Top News from Shaolin Updates 26.07.2010 New traveller report with more than 355 pages and many pictures of a 4 weeks backpacking tour in china. 07.05.2010 New traveller report of International Kung Fu Training Center in Yuntai Mountain 07.05.2010 More than 400 new pictures in section gallery of International Kung Fu Training Center in Yuntai Mountain 14.02.2010 Opening of International Kung Fu Training Center in Yuntai Mountain 14.02.2010 Chinese language courses in International College Yuntai Mountain 14.02.2010 New section training exercises to prepare your stay in china 26.06.2009 Now more than 1000 (!!!) DVDs in our Online Shop for martial arts products from Shaolin/China! 01.03.2009 International Kung Fu Training Center increases training fee to 450 US$/month. 18.12.2007 New pictures in our gallery 15.10.2008 Update of visa regulation in section China information 15.07.2008 New videos in section downloads 01.07.2008 New videos in section downloads 19.06.2008 New section performance show booking and new videos in section downloads 23.04.2008 New pictures in our section gallery 17.11.2007 New picture gallery with many features 03.08.2007 International Shaolin Kung Fu Center had to move to Dengfeng city, more information you will find here 06.07.2007 New DVDs in english language in section Wudang in our Online Shop for martial arts products from Shaolin/China! 17.02.2007 New pictures and information at section training trips 05.01.2007 New Traveller Report, Kieran tells us about his training in Xiao Long International Training Center 27.12.2006 Learning Chinese in Zhengzhou/China, can be combined with Shaolin Kung Fu Training 04.12.2006 We now accept payment with paypal in our Online Shop for martial arts products from Shaolin/China! 01.12.2006 More than 375 new DVDs in english language in our Online Shop for martial arts products from Shaolin/China! 08.11.2006 New traveller report, Ralph Leitloff tells us about travelling 4 weeks in China 25.10.2006 Impressions of in Zhengzhou/China 17.09.2006 Numerous new DVDs in english language in our Online Shop for martial arts products from Shaolin/China! 12.09.2006 New Chat about Shaolin, Shaolin Kung Fu, training, martial arts and more 18.08.2006 In section Downloads you can now watch our videos online 24.04.2006 New free videos for download, foreign students show their skills 11.01.2006 Chinese New Year 2006 in China 10.09.2005 Numerous new products in our Online Shop for martial arts products from Shaolin/China! 18.02.2005 New fantastic free videos for download, e.g. the inside of shaolin temple 09.05.2004 New pictures of foreigners, who train in the Chang Zhuang Shui Ku school in Zhengzhou 12.03.2004 Fantastic booklet from master trainer Xie Xu Yong of the Chang Zhuang Shui Ku school in Zhengzhou/China. 14.02.2004 New articles in our Martial Arts Online Shop with goods from Shaolin, e.g. Bruce Lee videos or hard qi gong exercises of the shaolin monks. 06.02.2004 New Traveller Report, Frank Matthews-Bolte tells us about his training with the Zhejiang Wushu team 24.01.2004 We now accept credit cards in our Martial Arts Online Shop with goods from Shaolin. 24.01.2004 New section shaolin kung fu training trip to China and section China information 24.01.2004 New free videos for download 06.12.2003 Over 30 new VCDs/DVDs of Tai Ji, Wudang Kung Fu, Wing Chun, Tae Kwon Do, Thai Boxing and many exotic weapons! Please visit our Martial Arts Online Shop. 03.12.2003 Prices for videos reduced up to 40 %, please take a look at our Online Martial Arts Online Shop. 14.11.2003 Update of Andreas traveller report, who trained wushu since September 2003 for 1 year in Chang Zhuang Shui Ku school. 31.10.2002 Revise some actual information/pictures in section Schools in Shaolin and Place Shaolin 20.10.2003 New Traveller Report, Andreas just now stays in a wushu school in zhengzhou and talks about living and training in china. 03.10.2003 New Traveller Report, Julian Stahlberg talks about his training in Shaolin 01.10.2003 We open our Online Martial Arts Online Shop with articles from Shaolin. We offer a wide range of VCDs, Shaolin Monk Clothes, Dragon and Buddha Souvenirs and much more. 21.09.2003 New Traveller Report, Gabriel Fife talks about her training in Korea 11.07.2003 www.shaolin-wushu.de is now available in English language

