Growing Up As A Shaolin Monk | Inside China: Kung Fu | TRACKS

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(oriental music) - [Narrator] Shaolin Temple. Home of an ancient sect of warrior monks, proud defenders of a thousand-year-old tradition until now. (upbeat beat) Today, a new generation is reinventing Shaolin Temple as the Kung Fu monks take on a challenge like none other. (Bo grunts) (metal breaking) Doing business in the 21st century. (indistinct) (monks grunting) (dramatic music) (warrior grunts) The Kung Fu monks of Shaolin Temple. (metal clanging) For more than a thousand years, they've protected China's emperors and defended their nation with their dazzling fighting skills. (drum music) (monks grunting) A formidable legacy, (monk groans) and a lot to live up to if you're only 10 years old. (speaking Chinese) Welcome to boot camp Shaolin style. - Two hands on the foot. Straighten the body. - [Narrator] This is Lu Jen Jong. One of Charlene's youngest novice monks. Jen Jong lived with his parents in Fujian province until he was selected for a place at the temple. That was a year ago. Since then he's lived at Shaolin Temple with more than 40 other novice monks. All of them handpicked from Kung Fu schools all over China. Training three hours in the morning. Two and a half hours in the afternoon. 365 days a year. Always under the watchful eye of Yan Chi. Shaolin drill sergeant. - Point your feet straight. - [Narrator] His job to turn this bunch of kids into real Kung Fu monks. - Keep your back straight. Kick properly. Hurry up, hurry up. Faster, faster, faster. - [Narrator] The Chinese words, Kung Fu evoke honor and glory, but they translate into English simply as hard work. (upbeat music) It's a punishing regime, even for these boys The best of the best. (boys groans) That's why Shaolin calls its novices the hopefuls. Back home each of these boys was a star, but now they're all competing with each other. Each hoping he'll be one of the few who will eventually get what they've come here for. (dramatic music) A place on the A team. Shaolin performance teams travel the world, captivating audiences with dazzling Kung Fu displays. (upbeat music) It's a ticket out of rural China to a life of stardom. But there's only one way to get there. (gong toils) (oriental music) By coming here. Shaolin Monastery Nestled in the song Songshan mountains, 846 kilometers Southwest of Beijing And a long lonely thousand kilometers from Jen Jong's house. Life at Shaolin's a big adjustment for these boys. (indistinct chatter) And Jen Jong still adjusting. - When I first arrived here, I missed my home a lot. I cried every day after a while I got used to it. (keyboard clicking) I have a lot of friends in martial art class. They treat me like a little brother. - [Narrator] One of Jen Jong's big brothers at the temple is 18 year old Jo Jin-Bo. He's been here for six years and has his own plan to make the traveling team. (suspenseful music) Jin-Bo specialty is iron Kung Fu. To master it a monk must train to numb pain from a specific part of his body. And Jin-Bo has chosen his head. - It was very hard in the beginning. Every class we stood on our heads at least for half an hour. It hurts so much. I wanted to cry, but I didn't want my teacher to see me. So I cried a night in my bed. - [Narrator] Jin-Bo's taken the pain for a full two years of hard training. Hoping that mastering iron Kung Fu will help him beat the competition and to make an exhibition team. Seeking to fulfill his Shaolin quest by reaching deep into Kung Fu traditions. (Bo grunts) (metal breaks) - I want to travel around the world and perform. Make Shaolin Temple even more famous. - [Narrator] But another of young Jen Jong's mate, Dong Dong is hoping he'll become a star by doing something never done before. (upbeat music) Dong Dong's extraordinary talents have earned him a place in a very special touring team. (speaking Chinese) For the first time in over a thousand years Shaolin monks are learning movements created by outsiders. Western outsiders. - The other one has the (indistinct) - [Narrator] Belgian choreographers, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui and Polish composer, Sherman Broska have spent two months here developing a new Shaolin show for one of the world's most prestigious dance venues. London's Sadler's Well. It's part Shaolin Kung Fu, part interpretive dance, but it's all new for these monks. - It's very, very heavy scene for them to do because they used to normally do one little sequence and then say, thank you and go. And now they have to keep on moving and moving and moving until exhaustion. - [Narrator] As if concept of marrying dance and Kung Fu wasn't radical enough, Sidi just decided to introduce some new prompts. 