Wushu Shortlisted For 2020 Olympics

Recently, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board meeting at the 123rd IOC session in Durban, South Africa, announced the eight sports shortlisted for inclusion in the 2020 Summer Olympic Games. From all of the candidates – Climbing, Baseball, Karate, Roller Sports, Softball, Squash, Wakeboard and Wushu – only one will be included in the Games. The IOC Program Commission will be studying intensively each sport and the battle for the single spot is going to be fierce without a doubt.

While Climbing and Wakeboard are newcomers to the Olympic movement, the other sports have already attempted and have been denied a spot in program before, Wushu since the Beijing Games in 2008; Squash, Karate, and Roller Sports since the London Games in 2012. The early front-runners appear to be Baseball and Softball as both were already Olympic disciplines before and enjoy the backing of huge sponsor firms.

Whether or not Wushu will make the cut remains to be seen. We could start by identifying some of the leading factors that the IOC will use to decide which sport and see how Wushu stands respectively. According to the IOC bylaws, these are the five main requirements:

1. To have an international federation that governs the sport, sets and enforces rules, organizes tournaments and other duties. The International Wushu Federation (IWUF) is that organization, founded in Beijing in 1990.
2. To be practiced in at least 40 countries in three continents in case of female sports or in at least 75 countries in four continents in case of male sports. Wushu is equally practiced by male and female. Currently, the IWUF has a total of 144 countries and regions in the five continents as follows: Africa [33], America [22], Asia [38], Europe [46] and Oceania [5].
3. To demonstrate the ability to successfully organize large scale continental and world competitions. The list of international large scale competitions organized by the IWUF since 1991 includes: World Wushu Championships, World Junior Wushu Championships, World Traditional Wushu Championships and the Sanshou World Cup.
4. To be a sport recognized by the IOC. The IWUF received provisional recognition at the 109th IOC Session in 1999 and gained official recognition at the 113th IOC Session in 2002. Apart from that, Wushu has been an official sport in many important IOC related events such as: the Asian Games, the Southeast Asian Games, the East Asian Games, the SportAccord Combat Games, the World Games, the World Children’s Games, and most recently it has been added to the South American Games program.
5. To comply with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) anti-doping code. The IWUF signed the Drug Testing Service Agreement with WADA in December of 2001.

As we can see, the competition routines of Wushu, apart from being an exciting event with tremendous cross-over appeal, clearly meet all the IOC requirements and therefore should be also considered as one of the strong candidates to be accepted into the sports program for the 2020 Summer Olympic Games. For this to happen, Wushu would need to be voted by a 2/3 majority of IOC members at the 125th IOC Session in 2013, to be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Certainly, IWUF and its members worldwide will double their efforts towards common goals of development and promotion, and hence the Olympic dream may become a reality one day. After all, with such a rich content and growing popularity, there is no reason why Wushu shouldn’t become one of the better recognized martial art based sport disciplines in the world and a proud member of the Olympic family.

Here is a copy of the official letter received by IWUF

Text: EastBayWushu.com

Buddhist Retreat

Date: 14th August 2014 – 20th August 2014

Number of people: 6 (Places are limited so register today to avoid disappointment.)

Closing date: 15th June 2014

Location: Tiankai Temple, Beijing, China

Standard fee: £350

Standard fee covers the cost of running the event

Supporting fee: £420

Supporting fee is an optional higher fee for those who wish to contribute to our charity project.

The fee includes all meals, accommodation, teachings and practice. We are not responsible for International airfares to and from China or any other legal costs such as visa fees, travel insurance or personal spending.

General information

This year UK Shaolin Temple Charity is running a small charity project trip to Tiankai Temple in China, an authentic Chan Buddhist temple. This project is towards UK Shaolin Temple Central Temple campaigning and Tiankai Temple funds for more information about this campaigning please click here.

Its aim is also to promote cultural exchange and create a deeper understanding of this traditional monastic way of life, the Buddhist teachings and spread a deeper awareness of Chan culture.

Participants will experience what it is like to eat, sleep and practice like an authentic Chan Buddhist monk or nun, whist at the same time raising money for this beautiful, traditional and peaceful temples in the UK and China. This also will be a deeply rewarding and unique experience to whoever takes part, however it may also prove to be quite challenging too.

