Shaolin monks not to attend Olympic kung fu competition

**PizDoff** · Posted On: 10/21/2007 1:04am

Shaolin monks not to attend Olympic kung fu competition

BEIJING, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Despite the announcement that Wushu, known in the West as kung fu, would be showcased alongside the Beijing Olympics, Shaolin Temple, China's most renowned home of martial arts, has said its monks will not be taking part.

Shaolin Temple itself would not send people to take part in the2008 Beijing Olympic Wushu competition; Orient Today quoted Qian Daliang, general manager of the Henan Shaolin Temple Development Co. Ltd, as saying.

"Chinese wushu belong to competitive sports, whereas Shaolin wushu belongs to traditional martial arts. The two have different natures, standards and connotations," said Qian.

"Performance in Chinese martial arts can be quantified but Shaolin wushu can not be measured in that way as it contains Buddhist elements and showcases a harmonious combination of Buddhism and kung fu," Qian said.

"In ancient times, people practiced Shaolin wushu to resist outsiders, not for competitive purposes.

"Shaolin Wushu, as a cultural heritage, cannot be equal to competitive sports. They are two completely different concepts. They are all monks at Shaolin Temple, we cannot send them to take part in competitions."

Chinese Olympic Committee Vice-Chairman Zhang Faqiang confirmed earlier this week that wushu will be featured at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Zhang was quoted as saying that it will neither be a medal sport nor a mere demonstration.

Qian said the Shaolin Temple would support the event "in a cultural and spiritual way" and they would definitely send martial art monks to the opening ceremony of the Olympics if they receive an invitation.

The 1,500-year-old Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng City, in central China's Henan Province, is also China's most renowned home of Zen Buddhism.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/20...nt_6837377.htm

**MastaFighta** · Posted On: 10/21/2007 3:45am

That's kind of surprising. I never figured a monastery would turn down an opportunity like this one to show off Shaolin Kung Fu. I watched countless videos of public demonstrations by Shaolin monks, so for them to turn this down is surprising.

**Jadonblade** · Posted On: 10/21/2007 7:42am

I dont think its suprising, theres no point in them risking it. They are still world known for there dancing skills, the medals wouldnt help them significantly. Losing though which is a very real possibility would = disaster. What team would they of competed under as well.

**praetorian01** · Posted On: 10/21/2007 11:56am

Is it a Confucius thing, as well, that the art should beyond competition.

Here is a Confucius quote that explains the dancing. " Never give a sword to a man who can't dance."

I would be sad to not see the monks in the openning cerimonies though- they'll hopefully be there at least.

**new2bjj** · Posted On: 10/21/2007 12:57pm

Most of the "monks" were high B-level Wu Shu competitors before they became "monks". So, they'd lose in open competition. Most hardcore Wu Shu players know these guys aren't the best at Man Dancing/Wu Shu, BTW.