21 very large boxes. - And with 21 boxes, you can create an infinite number of constructions. You could create a temple, you could create a graveyard. you can create a zoo with cages. There's so many ways. (indistinct chatters) - [Narrator] As they struggle with the new prompts, the dancer monks a mindful have got just two months left before they've got to perform this never before attempted routine in front of one of the most sophisticated audiences on earth. (laughing) (oriental dramatic music) (indistinct chatters) And before they can leave for London they've got to please and even tougher critic. (monks praying) Shaolin Senior Abbott, Shi Yongxin, looks as traditional as any other Buddhist monk. Especially this morning. As he presides over one of Shaolin's holiest rituals. Every year in March Shaolin honors it's deceased Abbotts. At a cluster of 200 stone pagodas standing to the West of the temple, each a memorial to a former Abbot. Shi Yongxin's predecessor, Shi Xingzheng died in 2007. (monks praying) Shi Xingzheng pagoda is carved with images of the changes he saw in his lifetime. Jet air travel, computers, video cameras, icons of the modern world. But for Shi Yongxin coping with change is just a routine part of daily life. The Abbott is determined that has China races into the 21st century Shaolin temple won't be left behind. And to make sure that doesn't happen, he's changing Shaolin in some radical new ways. Every day from dawn to dusk, Shaolin transforms itself from Buddhist temple to Buddha land. (oriental music) One of China's top tourist destinations. For 100 Yuan, about $15 us dollars visitors get access to the inner temples most sacred relics. And if they're willing to part with more of their money they can take home some officially blessed souvenirs. The chance to watch the warrior amongst practice packs the house day after day. But the tourists aren't the only ones watching Temple security's tight. Change has its price. - We face new challenges and missions being a tourist business. We came across a lot of copyright infringement issues. Many businesses use the name of Shaolin without authorization. Some of them even register it to be their own. So we have to resort a lawsuit for the copyright. - [Narrator] As Shaolin's apostle of change Abbott Shi Yongxin had to become more than a spiritual leader. He's now also a brand manager looking after one of China's best-known export, Shaolin incorporated. A multimillion dollar business with investment portfolios and property. Media, tourism and healthcare. And the brand's going global With links to temples in Kung Fu schools in the USA and Europe. At it's corporate headquarters, web designers and a business director take direction from the CEO. (indistinct chatter) Despite his shaved head and saffron robes Shi Yongxin isn't like any other Shaolin Abbott. (speaking Chinese) And the new Shaolin's worldwide fame is inspiring praise and criticism and lot of imitators. (students grunting) In the neighboring city of Deng Feng thousands of students support a Kung Fu economy. (students grunting) Deng Feng's biggest martial arts school has two campuses and 25,000 students. All the school is promising instruction by bonafide Shaolin masters. The signs out front say "Shaolin Temple," but their huge western style buildings suggest that something's very different and it is. These kids are learning Wushu a highly competitive sport version of Kung Fu. Shaolin monks don't compete, but Wushu students do. They can win trophies, but they're not the real thing. (upbeat music) Only the most talented Wushu graduate can hope to earn a place on a Shaolin temple display team. (crowd applauding) (crowd cheering) The best most of these thousands can hope for is a job as a security guard or policeman. (gong toiling) (monks grunting) Even at Shaolin temple hopefuls who don't make a traveling display team face a much tougher future. Working as martial arts teachers at Wushu schools or hiring themselves out as bodyguards. Which is why this man's opinion really matters. Yanda is the temple's Master in charge of martial art monks. He decides who's got what it takes to join one of Shaolin's display team. (speaking Chinese) And he's not an easy man to impress. - There's a saying in Chinese good students come from strict teachers. The only way for them to become successful in the future is if we are strict on them. - [Narrator] In only a few more days, Yanda and the other senior monks will pick this year's traveling teams. All the hopefuls know that