As this is a very traditional temple we are keeping numbers to minimum so that harmony and equilibrium of the temple and its practices are not disturbed. Therefore this time there will be only 6 spaces available.

When you take part in this experience it means that you will be welcomed into this community to study and practice the Buddha’s teachings and learn and practice the traditional ways of the Chan Buddhist monk or nun.

The Precepts and Rules

Eight precepts besides the five precepts, which are observed for life at all times, lay Buddhists may accept the eight precepts. Undertaking the eight precepts is part of both lay Buddhist initiation and regular lay Buddhist devotional practices.

Generally, monks, nuns and lay Buddhists from the Tiankai Temple take eight precepts; however, for retreats people can take five precepts intend eight, you also can choose to eight precepts.

The Eight Precepts:

The Eight Precepts are precepts for lay Buddhist who wish to practice Buddhism more strictly than through adherence to the usual five precepts. The eight precepts focus both on avoiding morally bad behavior, as do the five precepts, and on leading a more ascetic life.

1. I undertake to abstain from causing harm and taking life (both human and non-human).
2. I undertake to abstain from taking what is not given (for example stealing, displacements that may cause misunderstandings).
3. I undertake to abstain from sexual misconduct.
4. I undertake to abstain from incorrect speech: telling lies, deceiving others, manipulating others, using hurtful words.
5. I undertake to abstain from using intoxicating drinks and drugs, which lead to carelessness.
6. I undertake to abstain from eating at the wrong time (the right time is after sunrise, before noon).
7. I undertake to abstain from singing, dancing, playing music, attending entertainment performances, wearing perfume, and using cosmetics and garlands (decorative accessories).
8. I undertake to abstain from luxurious places for sitting or sleeping, and overindulging in sleep.

The Five Precepts:

These basic training rules are observed by all practicing lay Buddhists. The precepts are often recited after reciting the formula for taking refuge in the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha.

1. I undertake to abstain from causing harm and taking life (both human and non-human).
2. I undertake to abstain from taking what is not given (for example stealing, displacements that may cause misunderstandings).
3. I undertake to abstain from sexual misconduct.
4. I undertake to abstain from incorrect speech: telling lies, deceiving others, manipulating others, using hurtful words.
5. I undertake to abstain from using intoxicating drinks and drugs, which lead to carelessness.

Daily Schedule

14th August 2014 – Arrive:

1. Registration in the Registration office
2. Introduction
3. Rest and food
4. View the Tiankai Temple
5. Free time

15th August 2014 – 20th August 2014:

04:00	Wake-up
04:30 – 06.30	Morning service (Meditation & chanting)
06:50	Breakfast
08:30 – 10:30	Labor activities
10:50	Lunch
14:00 – 15:30	Worshipping Buddha
16:00 – 17:30	Study (Video class)
18:50 – 20:30	Evening service (Meditation & chanting)
21:30	Silence time
22:00	Lights out

Generosity or Dana

We are often asked how much a retreat costs. This note is to provide information indicating cost of running this event.

At the end of every retreat there is an opportunity for participants to make a contribution. People are invited to give, where faith arises, what they feel they can offer. Donations are voluntary and can be made anonymously.

Your spirit of generosity will help the Tinakai Temple and UK Shaolin Temple to continue to provide facilities for teaching and practice into the future.

Gift Aid Scheme

Under the Gift Aid scheme, the UK Shaolin Temple is able to claim the basic rate of tax on donations received from UK taxpayers. Gift Aid is one of the most popular tax-effective donation methods in the UK. Gift Aid is also one of the simplest and most effective ways of giving to charity. It is a scheme introduced by HM Revenue & Customs,  which allows us to reclaim the basic rate tax you pay as a UK taxpayer. Gift Aid is worth at least an extra 25p for every £1 you give. This is at absolutely no extra cost to you! please click here for more information.

Please Note: We CANNOT take any bookings 3 months before the retreat starts, also we CANNOT take any bookings after we have 6 people registered. Bookings can made online or by post, we do not accept booking by email or by phone. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Confirmation

On receipt of a booking form we will send a booking confirmation or information about your place on a waiting list. Please supply a stamped addressed envelope or an e-mail address.