Chinese Calendar

A Chinese legend says that Buddha invited some centuries ago all animals of the world, in order to celebrate with him new year. Only 12 animals accepted his invitation. A rat, an ox, a tiger, a rabbit, a dragon, a snake, a horse, a sheep, a monkey, a rooster, a dog and a boar. These 12 animals represent the zodiac as thanks for their loyalty to Buddha.

The year of the dog 2006

Chinese Year of the Dog (gou)

Chinese New Year zodiac Dog will never let you down. People born in this Chinese zodiac sign possess the best traits of human nature. They have a deep sense of loyalty, are honest, and inspire other people's confidence because they know how to keep secrets. They are plagued by constant worry. They have a sharp tongue, and have a tendency to be a faultfinder. They care little for wealth; yet somehow always seem to have money. They can be cold emotionally and sometimes distant at parties. Chinese zodiac sign Dog people make good leaders. Chinese zodiac dog are compatible with those born in the Years of the Horse, Tiger, and Rabbit.

Chinese Year of the Pig (zhu)

Chinese New Year zodiac Pig is a splendid companion, an intellectual with a very strong need to set difficult goals and carry them out. People born in this Chinese zodiac sign are gracious and gallant. Whatever they do, they do with all their strength. They have tremendous courage and great honesty. They don't make many friends but they make them for life. They don't talk much but have a great thirst for knowledge. People under this Chinese zodiac study a great deal and are generally well informed. Pig people are quick tempered, yet they hate arguments and quarreling. They are kind to their loved ones. No matter how bad problems seem to be, Pig people try to work them out, honestly if sometimes impulsively. Chinese zodiac Pig are most compatible with Rabbits and Sheep.

Chinese Year of the Rat (shu)

Chinese New Year zodiac , rats are said to be imaginative, charming and very generous to those they love - although they do have a tendency to be quick-tempered and over-critical. This Chinese zodiac sign work hard to achieve their goals, acquire possessions, and are likely to be perfectionists. They are basically thrifty with money. The people under this Chinese New Year zodiac are easily angered and love to gossip. Born under this Chinese zodiac sign, one should be happy in sales or as a writer, critic, or publicist. Chinese zodiac rat are most compatible with people born in the years of the Dragon, Monkey, and Ox.

Chinese Year of the Ox (niu)

People born in the Chinese New Year zodiac of the Ox are patient, speak little, and inspire confidence in others. Oxen are born leaders, however they tend to be eccentric, and bigoted, and they anger easily having fierce tempers. They are conservative, methodical, and good with their hands. Chinese zodiac sign Ox are mentally and physically alert. Generally easy-going, they can be remarkably stubborn, and they hate to fail or be opposed. Chinese zodiac oxen are most compatible with Snake, Rooster, and Rat people.

Chinese Year of the Tiger (hu)

Chinese New Year zodiac , Tiger are sensitive, given to deep thinking, capable of great love. Tigers are said to be bold and adventurous, and are bestowed with initiative and charm. However, Chinese zodiac tiger can be extremely short-tempered. Other people have great respect for them, but sometimes tiger people come into conflict with older people or those in authority. Sometimes this Chinese New Year zodiac cannot make up their minds, which can result in a poor, hasty decision or a sound decision arrived at too late. Chinese zodiac tigers are most compatible with Horses, Dragons, and Dogs.