discipline will be the key to success. (suspenseful music) (indistinct chatters) Along with their teacher Yan Chi, Jin-Bo and his mates never stopped practicing the ancient routines. They hope will make them stars. Feets of power and endurance that defies rational explanation. (monk grunts) (brick breaking) The monks can concentrate their body's energy or chi into a force so powerful that over the centuries they've dented holes in the temple floor. Only a perfect harmony of body and mind can generate that kind of power. Something the hopefuls know very well. As the big day approaches they renew their devotion to Shaolin's Buddhist heritage. (monks grunting) (gong toils) (soft oriental music) Jin-Bo, and some of his friends make a pilgrimage to the place where Shaolin Kung Fu started. High up in the Songshan mountains. According to legend a Buddhist monk called Bodhidharma Dharmo meditated in a cave high above the monastery for nine years. Developing the world famous tradition the Chinese called Chan and the Japanese Zen. If that's true, Dharmo would have been all too familiar with the aches and pains of prolonged sitting. Which is why the legends say he invented a set of body movements to help relieve the strain. (upbeat oriental music) Movement that evolved into Kung Fu. Today, Shaolin Kung Fu has over 700 moves. You can't do things like this unless your mind has mastered it. (monks grunting) (dramatic music) Even a today's Shaolin without spiritual commitment there's no success. (oriental music) - We choose people, firstly by their ethics. They have to be able to bear hardships, respect their elders and they have to be religious. If a monk in Charlotte is not Buddhist, we cannot call him a martial arts monk. - [Narrator] Today, Jen Jong is getting some religious instruction from one of the temples oldest ordained monks. 60 year old Shia Yangchan spent most of his life at Shaolin and offers his wisdom to young hopefuls. - [Shia] You study martial arts as well as meditation. You need to integrate into martial arts. - [Jen] What is Chan teacher? - [Shia] Chan is everywhere. There's Chan when you lie and when you stand, when you walk, and when you sit. Is quite magical and quite meaningful. - [Narrator] Jen Jong listens respectfully and tries his best to practice Can principles as part of his Kung Fu training. But he and his friends aren't here just to become Buddhist monks. (dramatic music) - Come on get him! - [Narrator] Shaolin's roots may be ancient and sacred but today Hollywood's an effective recruiter. Hopefuls like Jen Jong dream of being the next Kung Fu mega star. - My favorite Kung Fu star in films is Jackie Chan. I watch a lot of his films - [Narrator] Today a generation gap separates Shaolin novices from the older monks. Shi Yongxin didn't grow up playing computer games and watching action flakes. And Jin Jong cannot imagine what his teacher saw and survived. (blasting) The Wars and upheavals of 20th century China nearly killed Shaolin For centuries, Kung Fu had been a powerful defense against all enemies. But it was no match for machine guns and artillery. (cannon shooting) In the 1920s battling warlords tore China apart and Shaolin became a casualty of war. In 1928 a local malicious set fire to its main halls. Destroying Buddhist icons and sacred scriptures. Leaving a thousand year old tradition in ruins. When Shi Yong Xian began his life as a Shaolin novice, there were only 15 monks left. It was a time he remembers all too well. - When I first came here, I worked in the fields. Everything was destroyed. It was a painful time, we all cried. - [Narrator] Shaolin Temple seemed destined for a slow death. And then in the 1980s, that destiny changed. Thanks to two men. (speaking Chinese) One was Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping. Who proclaimed that to get rich is glorious. (crowd applauding) And unleash China's boundless entrepreneurial energy after decades of Marxist suppression. The other was Jet Li. (speaking foreign language) In 1982, Li was an unknown Hong Kong actor and martial arts expert. When he starred in "The Shaolin Temple." A cinematic tale of honor and revenge showcasing his dazzling Kung Fu skills. And lionizing ancient Shaolin warrior monks. (upbeat music) Since the 1980s China's exploding economy and the worldwide rage for martial arts films have lifted Shaolin out of the ashes and thrusted into the 21st century. (gentle music) Abbott Shi Yongxin's mission is managing his temples reincarnation in the new China. And that's taking him where no Shaolin Abbott's gone before. (indistinct chatters) The Communist Party's National People's Congress in