Earlier Days to Sui Dynasty

Shaolin Wushu is one of the major branches of Chinese Wushu and has numerous varieties and unique characteristics . It is very effective in bodybuilding and in self-defense. It is very popular in China and is rapidly gaining in popularity throughout the world.

Shaolin Monastery is the source of Shaolin Wushu. In 527 A. D. , an Indian monk, Bodhidharma, arrived at Shaolin Monastery. He promoted mediation that included sitting for a long period of time. This made the limbs of the monks grow numb, so Bodhidharma developed a set of exercises that helped a set of exercises that helped the monk to limber up. Over many generations, other monks improved these local county folk. The diligence with which the monks practiced these Wushu movements can be seen from the deep impressions left by their feet in the hard brick floor of the exercise room of the Hall of One Thousand Buddhas.

At the end of the Sui dynasty, Shaolin monks rescued Price Li shimin, who has been captured by a warlord. Later, When Li ascended the Emperor's throne and became emperor Tai Zong, he issued a special decree to allow the Shaolin minks to eat meat and to train monk soldiers. Shaolin Monastery was at the height of its glory. Military training enabled the monks to practice a variety of exercises, breathing techniques and horse riding. They often teach and exchange ideas. This greatly facilitated the further improvement of Shaolin Wushu.