in practice the versatility of Shaolin arts to every trainee.

Carers, parents, children, smiles ... all became one in a state of loyalty beyond the Ego. The atmosphere was so peaceful and culminated with seated meditation by all attendees.

Physical education trainers thanked the group and offered gifts to the club.

At the end of the presentation, Ms. Manzos, a Physical Education educator, said: "It is remarkable the attention and calmness with which children were watching, the simple yet demanding but otherwise program. The time went very fast. The joy was really painted not only on the faces of the children but also on their carers. We are very pleased that this initiative has been so successful. We would like to repeat similar actions in the club. We kindly thank the Greek Shaolin Cultural Organization. "

"What else could Shaolin arts aim to, than to offer to the fellow man? This message and the essence of Shaolin arts, which unfortunately nowadays tend to be lost, passes through the actions of EPOS. The Greek Shaolin Cultural Organization will always be a helper, and it is its duty to contribute to sensitive social groups. We are always at the disposal of the Greek Down Association, its members and their families and we thank them for their trust, "said EPOS Director, Mr. Stavridis Iordanis.