Beijing. (speaking Chinese) Shi Yongxin attending as a delegate from Henan province representing Shaolin interests in a sea of worldly power. (Speaking Chinese) (indistinct chatters) He's something of a star here. People know he's a mover and a shaker. And he's rumored to be one of the country's more influential men. Star power, an open mind, and the government's patronage have all helped sure Shi Yongxin to resurrect his ancient temples fame and fortune. (upbeat music) Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui about to find out if his avant-garde dance routine will push the Shaolin temple display team too far. Dong Dong and his fellow monks have been working hard to realize their dream. A standing ovation from an adoring London audience. And the temples always encouraged its visiting renowned choreographer to do his thing. - Came here in May. I met Master Yanda who was not at all what I expected of a monk actually. When I was telling him that some of the monks the way they move reminded me of some hip hop dancers that I knew. He was like, "Yeah but if you want to work with them in a hip hop manner, go for it." And I was like, I was looking at him like, are you joking? (soft music) And now this in. - [Narrator] Sidi is hoping is never before attempted blend of dance and Kung Fu will really connect Western audiences with a Shaolin monks. - I just hope it will be a nice performance. And I think it's gonna be, I think it will be surprising in the sense that it will be surprising for some people how close they are to these monks - [Narrator] But will it connect with Abbott Shi Yongxin? If he doesn't like it the London Premiere will be over before it begins. (all applauding) Iron monk Jin-Bo's pursuing stardom the old fashioned way. But that doesn't make his quest any easier. (speaking Chinese) (Bo grunts) (metal breaking) Jin-Bo might be able to break iron bars with his head but he needs more than one trick to make the traveling team. Kung Fu stars must master one of Shaolin's traditional weapons. Staffs swords or chains. (upbeat music) Jin-Bo's specialty is the broad sword in chain A potentially lethal combination, except that these weapons were never meant to take lives. Buddhism, discourages violence, and the killing of any living thing is strictly prohibited. If you take a closer look at Jin-Bo's sword and chain you'll see they're made from wood, tin or some other non-lethal material. Shaolin signature weapon is a wooden staff called a bung. (dramatic oriental music) Hundreds of years ago during the Ming dynasty the martial monks disarmed their opponents with it. In those days, they did plenty of fighting always with the emperor's permission against enemies who tried to plunder Shaolin's riches and destroy its political power. (dramatic oriental music) (monks grunting) At one period, the temple standing army numbered 2000 warrior monks. (monks grunting) That's why weapon training survives to this day as a prestigious part of a Kung Fu Star's performance. And a commemoration of Shaolin's fierce determination to survive. (drum music) In less than a week Yanda will make his decision on who will make the A squad and travel the world performing Shaolin Kung Fu. And who will have to go back to basic training. - The mind, the breath and the strength must work together to win. (monks grunting) - [Narrator] Jin- Bo and Jen Jong have high hopes, but just days before the big decision, Jen Jong suffers some seriously bad luck. - My foot is injured. - How did that happen? - I fell in a ditch when I was jogging the other day. - Does it hurt? - Yes. - Jin-Bo, take Jen Jong to the doctor. (speaking Chinese) - [Narrator] The timing couldn't be worse. One word from the doctor could keep Jen Jong off the display team and cripple his dreams. - When did you twist your ankle? - A couple of days ago. - [Doctor] Take your shoes off. Let me have a look. - It hurts when I walk or run. (speaking Chinese) - [Narrator] The doctor's usual prescription. Suck it up and get back to your training and prove that you're a tough Shaolin monk. - The children here can endure a lot. Unless they are badly hurt, They will practice with injuries. - [Narrator] But Jen Jong's ankle is badly hurt. He's going to be out of action for at least a week. That could ruin his chances of making the A squad and winning a place in this year's touring display team. Suddenly Jen Jong year of hard work could be for nothing. (ominous music) The day of decision begins just like any other. (gong toiling) But for the novice Kung Fu monks it's the biggest day of their young lives. - Iron monk Jin-Bo is going to need as much sustenance as he