Chinese Year of the Rabbit (Mao)

People born in the Chinese New Year zodiac of the Rabbit are articulate, talented, and ambitious. Chinese zodiac rabbits are affectionate, co-operative and pleasant, with lots of friends. But they can get too sentimental and seem superficial. They are virtuous, reserved, and have excellent taste. This Chinese New Year zodiac sign are admired, trusted, and are often financially lucky. They are clever at business and being conscientious, never back out of a contract. They would make good gamblers for they have the uncanny gift of choosing the right thing. Rabbit people seldom lose their temper. Chinese zodiac rabbit are most compatible with those born in the years of the Sheep, Pig, and Dog.

Chinese Year of the Dragon (long)

This Chinese New Year zodiac called Dragon tend to be popular individuals who are always full of life and enthusiasm, with a reputation for being fun-loving and a "big mouth" at times. People born in the Chinese New Year of the Dragon are healthy, energetic, excitable, short-tempered, and stubborn. They are also honest, sensitive, brave, and they inspire confidence and trust. People under Chinese zodiac neither borrow money nor make flowery speeches, but they tend to be soft-hearted which sometimes gives others an advantage over them. People under this Chinese New Year zodiac are well suited to be an artist, priest, or politician. Chinese zodiac dragon are compatible with Rats, Snakes, Monkeys, and Roosters.

Chinese Year of the Snake (she)

Rich in wisdom and charm, people under this Chinese New Year zodiac are romantic and deep thinkers and their intuition guides them strongly. They say little and possess great wisdom. Chinese zodiac sign snake never have to worry about money. They are financially fortunate. Snake people are often quite vain, selfish, and a bit stingy. Snake people tend to overdo, since they have doubts about other people's judgment and prefer to rely on themselves. They are determined in whatever they do and hate to fail. Although calm on the surface, they are intense and passionate. Chinese zodiac sign snake are usually good-looking and sometimes have marital problems because they are fickle. Chinese zodiac snake are most compatible with the Ox and Rooster.

Chinese Year of the Horse (ma)

People born in the Chinese New Year zodiac of the Horse are popular. Their capacity for hard work is amazing. They are on their own and are very independent. People under this Chinese New Year zodiac are cheerful, skillful with money, and perceptive, although they sometimes talk too much. They are wise, talented, and good with their hands. They are impatient and hot-blooded about everything except their daily work. Also people born under this Chinese New Year zodiac like entertainment and large crowds. They are successful as an adventurer, scientist, poet, or politician. Chinese zodiac horses are most compatible with Tigers, Dogs, and Sheep.

Chinese Year of the Sheep/Goat (yang)

People born in the Chinese New Year zodiac year of sheep/goat are elegant and highly accomplished in the arts. They seem to be, at first glance, better off than those born in the zodiac 's other Chinese zodiac years. But sheep/goat Chinese zodiac year people are often shy, pessimistic, and puzzled about life. They are usually deeply religious, yet timid by nature. Sometimes clumsy in speech, they are always passionate about what they do and what they believe in. Sheep/goat people never have to worry about having the best in life for their abilities make money for them, and they are able to enjoy the creature comforts that they like. Sheep/goat people are wise, gentle, and compassionate. Chinese zodiac sheep/goat are compatible with Rabbits, Pigs, and Horses.

Chinese Year of the Monkey (hou)

People born under this Chinese New Year zodiac are very intelligent and have a very lever wit. They are the erratic geniuses of the cycle. Clever, skillful, and flexible, they are remarkably inventive and original and can solve the most difficult problems with ease. Because of their extraordinary nature and magnetic personality, people under this Chinese zodiac sign are always well liked. They want to do things now, and if they cannot get started immediately, they become discouraged and sometimes leave their projects. However, they must guard against begin an opportunist and distrustful of other people. Having common sense, Chinese zodiac sign Monkey have a deep desire for knowledge and have excellent memories. People born under this Chinese New Year zodiac are strong willed but their anger cools quickly. Chinese zodiac monkey are most compatible with the Dragon and Rat.