For more information please click here: http://www.shaolincentre.org/buddhist-retreat/

Shaolin culture

Shaolin culture has been in the world more than 1600 yeas and it contains within it many traditions from philosophical to physical. One of its most renowned is Shaolin Kung Fu. Kung Fu's original purpose of was to improve the wellbeing of its monks. Although more importantly, it was used to express the wisdom of Ch'an in a physical form.

Other influences on the Shaolin culture is the wider Chinese culture. A sincere comprehension of Shaolin culture therefore also requires the study of Ch'an and Chinese culture and history.

Shaolin culture was passed down from dedicated warrior monks through generations of disciples. Now, the UK Shaolin Temple wishes to continue this tradition in the UK. We do this in order to preserve this unique culture and also allow for more people to learn and develop from their teachings.

More information

A message from Shi Yanming

My teaching is Kung Fu, which is based on traditional Shaolin Kung Fu. I hold a deep respect for the old Shaolin culture but sadly; it appears to be vanishing rapidly with the rise of its popularity in recent decades.

Ironically, while traditional Shaolin culture is disappearing, more and more people appear to be riding on its past success.  For example, more alleged Shaolin masters are appearing, especially in the media. For instance, my Temple name was given to me in 1997. In accordance with the Shaolin naming system, mine should be the only Shi Yanming of my generation, however there are more Shi Yanmings than myself.

I want to preserve Shaolin’s esteemed traditional culture so that it is not diluted or lost to commercialism. This is my duty, as well as my personal mission.

My effort to achieve this is to build a temple. This temple will not only be a home for Shaolin teachers such as myself, but also home for anyone who desires to learn traditional Shaolin culture. I envision this temple to be a spiritual home for all people. As a result, it will become a home for Shaolin culture itself. Once Shaolin is preserved in its purest form, it will allow more people to develop from its teachings in the future. I will try my hardest to see this journey through to its end, no matter how hard or long it may be.

I am certain that there are many people who also share this wish. They can be anyone, not just unsung, talented masters but also ordinary people who are deeply moved and inspired from the teachings of Shaolin. My wish is for all of us to unite together in this cause because without it, Shaolin culture may be lost.

Amituofu.

Being a disciple – a dialogue

Summer 2013 saw two of our UK Shaolin Temple members – Martine Niven and Max Childs - initiated as disciples of Shifu Shi Yanming. Since this meaningful event was released, many of you have become more interested in discipleships and what they entail. To help appease your curiosity, we have posed them a few questions.

Martine (Chen Miao Shan)                                                                                                                       Max (Shi Heng Hui)

Q: How long have you been studying martial arts?

Chen Miao Shan: Since being a teenager, but I would say that my real training and commitment to martial arts began when I started training with my master Shi Yan Ming. I always wanted to follow the Shaolin way and path but he has helped me to see that it was possible and to believe in myself.

Shi Heng Hui: All together I have studied for four to five years. I did some kung fu in my early teens but most of my training has been in the last few years.

Q:  When did you begin training in Shaolin Kung Fu?

Chen Miao Shan: I started training in Shaolin in my early twenties learning San Shou but I would say that I really started when I met my master. He was able to show me all the various aspects of the training.

                  Shi Heng Hui: Two years ago now.

Q: What drew you to it?

Chen Miao Shan: I loved the Chan Buddhist philosophies that underpinned its practice. I had practiced other martial arts in the past but felt that there was something missing from my training. Why Shaolin is so special for me is that it encompasses all aspects of the art, physical, mental and spiritual. It is a discipline which you can refine and practice your whole life. It is a complete authentic system that has a history of thousands of years. It is the birth place of Zen/Chan practice and of all martial arts.

Shi Heng Hui: I've been to a few different schools where you can get a black belt in 3 years and it’s usually a mix of two or three styles, which I'm not saying is bad, it works for some people but not everyone. I like this as it's still in its original form.

Q: On a personal level, how do you feel Shaolin Kung Fu shapes your everyday life?

Chen Miao Shan: I believe that Shaolin has and will continue to shape and change my life. It has always been in my heart from being a young person. It gives me strength in all aspects of my being and helps me to learn, grow and develop. It helps me to conquer my fear and balance my body, heart and mind. It has given me strength in times of difficulty and teaches me every day about how I can improve and better myself as a person. Spiritually it has given me faith, belief and understanding, and the knowledge & courage to follow my path. I hope to gain many realizations on my journey and be blessed to help others to do the same.

