American Kung Fu: Cross Cultural Growth

There exists a potent force that reverberates throughout the extreme sessions of mastery over the martial arts. Disregarding the typical annoying American tourist style of thinking in the first movie with the Catholic wife and the Texas rich man it was quite enlightening to the world of martial arts, Buddhism and kung-fu.

The expansion of the Buddhist martial arts from China, to Japan to America has shown that it is more than a purely cultural identity but a beneficial way of life that transcend any idea of race ethnicity or sex. This idea is further strengthened with the showing of the second movie which goes into detail the spread of kung-fu into the black community.

The kung-fu movement in America has demonstrated the rich and intricate culture of its Chinese origins but additionally shows the raw usefulness and help it can have on anyone of any origin. The cross cultural exchange not only allows America to learn of an art form that can greatly assist in ones peace and way of living but allows other countries to learn of all that encompasses American living. One of the monks in the movie mentioned America as an “immigrant country” which further shows the ease and effectiveness the mixing of cultures can achieve.

When black kung-fu users went to China they no longer had to deal with the racism to the extent in which they dealt with in America but they were treated like a specialty, an outsider who has accepted their teaching and way of life. The choice for some of the black kung-fu masters to live in China for extended periods seemed to be a more comforting and accepting environment at the time.

Overall both movies showed the potential for growth and the interest of the American people in the Buddhist originated martial arts. Which promotes more open mindedness and a better understanding of other cultures.

Kung Fu

Kung Fu has always been something i’ve seen in movies, traveling in china, on television etc. but never something I looked at in the aspect of it helping individuals in the long run, not to say I rolled out that option. I’ve had personal connections in a distant form that allowed me to be somewhat open to the effects it has had on individuals and the strengths it allows people to bring out in themselves.

First off my brothers (10 & 9) are currently in martial arts, i’m not sure if its Kung Fu, but I believe it is. From a different stand point now I can see that it has helped them become more patient, focused, relaxed and well mannered (well as much as a young boy could be lol), but overall I can see that it allows them to take out their boyish energies away from the house so we don’t have to deal with it along with teaching them self defense, again patience, and obedience. Secondly, my significant other went through a rough time in his life as a younger kid at the beginning of high school, he was constantly bullied, experienced suicidal thoughts, felt distant from his family..sort of like an outcast as the quiet one and began getting into trouble along with other things (not so good of course). After finding martial arts it allowed him a place of safety, focus on something other than the negative thoughts, obedience, manners and a push within school to get back on track and graduate. His grandmaster whom he looks up to in so many different ways make an great impact on his life, as well as saving him from himself and that really allows me to see the great outcomes you can take away from this form of art.

In the movie all the young men and woman you see seem so happy, content and hard working within this hobby and it has allowed each other them to sort of overcome something within their lives weather it be good or bad. It allows an adult figure in peoples lives that isn’t a parent or family member that is letting them see things from a different view than just a mother constantly ranting off whats right and wrong etc.

I personally have so much respect for the length each of the main role individuals from the films are going to try and bring kung fu to the US and make it a well known practice to allow individuals these key elements into their lives, almost eliminating a lot of the bad things and being able to move forward with positive thoughts and a hobby to focus on when the going gets bad.

Also, not only does it allow a form of mental stability but if you look at the individuals taking part their all so fit, healthy and quite good looking for some of the older people partaking. And, well, considering the way America is going with health wise and the rates of obesity occurring it would allow so many people to succeed and grow and live happy lives, if thats something they are interested in. I personally am a golfer and can relate this go Kung Fu as I know what its like to find a hobby thats such an ease for the mind, something that tests you within all different abilities and has allowed so much focus as well as meditation in my life.

I hope to see Kung Fu slowly grow in the states, the awareness of the art and sport and what it can do for all different individuals weather they be trouble, or just looking for a hobby in their spare time. I have so much respect for all the individuals that allow this to take up hours and hours of their days and making it the main push of their lives.