Chinese Year of the Rooster (ji)

The Chinese zodiac sign Rooster is a hard worker; shrewd and definite in decision making, often speaking his mind. Because of this, they tend to seem boastful to others. People born in the Chinese New Year zodiac of the Rooster are deep thinkers, capable, and talented. They like to be busy and are devoted beyond their capabilities and are deeply disappointed if they fail. They always think they are right and usually are! They frequently are loners and though they give the outward impression of being adventurous, they are timid. Chinese zodiac sign Rooster people's emotions like their fortunes swing very high to very low. They can be selfish and too outspoken, but are always interesting and can be extremely brave. Chinese zodiac rooster is most compatible with Ox, Snake, and Dragon.

Chinese New Year

Rebuilding of shaolin temple

The chinese government granted 400 million yuan for the rebuilding/restauration of some buildings of shaolin temple. Due to some wars, many buildings were destroyed.

Downloads for free

Wir haben unsere Homepage um eine neue Rubrik erNextt. Es besteht für Euch nun die Möglichkeit , in der Rubrik Downloads Euch eine Vielzahl von hochwertigen Videos kostenlos herunterzuladen. Es stehen Videos über Training, verschiedene Formen, akrobatische Elemente, Hard Qi Gong (z.B. Eisenstangen mit dem Kopf zerbrechen) und Schulen bereit. Laßt Euch überraschen...

Fear of the lung epidemic SARS reaches Shaolin

The lung epidemic SARS was completely underestimated by the Chinese authorities. The government takes now measures, which concern mainly Beijing. Also in Shaolin the fear of the lung epidemic has grown. Therefore many of the schools gave a prohibition to their students leaving their schools, i.e. gatherings of people like the places Dengfeng and Zhengzhou must be absolutely avoided. If this is sufficient or not we will see. Shaolin is visited each summer by more than 1 1/2 million tourists! But we don't know any SARS people in Shaolin. If we have more details, we will publish it here.

Re-opening of our own forum

After numerous problems with the operator of the old forum and availability lacking we decided to make our own forum available on our server. Immediately an efficient forum with various possibilities is now available. By import of the data all comments are now issued on the names of the Redaktion. Have a lot of fun.

Destruction in Shaolin continues

Our informants in China finally confirmed the current destruction in Shaolin. The current abbot Shi Yong Xin ends his job with the destruction of many buildings in Shaolin. Officials of the Chinese government had requested the inhabitants, Shop owner and owners of restaurants of the so-called Shaolin Village (the area in front of the official entrance in Shaolin) to leave their houses within the next days. All these buildings shall be destroyed, so that the Shaolin temple can be recognized to the world cultural heritage. Nowadays all buildings are destroyed!

In black we think of the event in the year 2001/2002, when nearly all Kung Fu schools in Shaolin were destroyed . Bulldozers rolled over within a few days.

Numerous restaurants (e.g. the "Hello Man") were or will be destroyed, where a lot of practicing foreigners meet every evening for exchanging information and experiences. Without such a meeting place Shaolin loses more and more its attractiveness, so that many foreigners will prefer training in Dengfeng or Zhengzhou.

Online Shop for martial arts articles directly from Shaolin/China opened.

It is high-time! We opened our own Online Shop for martial arts articles directly from Shaolin! The articles are directly bought in Shaolin and sent to us, so that we can offer extremely low prices. Without the German taxes and high forwarding expenses from China to Germany we could have further reduced the prices. The Online Shop offers original training weapons of the Shaolin monks, decoration-weapons like Ninja sword, VCDs with demonstrations of different styles in order to learn handling weapons or the unarmed Shaolin Kung Fu, original clothes of the Shaolin monks, souvenirs and more. If some articles should still be missing, send us an email. We will try to order the desired articles. And here you go: A href="#" onclick="window.open('shop/index.htm', 'NewWindow')">Online Shop for martial arts articles directly from Shaolin!

News from Shaolin

We present you current information we brought along from our 4-week trip through China.

Because of the destruction of many schools in Shaolin a lot has changed and in almost the same manner our columns schools (there is now also a new column schools in Zhengzhou), Shaolin and News) change . In addition the column Shaolin Temple were extended. Now we publish far over 100(!) new photos.

