- Shaolin Fist
Shaolin Fist is a generic English term for
Shaolin Kung Fu , although it can refer to actual punching styles within Shaolin Kung Fu. [http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN0804816980&id=oplSzEBX8XAC&pg=PA42&lpg=PA42&ots=VCnyJz4-Wb&dq=shaolin+fist&sig=2Kpv4zl6g-FqRU4fAFvafUjoZxA#PPP1,M1] The proper term is usually described in various texts asShaolin quan . [http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN1556435576&id=L5FVYobC7VsC&pg=PA70&lpg=PA70&ots=xT3wTNwQR4&dq=shaolin+fist&sig=M5CAqkhGy0n60_ElF1h8v2rzakw#PPA70,M1] "Shaolin Fist" or "Shaolin Kung Fu" developed within the 7th century C.E. in the Tang dynasty with the earliest description being the defense of the Shaolin monastery from bandits. Various legends are associated with the development of the "Shaolin fist" including the legend ofBodhidharma , a wandering Buddhist monk, and theYellow Emperor orHuang Di , one of the legendary founders ofChina . [http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN1556435576&id=L5FVYobC7VsC&pg=PA70&lpg=PA70&ots=xT3wTNxSI6&dq=shaolin+fist&sig=-DFH-1dB-HfNQReJXlv9yP-bs-M] Currently,Shaolin Kung Fu is popular internationally beginning with the depiction in movies by the actor/martial artistBruce Lee in the 1960's followed by further movies and television shows that center around the Shaolin temple.
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