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Shaolin
Shaolin kungfu originated in the Shaolin Temple on Mt. Songshan at Dengfeng in Henan Province. This temple was originally built for the Indian Buddhist monk Ba Tuo by Emperor Wen Di of the Liu Song period in 495. Later in 527, it became highly significant with the arrival of the Indian monk Bodhidharma (a.k.a. Ta Mo) who meditated in a cave on Wu Ru peak behind the temple for nine straight years. Following this meditation, Ta Mo conceived of Shaolin kungfu and Chan Buddhism, which would later be renamed Zen when it spread to Japan. Further legends even attribute the creation of tea to Ta Mo, which allegedly sprang from his discarded eyelids, cut off in disgust when he accidently fell asleep. Tamo created kungfu in order to strengthen the bodies of the monks for prolonged meditation. His initial contribution consisted of two forms of qigong and one fighting form, yijinjing (muscle tendon change) xisuijing (marrow washing) and lohan shibashou (18 hand methods of the lohan). Accordingly, Shaolin kungfu encompasses both internal and external methods. It also has a vast array of weapons. Shaolin is considered to be the birthplace of kungfu and many non-Chinese styles trace their roots to it as well. While fighting styles have existed for much longer, it is Ta Mo's contribution that is cited as the first true martial art. He elevated combat skills to be much more profound than just fighting. Following Ta Mo, kungfu became a vehicle for spiritual transformation. Over its long history, Shaolin Temple has created and influenced many martial arts. It became a research academy and martial resource, where traditional methods were cultivated and new concepts were constantly infused, and remains so to this day. The nature of Chan Buddhism permits Shaolin kungfu to constantly evolve to meet the needs of the times. Its ability to stay in the moment has been the source of its tremendous longevity. In essence, all styles aspire to Shaolin spirit, to find peace and self-actualization through the disciplines of war.