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Modern Kung Fu and Commercialization (现代功夫） Posted by Stephen on Nov 13, 2011
On the surface (在表面上), modern Shaolin Kung fu seems little altered from its ancient and austere roots. Monks still dress the same way, perform the same dazzling feats and train at the same place. The Shaolin temple has been rebuilt in keeping with traditional architecture and the “Shaolin Way” has been exported throughout the globe…
Enter Kung Fu (功夫） Posted by Stephen on Sep 25, 2011
If you are like me, you love kung fu–in all its glory. No matter if it’s a Bruce Lee flick, a kickboxing match or if you’re just practicing some taichi (太极拳 pronounced: tài jí quán) in the back yard–kung fu kicks a$*. The hits, the flips, and who can forget the fumanchus? It’s the art of…
Shaolin Kung Fu (少林功夫） Posted by Stephen on Jul 19, 2011
Shaolin kung fu or 少林功夫 (shàolín gōng fu) is China’s oldest institutionalized form of martial arts, and includes both internal (breathing and meditation) and external (physical activity) practices. For centuries, people from all over China (and the world) have flocked to the Shaolin Temple (少林寺) to study the esoteric practices of these monks. You’ll recognize them…
New Year’s Resolution – Learn Chinese Posted by sasha on Jan 15, 2018
The start of the year is a popular time to work on some New Year’s Resolutions (新年计划 – xīn nián jì huà). As Ayana discussed in her recent post, some popular resolutions are to lose weight or quit smoking. If you’re reading this blog, then chances are one of your New Year’s Resolutions is to…
Chinese Names for All 30 NBA Teams Posted by sasha on Oct 9, 2017
While China may be known more for kung fu (功夫 – gōng fu) and ping pong (乒乓 – pīng pāng) – both English words that were borrowed from Chinese, by the way – basketball (篮球 – lán qiú) is becoming more and more popular in the Middle Kingdom. Take a walk around any college campus in China, and you’re sure to…
Shaolin Monastery Posted by sasha on Sep 22, 2016
In addition to the amazing Longmen Grottoes and the historic White Horse Temple, Henan province is also home to the Shaolin Monastery (少林寺 – shào lín sì). This ancient temple is a UNESCO site and is the cradle of Chinese Zen Buddhism. You may know it as the home of Shaolin kung fu (功夫 –…
So Long, and Thanks for All the Rice Posted by sasha on Sep 7, 2015
Way back in the spring of 2008, I was gearing up to graduate from Michigan State and busy juggling classes, a few internships, and an independent study. In the downtime at work, I crafted my resume and scoured job postings online. I attended a handful of job fairs and even volunteered at a few of them…