Martha/Mei-Jun/Kungfu

One of the things that really piqued my interest about these movies is that both of them were both directed by Martha Burr and Mei-Jun Chen and the thing I found most interesting is that they were women who had directed these documentaries about Kungfu. So far, from my understanding, it seems as though this recreation/sport/way of life seems to be predominantly male (although the documentaries did show women and girls doing it) as far as historically speaking. I was really interested in these two women though and what drew them to this so I decided to do a little bit of research.

One thing I learned about Martha Burr was that at one point in her life she was “named the Executive Editor of Kungfu Magazine”
(ITVS.org) and so I was able to better understand why she went on to direct two documentaries about Kungfu in particular.

With Mei-Jun Chen who is a native of Taiwan founded the Lotus Film Productions and has focused her career on primarily making documentaries. (newvideo.com)

Overall I liked that both documentaries were similar in the ways in which Martha and Mei-Jun obviously wanted to focus on each individuals stories of how they got into Kungfu and the interviewees history with it and what was nice about watching the both of them back to back is that I was able to pick up on some of the similarities in the stories between the films. Even in two different countries and two completely different times, most of these Kungfu masters all at one point in their life saw someone else doing Kungfu and feeling overwhelmed by it, they also wanted to take part in it.

detective code

Shaolin Ulysses
& The Black Kungfu Experience

It was surreal to see the hustle and bustle of New York City flowing around the monk Guolin was a curious and inspiring sight. He looked very calm and serene in the chaos that is New York, and it was lovely to see him. I’ve been to New York a number of times myself, and to China Town nearly as many, and I can honestly say that I’m a little sad that I never encountered him in any manner. I don’t quite recall if he was the first Shaolin monk to come to the US for his teachings, but I certainly thought he was one of the more interesting ones. In the film it mentioned how in 2000 he was able to open a Shaolin Temple, and upon doing a quick google search, it seems that in the fourteen years since he’s been able to open at least four more of them, with a number of other Shifus to join him.

While not necessarily the inspiring sort, Li Peng was quite interesting as well. Choosing to get married over remaining a monk, he has a wife and a child, but he still trains vigorously daily. It’s a little surprising that his wife doesn’t seem to have an issue with that, but it takes all types. I hope that in a decade or two we’ll get to see his son in films like this as well.

The Black Kungfu Experience reminded me a lot of a show called Black Dynamite. It might have been the afro, but in his younger days Ron Van Clief a little bit like the main character. I’ve never seen more than a few snippets of the series itself, but I really think it must has been at least partially inspired by the exploits of Ron Van Clief, even if it’s a bit more action packed and perhaps vulgar. I’ll try to make my next Rock post about that if I can.

Shaolin Ulysses: Kung Fu Monks in America/ The Black Kung Fu Experience

So before the movies started, I wasn’t very excited about watching them. I was just thinking “Ughhh Kung Fu movies? That’s gonna be boring!” But they actually were a lot better then I expected them to be. Both movies were very inspirational, and I think by seeing the history behind the art, it really gives me a different outlook on it. The Shaolin Palace was very beautiful, and it just seems very relaxing. It’s amazing that over 12,000 students are there every year…I guess I just didn’t realize how important Kung Fu was to Chinese culture. I initially just thought of it as self defense and nothing more.

It was also interesting to learn about Bodhidarma, and how he brought Zen Buddhism and Kung Fu to the Shaolin palace from India. That relates back to our book we were reading this week…”From Kung Fu to Hip Hop”. And the examples we were thinking of in class the other day for globalization. After the movie was over, Chico was bringing up Bodhidarma, and I think I was a little confused about it… it was a myth because Buddhism was already in China ? I don’t know. But either way, it connects back to globalization.

The second movie , The Black Kung Fu Experience was very inspirational. I like how all of the men in the movie took hardships in their life, learned to let them out in a positive way, and connect to something that they can express their self with. This was also another Idea of globalization because they would bring this art form from China and take it back to America, and teach the children the ways of Kung Fu.

