Random Free Articles
- What I Gained from Rou Quan Quan Practice
After more than 40 years of practicing Shaolin Rou Quan, I feel both a deep need and a sense of obligation to share my personal point of view, my understandings, and, above all, my own experience with this remarkable art. Shaolin Rou Quan, often misunderstood or undervalued compared to other martial arts, holds profound benefits that go far beyond self-defense. It is a discipline that fosters balance, inner peace, and strength in ways that are…
- Preserving the Essence of Martial Arts
Beyond Victories and Podiums In a world where competitive sports dominate headlines and social media feeds, the true essence of traditional martial arts often gets lost in the clamor for victories and podium finishes. While there's no denying the physical prowess and discipline required in competitive martial arts, it's crucial to understand that traditional martial arts go beyond the pursuit of trophies and medals. Attempting to…
- Traditional Greeting
The Art of Respect Chinese martial arts, deeply rooted in a rich history and philosophy, extend beyond physical prowess and combat techniques. A fundamental aspect of this ancient practice is the etiquette and rituals that accompany it. One such tradition is the traditional salute, a symbolic gesture known as Fist Covering Greeting [Chin.: bàoquánlǐ 抱拳禮], Presentation of Respects [Chin.: gǒngshǒulǐ 拱手禮], or simply Salute…
- Shaolin Rou Quan in Medicine and Health Promotion
For centuries, the Shaolin Temple in China has been celebrated as the birthplace of martial arts, known for its legendary kung fu techniques and the dedication of its monks. While martial arts are primarily associated with self-defense and physical fitness, there is a lesser-known aspect of Shaolin culture that has been gaining recognition in recent years: Shaolin Rou Quan [Chin.: Shàolín Róu Quán 少林 柔拳]. This gentle and graceful…
- The Dual Streams of Wushu
The rich tapestry of Chinese martial arts is woven with threads of tradition, discipline, and a profound understanding of combat. Within this intricate web, two distinct streams have emerged, shaped by the divergent contexts in which they were honed: military martial arts [Chin.: Jūnlǚ wǔshù 軍旅武術] and civilian martial arts [Chin.: Mínjiān wǔshù 民間武術]. Understanding the origins, evolution, and purposes of these two…