can get to prove to Yanda he's ready for selection in the A squad. But Jen Jong is going to need more than food to help heal his injury. (monks singing) It'll take a miracle to fix his ankle in time for practice. (oriental music) At morning training, Jen Jong can only watch as the other hopefuls perform a routine Shaolin monks have practiced for centuries. Seven star Kung Fu. It's the last chance to impress. (upbeat music) - The seven star routine is a required traditional routine for every monk here. When we perform we do seven star routine because it is better looking. Wang Lu goes to South Korea. We Huchan goes to Australia? Is he on the list? (speaking Chinese) - [Narrator] Now comes the moment they've all been training for. Time for the teachers to announce who's going back to the basics and who will soon be packing their bags for the opportunity of a lifetime. - This afternoon, were dividing you into two groups. (speaking Chinese) - Jin-Bo has made the A team. Soon he will realize his dream of traveling and performing around the world. Helping make Shaolin even more famous. Jen Jong's ankle hasn't healed and he hasn't made the cut, but Yanda and Yang Chi have a special assignment for him. Teaching one of the new recruits. (speaking Chinese) (indistinct chatters) Today is also the day when Shaolin's most radical new innovation will learn its fate. (suspenseful music) Shaolin's first ever east-west dance collaboration could take the Marshall monks in a bold new direction But first it needs the temples official seal of approval. And that means a private performance for Abbott Shi Yongxin. The Abbott's just come back from Beijing and he's asked to see the dancers perform. If he doesn't like what he sees the rest of the world will never see it. The command's performance is only minutes away. And Sidi's are a little anxious. - It's kind of a big thing because he hasn't seen it except some pictures. He's seen some pictures of the performance. I mean of the, of the ideas, but he's never really seen which monks are in it and what they're doing and stuff like that. So I'm very curious to know what he thinks. (speaking Chinese) (soft music) (gentle music) (indistinct chatters) With just a simple gesture. The Abbott shows his approval of Sidi's work. Everyone's relieved. Soon these monks will be heading for London where there'll be footing it with the best professional dancers in the business. Thanks to an Abbot who takes chances and believes in change. Shi Yongxin transforming Shaolin from cultural relic on the brink of extinction into a thriving capitalist enterprise. Some say he's ruining Shaolin's spiritual integrity, but he's willing to take the heat. For him is Shaolin is change. - I believe our first teacher Master Bodhidharma was alive today he would have done the same to adapt to today's society. Only when you respect the reality and adapt to the present time can you survive and develop. - [Narrator] Iron monk Jin-Bo will soon be heading overseas to join the ranks of Shaolin's top performers. (Bo grunts) (metal breaking) (monks grunting) And young Jen Jong, his foot's healed and he's finally rejoined his friend. As they fight on for positions in future display teams. - [Jen] I think I am not very good at the moment. I will work harder and become better so that I can perform all over the country. - [Narrator] Jen Jong and his classmate may not ever become fully ordained martial monks, but after years of training and meditation in this temple they will always take a little bit of Shaolin with them. (gentle music) For over a thousand years it's kept its spiritual heart intact while surviving in a changing world. Now China's changing again and Shaolin is surviving, even prospering by changing with it. But for those who love this ancient place and devote their lives to it, Shaolin Temple always will be what it always has been a fortress of enlightenment and a sanctuary for the soul.
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Channel: TRACKS
Views: 100,638
Rating: 4.7853231 out of 5
Keywords: TRACKS, tracks travel channel, tracks travel, Documentary movies - topic, full documentary, travel documentary, culture documentary, shaolin monk, shaolin kung fu, shaolin monk fight, shaolin monk training, shaolin temple, shaolin master, shaolin documentary, shaolin documentary bbc, shaolin documentary netflix, documentary shaolin monks, shaolin kung fu documentary, shaolin training documentary, shaolin history documentary, kung fu documentary
Id: J60g0pMtcwY
Channel Id: undefined
Length: 49min 49sec (2989 seconds)
Published: Sat Mar 20 2021
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