Shaolin Gong Fu: Original Five-Styles

What characterizes each style and/or their practitioners? From Black Belt magazine:

#1 Tiger:

Popularity: high (for tiger), rare (for black tiger)

Shaolin saying: “Tiger strengthens the bones.”

Characteristics: strength, agility; considered one of the two most powerful animals in Chinese astrology

Strategy: tends to charge the opponent and attack directly with brute force, uses circular arm movements to overwhelm the enemy, relies on the arms but occasionally uses low kicks

Targets: any part of the body, especially those that react to tearing techniques

Physical requirements: relaxed muscles, speed, solid build, ability to adopt a strong stance and quickly change to another stance

Training: push-ups, sit-ups, calisthenics, sparring, chi-development exercises

Trademark: tiger claw, an open-hand grabbing and striking weapon formed by spreading the thumb and fingers, then bending them slightly

In legend: “It offers the power to shake the earth and to be the authoritative king of its lair,” kung fu master Rob Moses says.

#2 Leopard:

Popularity: high

Shaolin saying: “Bend fingers hard, like iron.”

Characteristics: strong, efficient, fast, technical, defined by accuracy, capable of stealth attacks

Strategy: strikes quickly to inflict pain, then follows up for the kill

Targets: soft-tissue regions and other vital areas, including the ears, neck, armpits, temples and groin

Physical requirements: relaxed muscles, supple strength, ability to quickly retract the arms and legs after a strike

Training: striking drills that develop accuracy and precision

Trademark: leopard paw, a half-fist that strikes with the second knuckles of the four fingers. It’s a rigid weapon that makes contact with a small, penetrating surface.

In legend: “It’s nature’s master of precision and prowess—sharp, efficient and lightning fast,” Rob Moses says.

#3 Crane:

Popularity: medium

Shaolin saying: “The spirit of the crane resides within the stillness.”

Characteristics: evasive, rarely offense-oriented, subtle, graceful

Strategy: keeps the opponent at a distance and capitalizes on the length of the arms and legs, tends to strike with the very end of the natural weapons, attempts to overwhelm the enemy with rapid hand strikes, evades using circular movements

Targets: soft areas such as the eyes, throat, ears and heart; sides of the head; ribs

Physical requirements: tall, long reach, ability to remain still for extended periods, good balance, concentration, minimal strength

Training: mobility-enhancing drills to develop the ability to maintain distance between oneself and the opponent, speed training, quick retraction of natural weapons, chi-development exercises

Trademark: crane beak, formed by bunching the thumb, index finger and middle finger together to strike with the fingertips

In legend: “It dances with accuracy and control, and offers weightlessness to rise above crises,” Rob Moses says.

#4 Snake:

Popularity: medium

Shaolin saying: “Hard like steel and soft like a rope of silk.”

Characteristics: deceptive, agile, fast, accurate

Strategy: relies on awareness, employs coiling motions and hisses to intimidate, uses whipping toe kicks to the lower half of the opponent’s body, utilizes simultaneous striking and locking techniques, avoids using the traditional fist

Targets: vital parts of the body, especially the eyes, face and throat

Physical requirements: thin build, quick muscles

Training: drills to increase explosiveness, which enables one to take the opponent by surprise; exercises that enhance balance and accuracy

Trademark: snake hand, which uses one or two fingers—or, in the case of the spearhand, all of them—to attack and defend

In legend: “It has extreme chi power, which helps activate profound sensitivity and enables all the muscles to work as one,” Rob Moses says.

#5 Dragon:

Popularity: rare

Shaolin saying: “Dragon fist trains the spirit.”

