What is it?

Developed in the Hunan province of China in the 5th Century AD. A famous Buddhist monk, Da Mo, came from India to China and spent many years teaching Buddhism at the Shaolin Temple. During this period of his life he developed a system of physical and breathing exercises which developed into what is now known as Kung Fu. The physical exercises were devised by watching and imitating the movements of different animals. Da Mo took the best of what nature had to offer and combined it into a system which mankind could use and understand. Breathing exercises were developed to improve health and strength to the bodies inner organs. Although physical exercise can strengthen the body and limbs, Da Mo knew he needed to keep the inner organs healthy since they provided the fuel to keep the body going. As a person's breathing becomes better and his or her organs become stronger, that person will begin to develop "Chi". Chi is the ability to reach inside and draw power from within the body itself. This power comes directly from the "Dan Tien" which is located in the lower abdomen. Da Mo developed these breathing patterns which are still used today in Kung Fu, Yoga and other Eastern forms of exercise and meditation. By the 13th Century AD Shaolin Kung Fu had developed and expanded throughout Asia. In Japan it evolved into Karate, and in Korea it was known as Tae Kwon Do. All Asian martial arts Evolved from Kung Fu. Kung Fu developed into many different styles. All current styles are off shoots of the original Shaolin Kung Fu from Southern China.