nonpuritan Posted July 11, 2002 Share Posted July 11, 2002 Shaolin - The Legend ACCORDING TO ANCIENT LEGEND, an Indian Buddhist priest named Tamo travelled to China in the 6th Century in order to study at the temple of Shaolin. But the head-abbot, Fang Chang, was suspicious, so the priest was denied entry. Tamo then sought to prove his devotion by meditating in a nearby cave - and such was the strength of his faith that his unbroken meditative gaze bored a hole through the rock. On finally gaining access to the temple, Tamo met high standards of learning, but he was alarmed to discover that many of the monks failed to perform even the most basic physical requirements for meditation. Starting with simple movement exercises designed to enhance the flow of Ch'i, or life force, Tamo took it upon himself to bring the monks' bodies up to a standard worthy of their intellects. Tamo formulated a set of exercises styled on the movements of the main 18 animals in Indo-Chinese iconography, and as the monks became more skilled at the basic routines, defensive combat elements were introduced. These exercises became famed as the Shaolin martial arts. Every style was varied and adaptable, providing the monks with a series of exercises and defensive procedures appropriate to their individual bodies. Some preferred to study the wild but regal movements of the Tiger style; others opted to master the martial art of Shaolin Crane, a style developed by a monk who saw a crane defeat an ape by darting repeatedly or unpredictable angles with its razor-sharp beak. Each monk was encouraged to experiment and find the style that suited their Ch'i. Over the centuries the styles developed and solidified, with certain arts incorporating the use of swords and other weapons. Most difficult of all styles was the Wu-Tang sword, and a true master of this style was practically unbeatable in battle. A student would progress through the various levels of mastery of the sword technique, each one more difficult than the last. Each level, or Chamber, took the swordsman nearer to invincibility, and on attaining the next Chamber, the monk would replace one of his natural teeth with a gold one. The monks who taught the Wu-Tang Style had reputedly reached the 36th Chamber - meaning they were invincible to all but a fellow 36th Chamber Wu-Tang master - and had platinum set into their gold front teeth. The monks used their mastery solely for defensive purposes, and swore never to teach the Wu-Tang style to an outsider. But a renegade fraction believed that the Wu-Tang style was too important to be kept secret, and vowed to be free to teach it as they pleased. These rebels joined forces with their sworn enemies, the Manchurians, and sought to overthrow the temple of Shaolin, the eventual goal of the joint uprising being world domination. The rebels believed that they would be able to build an unbeatable army of Wu-Tang swordsmen, if only they could rid themselves of the monks and be free to use Wu-Tang style aggressively. The defention of "Wu-Tang" is battle. The Wu-Tang is a sword style of kung fu martial arts that is based primarely in Northern China. The Wu-Tang consists of 36 Chambers.To become a Shaolin warrior, one must pass each task within the 36 Chambers.Once one chamber has been completed, the warrior must move on to the next. Each one of the 9 members of the Wu-Tang contain 4 chambers within their heart. 9 members with 4 chambers in each equal the 36 Chambers. There are 36 deadly points within the body, each one at a 10 degree interval. A blow to one of the 36 deadly points can instantly kill. The Wu-Tang believe in only 3 things: Honour, Loyalty, & Brotherhood The Wu-Tang is known for their ability to be a group, separate, and still have the knowledge to stay together, much like the cartoon, Voltron. "Watch your step, kid. I got your back, but you better watch your front." Prepare for the Illuminati 2000; the Mason's plan for the New World Order... The Wu-Tang sword was initially practised only as a highly secretive form of defence, but a renegade fraction of masters vowed that they would teach it as they pleased. The rebels joined forces with their former enemies and overthrew the temple of Shaolin, their eventual goal being total world domination. Although they were eventually broken up, the legend says that their descendants will one day return to resume their quest for global control. The rebels became known as the Wu-Tang Clan... * The ancients believed two things: (1) that the descendants of the slain monks would one day rise up against the Clan for revenge; (2) that the legendary Wu-Tang Clan would be reborn to finish their ageless plan of controlling the universe. Such is the continuing legacy of the most feared group ever to master the art, a group that remained inseparable till the appointed time arrived. [ This Message was edited by: nonpuritan on 2002-07-11 04:16 ] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
El Guerrero Loco Posted July 26, 2002 Share Posted July 26, 2002 Cool. Wonder if they gon show up anytime soon, lol, they'd be in for a big surprise to find that their sword skills art no match for M16's and Stinger Missiles. But still i prolly wouldn't want to find myself trapped in a room wit one of them...i doubt my escrima sticks will be of much help "Live free.Die well..." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
30-70 Classic Posted October 9, 2002 Share Posted October 9, 2002 lol im guessing youve been listning to wu-tang (the rappers)? if no then that is who that legend tends to be associated with "All men are created equal, so to fear man is to offend god" -RZA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
30-70 Classic Posted October 9, 2002 Share Posted October 9, 2002 lol of course u have. didnt notice the GZA quote "All men are created equal, so to fear man is to offend god" -RZA Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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