Spirit of Shaolin (P)

David Carradine was an actor in the original "Kung Fu" television series of the early 1970s. Although Bruce Lee introduced martial arts to mainstream American living rooms as Kato in "The Green Hornet," this program had a deeper martial arts theme, and the show was very popular. Mr. Carradine was asked by his martial arts master, Sifu (Master) Kam Yuen, to write a book that would present the teachings and principles of Kung Fu. The book is divided into three parts: Stories, Ancient Wisdom, and Lessons. I will devote more commentary to the last two sections. This work was published in 1991. At the time, Mr. Carradine had studied Kung Fu and related martial arts for 18 years. Book One: Stories Ironically, Mr. Carradine, who never had any martial arts training prior to the television series, beat out Bruce Lee for the part of "Kwai Chang Caine." Sifu Yuen was hired as the Kung Fu consultant, and Mr. Carradine remarked, "We concentrated on what I did well, and stayed away from the stuff that looked awkward on me." Mr. Carradine did not begin to study Kung Fu rigorously until the third season of the program. Due to FCC censorship laws, "Kung Fu" could only film four minutes of actual fight scenes per episode. The show followed the journeys of a Chinese immigrant in the American West during the late 18th century. "We just kept beating our old drum, by coupling excellent production values with historical accuracy, kung fu fighting, and Chinese wisdom. We documented redneck prejudice and gave an authentic chronicle of the difficulties of the Chinese people in America." After the series ended in 1975, Mr. Carradine appeared in a few movies. He also produced two video tapes with Sifu Kam Yeun. One on Kung Fu, and the other on Tai Chi. Book Two: Ancient Wisdom Roots of Kung Fu The Chinese martial art of Kung Fu traces its roots to the 6th century A.D. A Hindu monk, Bodhidharma, was traveling through Northern China. One of his visits took him to a Shaolin (which means "Young Forest") Buddhist monastery. At this locale, he developed 18 forms called "ahrat" movements that would provide the basis for modern day Kung Fu. Actually, Kenpo was also developed at Shaolin monasteries in Northern China. Kung Fu means "To know what to do." As Mr. Carradine states, "(Kung Fu) continues to teach the body and mind throughout life, and further establishes and strengthens the communication link between the two." Chinese Teachings Chinese philosophy traces its roots to two distinct sources: Taoism and Confucianism. Taoism was created by Lao Tzu, a teacher whose name means "Old Master." He published his thoughts in the "Tao Te Ching," which remains a classic in Oriental literature. The word "Tao" means "The Way." The book title means "Changes in the Way." Confucius, who is also known as K'ung Fu-tzu, lived sometime between the 5th and 6th Centuries B.C. He developed a social and familial code of conduct. His philosophies were presented in the Wu Ching, along with the

Great intro to Shaolin, philosophy, spirituality, way of life and self defense. Serves as great launching point for more in depth studies. I find it amusing that one reviewer critises it, stating it calls Bruce Lee an actor. Carradine gives nothing but respect and credit to Bruce Lee in this book. He merely states some facts about Lee's life that include having an actor father and having some acting experience...

The original Kung Fu television show inspired me to begin studying martial arts: 24 years later I am still as fascinated by the martial arts as ever. David Carridine is no expert and much of his information on styles and systems is grossly inaccurate; overlook these flaws and what you find is a very interesting, heartfelt account of how the spirit of the martial arts affected, almost in spite of himself, a very intelligent but flawed man. Carradine no doubt ruffles the feathers of the Bruce Lee cultists who want to deify Lee, they should remember that Lee was a brilliant martial artist who deliberately chose to become a movie star. Carradines' advice seems very genuine and sincere. No, he is not a sensei, sifu, or master; he is simply a very complex man whose journey into the martial arts (a journey which seems to have not always been a pancea for his own demons) fundamentally changed him. Read this book not as a definite guide to Kung Fu, but rather as an exploration into personal change and growth.

The Spirit of Shaolin is an exceptionally readable book for those interested in discovering Kung Fu. It takes you on one man's journey to finding himself through this practice. That the man happens to be David Carradine, TV's Caine, is an interesting parallel. For those more versed in Kung Fu this book may contain too little, for those who adhere to Bruce Lee and his methods this book may anger, for those of us who are curious and who are an unwritten page ourselves this book is just what the doctor ordered.

The Spirit of Shaolin contains much autobiographical information on David Carradine and details of the making of the original Kung Fu TV series. Within this interesting narrative is a motivational philosoply of self development. Following the the story of the evolution of both the TV series and of the man are some very useful and informative chapters on physical, mental and emotional self improvement techniqes and the the Chinese philosophy of the martial arts that underlies these techniques. It is clear that much of the philosophy and self-development advice comes from his master of many years, Sifu & Dr. Kam Yuen who is grandmaster of Kung Fu,doctor and Chinese Healer who currently practices and teaches Chinese Energetic Medicine at his Shaolin West International Martial Arts and Healing Center in Canoga Park California as well as in lectures throughout the world. The book is an excellent complement to the David Carradine Kung Fu and Tai Chi Workout tapes which were also done with his master, Dr. Kam Yuen. I would highly recommend both The Spirit of Shaolin and the original David Carradine Kung Fu and Tai Chi workout videos to anyone looking for an exellent start in using martial arts and Chinese philosophy on their path toward self development.