Shi Heng Hui: Well for a start it’s something to focus on but more than that I'm gaining confidence in my ability to face challenges. I can only put that down to the fact that shaolin is a very challenging art 

Q: What does it mean to you to be a disciple?

Chen Miao Shan: For me discipleship was a big step in my life. It was something deep down in my heart I wanted to do, but at first I didn’t know why or couldn’t express why. After a lot of heartfelt consideration I knew that I wanted to follow this path and my master. As I explained above that practice has and does give me so much in my life, and so I wanted to make a full commitment and learn the deeper aspects of its teachings and to understand the real heart of Kung Fu (Gong Fu). For me it is important to find a teacher that you trust and feel comfortable with but also someone who can push you and help you grow, to inspire you, make you think.  I believe that teachers come into your life for a reason to help show you something about yourself, to help you develop, learn and grow on your path. It is no coincidence of what character they are and the style in which they teach. For me I feel blessed to have found an authentic teacher that can do this and I trust and believe in his style and methods of training and practice. I feel excited and open to the process of what it will bring to me on this journey and in turn for others in the future.

Shi Heng Hui: It means a lot, it’s very humbling to have even been considered let alone accepted

Q: There are many people who idealise the idea of becoming a disciple, what advice would you give to someone who would like to pursue this path?

Chen Miao Shan: It is a huge commitment and decision to make in your life. It needs great thought and consideration and is something that shouldn’t be taken on so lightly. As a disciple you are choosing to dedicate your whole life to this way and have chosen to follow a teacher/master that you entrust to help guide and teach you along your path.

If being a disciple is something that you feel strongly about, I would advise that you think very carefully before making your decision. You may need to think about why you are doing it and make sure that you are doing it for the right reasons.

Its root is about being entrusted to carry on a lineage of thousands of years of martial arts practice and to pass this on to future generations. You do not become a disciple to promote yourself; in fact it’s quite the opposite, to be a disciple you have to adopt the Chan practices of selflessness and emptiness. Therefore your training encourages you to always dedicate your practice to others. It is a selfless, egoless path.

Shi Heng Hui: Not to idealize the idea. It’s not an end goal like some certificate or qualification. It’s just the beginning. It’s a commitment not to be taken lightly and you have to be sure that it’s what you want. If you are then great! Go for it.

Q: Has becoming a disciple altered the way you understand your training and if so, in what way?

Chen Miao Shan: I am at the beginning of my discipleship journey and so have a long way to go before I truly understand what changes will occur in my training. But as I understand it so far being a disciple has pushed my training to the next level. Within the training we constantly continue to develop ourselves, our self-awareness, self-discipline and practice, training our heart, body and mind. The discipleship has helped me to focus more on the details of the training. It has given me the confidence to learn and want to understand the practice at a deeper level.

Shi Heng Hui: For me, no not yet. It’s too early, but that's just a part of what I'm looking forward to.

Q: How has this change affected your relationship with your teacher?

Chen Miao Shan: It has brought about a huge bond of trust and support, it is a closer relationship like becoming part of a family.

Shi Heng Hui: It’s made it stronger obviously. I have a lot of respect for Shifu and what he's doing and when you get this level of respect and guidance in return the relationship can only go one way, this whole experience has been a positive one.

Q: Where do you see your training developing over the next ten years?

Chen Miao Shan: This is a difficult question because as a person I tend to live very much in the moment, so to look into the future is not a natural tendency for me. To quote from Kung Fu panda

“You are too concerned with what was and what will be. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. But today is a gift, that is why it is called the present" 

In practice I wish to continue learning, growing and developing. Encouraging others to learn, teach and spread the philosophy and practices that this amazing tradition and art has to offer.

                  Shi Heng Hui: Everywhere, there's room for a lot of improvement

                                                                                                                                               

Truth is found within

Let love and compassion guide your actions

Discover you’re a part of everything.

 By Chen Miao Shan

Treat every living thing as you wish to be treated yourself. This is a very old concept found in so many cultures around the world and it is close to my heart as I feel it says it all, its perfection is in its simplicity
                                                  By Shi Heng Hui