Shaolin Ulysses:Kungfu Monks I

This excellently crafted documentary shows the ways in which five Shaolin monks have bridged the divide between East and West -- influencing Americans with their martial arts in ways that are surprising, and often heart warming. From Brooklyn, to Texas, to California, these diverse monks bring their individual immigrant stories in the pursuit of the American Dream. Excellent production quality, editing and story telling by the film makers.

I maybe a bit biased due to the fact that Li Peng Zhang is my Sifu, but this is a great documentary. The information provided is accurate and presented in a manner that is captivating. If you are studying or want to study authentic Shaolin Kung Fu, this is one of the top three documentaries to watch. (The other two ar myths and Logic of shaolin Kung Fu and Secrets of the warriors power)

The five monks seemed excited to establish Zen Buddhism temples in America and teach the Shaolin art. Each Monk demonstrates his special discipline and skills. The monks seemed excited for cultural exchange. Many of them toured various cities of America. One master maintains a connection with the Shaolin Temple in China and each year sends students to China.

The Shaolin movements are very evasive, attacking from various angles and retreating backwards. The Shaolin movements including jumping kicks, split kicks (round and reversed), high crescent kicks landing and the ability to sideways on the ground, low horse stances, large and small circular closed fist and open hand strikes, movements left and right, and low twisting stances into punches advancing forward and backward. The movements are complex and often predict which way they will move. To one fight a Shaolin he will seem to be moving one ways then suddenly change and move another way, a strike and move pattern. By adding weapons to the techniques the Shaolin seems to fly around the floor with amazing acrobatic flips, spins, and twists.

Included in the film is a Tai Chi sword demonstration. This was wonder to see. I like the iron shirt demonstration which made the master seemingly imprevious to an hard strikes from a large wood oar and a crushing blow as four men used a railroad tie to ram into the body of the master. The two man tiger forms demonstrated Chinese chess piece training. Who could believe the impossible feat of break a steel bar over a masters head. The monkey form demonstration very interesting consider this form is rarely made public. The amazon leopard form allowed the artist too move smoothly from leaps into hand techniques and stances. One of the more agile forms. The kung fu weapons demonstrations reminded me of a marching band but with more power and energy. The group performed the weapon techniques in unison.

The masters seemed to radiate power in their hands and fist. The kicks end with a sharp snap. The strikes literally vibrate with power.

The documentary is a nice balance between interviews and demonstrations. Very enticing. In China the government uses Martial arts as a reason for community gatherings, religious worship, and culture celebration. Many of the masters studied exclusively the art. One master was able to heal his son after suffering a serious injury. One master expressed the desire for his son to study western education and the Martial arts. All of the Masters were impressive with the big style of Western culture. However, each Master sought to integrate the quietness and peacefulness of the Shaolin arts. I'm impressed with the intelligence of the system and the artist.

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