Shaolin Weapons

The first weapons used by the Shaolin Monks was the the cudgel. It played an important role in Shaolin's history. In almost every battle they fought, the cudgel was probably the most commonly used weapon. The Shaolin Monks first used the cudgel during the late Sui Dynasty when peasant rebels such as the Red Turbans would plunder the rich to give to the poor. Well, it just so happened that Shaolin was by far the wealthiest monastery in Henan therefore naturally targeted. One day when the peasant army stood before the temple gate ready to strike, Jin Na Luo, the stove tender, seized his fire stoker, scattering the Red Turbans with such courage utterly confusing the invaders. Jin Na Luo became known as the first of the Shaolin cudgelling monks.

Today, the cudgel is still widely profound and well known of any other weapon practised at Shaolin. Since the monks were disciples of Buddhism, the cudgel is an ideal means of self-defense since Buddhism is opposed to killing and fighting and the use of sharp weapons such as the sword and spear. Even in the past, the cudgel has become Shaolin's most celebrated weapon. For example, the rescue of Li Shi Min, the Tang Emperor, and the defeat of the Japanese Pirates, the cudgel was used for both campaigns.

Shaolin cudgel techniques are simple and practical, and can be applied to one's great advantage in self-defense. Bare-handed, a monk can deal with at least two people, but with a cudgel, one can deal with a dozen! Shaolin cudgelling emphasises footwork-leaping, somersaulting and balancing. Although many methods have been lost today, almost 30 have been preserved. Some methods include Qimei (Eyebrow), Fenghou (Wind-and-Fire), Xiaomeihua (Little Plum Blossom) and Qitiandasheng (The Monkey King).

There are over 20 weapons used by the Shaolin Monks today. They include the common axe, cudgel, spear, halberd, sword and broadsword, 3-section staff, dart, dagger, black tiger hammer, plum-blossom broadsword, Bodhidharma staff, tiger hooks, and many more. These weapons were equally divided between short and long. Among all these weapons, the cudgel, spear, sword and broadsword, known together as the four major weapons of Shaolin. However, Shaolin Monks weren't just commonly armed with the major four, they had many short weapons hidden on the body such as the dart, iron fan and flute, Bodhidharma staff, many of these being unique to Shaolin. The use of hidden weapons gave Shaolin Monks additional power over their enemies. There are many weapons that a Shaolin Monks can use effectively. They can use anything, even a bench.

Go on to "Incredible Shaolin Feats"