In September 2001 a new era in the history of Shaolin began. The current abbot Shi Yong Xin decided in agreement with the government to destroy nearly all Kung Fu schools in Shaolin. Within few days large bulldozers began to destroy the buildings. The schools were allocated some areas in Dengfeng as a compensation. Within a short time the so-called Kung Fu town in Dengfeng has grown up. A multiplicity of Kung Fu schools, which were settled in Shaolin formerly, re-started and built up new school buildings. And they availed themselfs of the opportunity of a new beginning.

The campus of each school is definitly larger than in Shaolin, the buildings, accomodations and sanitary institutions are clean and cannot be compared with those in Shaolin. Without exception all students are completely inspired and repented to live close to Dengfeng. Within short time the number of the students in Shaolin were cut down. But this must have consequences:

The purchasing power of the students in Shaolin sank dramatically, though day by day tourists visit Shaolin temple. Many tourists come by bus directly to the Shaolin temple, visit the temple and get into the bus again, so that most of the tourists are only in the closer environment of the temple. Thus the number of souvenir shops were reduced, as well as the number of restaurants. Besides the abbot Shi Yong Xin ensured that smaller eating shops and souvenir shops must use special areas.

We were dumbfounded, when we entered 'our' Shaolin again. At that time on the way from the entrance to the Shaolin temple every few meters had been a small shop, stand, but now the first shops are near the Shaolin temple and offer their goods for superelevated prices. Most of the cosy restaurants were destroyed by the abbott. On the large parking lot had been hundreds of souvenir shops, which offered their goods.

Now a majority had already closed their shops. In addition this has an advantage: Also in China demand and supply control the market, i.e. because of the reduced demand bargain become more and more simpel. Now we could beat down the prices within a few minutes!

We missed our friend Ma Shi Mei. Every day all foreigners visited him to exchange experiences or buy food and sweeties (good ice cream!) (however we heard he owns now a little shop in Dengfeng and his financial situation is better than before). In the meantime 'Hello Man', a restaurant approx. 150m in front of the entrance on the right side was established as foreigner meeting place. There is even the first English menu. Also the internet came to Shaolin and in such a way guests directly from Shaolin visit our homepage regularly. Welcome.

According to insider information the restructuring has not finished in Shaolin yet. First the arena (the outside walls already ripped off) will be probably ripped off. In addition there are rumors, which state that the abbott Shi Yong Xin would like to establish his own hotel in Shaolin, so the income for himself and the Shaolin temple would increase. In any case Shaolin should be recognized as world cultural heritage.

Since the Shaolin Temple is one of the main attractions in China, the preparations for the Olympice Games 2008 now begin to reorganize all cultural highlights. Old rusty restaurants, Kung Fu schools and souvenir shops were destroyed because they are feezing.

What does this mean for those who would like to train in Shaolin?

Everyone who would like to train Shaolin Kung Fu must consider if he would like to train at the origin or rather in Dengfeng or Zhengzhou. Due to the destruction of the schools many good Kung Fu coaches moved to Dengfeng or Zhengzhou. This doesn't mean that there are only bad coaches in Shaolin, but most of the good coaches aren't nowadays in Shaolin. Furthermore the training conditions should be regarded in every detail. Most of the schools in Dengfeng or Zhengzhou have their own giant practice halls, so that training can also take place during bad wheater.

However most schools in Dengfeng or Zhengzhou lie somewhat outside, so that you must accept a short footpath. You have to decide whether you prefer a larger city such as Dengfeng or Zhengzhou with a nightmarket and department stores or the calmer night life in Shaolin (there is nothing!).

Is this the end of Shaolin and its world-famous Shaolin Kung Fu? Where is the spirit of Shaolin? The Shaolin monks get more and more commercial so we have to wait for further development.

Since the opening of our own martial arts martial arts forum we are pleased about further comments.

If you take the adventure of Shaolin, we would be happy about a feedback about your school and a small report of your journey.

Redaktion

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