Characteristics: strong, smart, deceptive, unpredictable; includes traits of the other four Shaolin animals; considered one of the two most powerful animals in Chinese astrology and the sign of the emperor

Strategy: uses quick, snapping kicks that hit with the blade of the foot; uses the full fist and the forearms to strike; may combine physical techniques of the other Shaolin animals

Targets: any body part that can be grabbed; the head, which is simultaneously grabbed and struck

Physical requirements: relaxed muscles, ability to switch from soft movements to hard movements

Training: drills to build explosive power

Trademark: dragon-tail kick, which is used to hit or sweep; dragon claw, which positions the digits in a flatter orientation than does the tiger claw

In legend: “It protects treasure, defends against famine and floods, and is filled with ancient wisdom and folklore,” Rob Moses says.

Week 6, Thursday. Films and kung fu influences

I noted the differences in the mindset and practice of those who are from China (Shaolin monks) to those who found kung fu as a way to escape and grow (Americans), which provides a look into the different ways two people can practice what seems to be the same art, and how those who really refine their skill come out with the same outlooks (such as the necessity to bring your mind into the practice). The Shaolin monks are also similar to those immigrants in the labor field who, in their homeland, were seen as professionals and officials, whereas post-immigration they are treated as lesser workers and not as intelligent [such as those we read about in Takaki and Lee]. Similarly, those in America who “get it” may treat the monks as though they are high in level but otherwise they are treated as (and quote) “nobody”.

During the explanation of Shaolin temple history, I thought of a connection between the temple being rebuilt multiple times since the Ming dynasty and how perhaps kung fu has also been “rebuilt”, as its reason for popularity and the lens through which people view it as important have changed. This led me to thinking of my own lens on kung fu; I am not an avid movie-watcher and did not grow up watching kung fu movies, so when I was watching the movements and styles I did not think of Bruce Lee or other famous kung fu stars. Instead, I thought of Avatar: the Last Airbender (from here on A:TLA) and Kill Bill. I am also very ignorant to the different styles of martial arts and/or kung fu so while neither of these media examples may have kung fu influence I wonder if others like me who are ignorant to kung fu make these connection as well. And if so, how does this “tear down and rebuild” the temple of kung fu in pop culture?

For instance, when the Snake style was mentioned as being inspired by viper, cobra, python, and mamba snakes I thought of how there in Kill Bill there is the fictitious Deadly Viper Assassination Squad (an all of those affiliated within in have snake-influenced code names, although they do not all match with the kung fu animal style snakes). Is the symbol of a snake or use of snake identity influenced by the animal styles?

In A:TLA, the nations are divided by types of “benders”, which are those that are able to manipulate thei specific element [ of the four elements] with the sole use of their bodies engaged with the element. Below is a sort of “making of” or “behind the scenes” style video of A:TLA which explains the influence of style behind each kind. It has specific references to types of kung fu (including Shaolin kung fu and tiger/crane stlyle) an shows the animation is action juxtaposed with a live action example.

Click here to view the embedded video.

(For more on A:TLA, here is the specialized wiki.)

I found both of these important because they allow us to look at alternative ways that kung fu is being represented and how the styles have influenced pop culture beyond the definitive sub culture made popular by Bruce Lee.

Asian Americans in the News… Scavenger Hunt

The Challenger:

On January 28, 1996, The Challenger, a space shuttle was only 73 seconds into it’s flight when it fell apart and all 7 crew members died. One of them was Ellison Onizuka. He was a Japanese American astronaut who died on the space shuttle.

Paull Shin:

Paull Shin was the first Korean American elected to the Washington State Legislature.

WWII Stragglers:

Not all of the soldiers in Japan during WWII surrendered on September 2, 1945… some of them kept fighting without realizing the war was even over, many of them fought for years afterwards.

How I Met Your Mother:

In the episode “Slapsgiving 3: Slappointment in Slapmarra” the white characters in the show were playing a stereotypical Asian American character. There are normally no Asian Americans on the show.

One girl tweeted to CBS: “My race is not a costume.” -Suey Park

The Slanted Screen

The Slanted Screen talked about Asian American actors, and how they are portrayed. The main ones that were talked about were Sessue Hayakawa, Bruce Lee, James Shigeta,

I thought it was interesting that we got to hear about Sessue Hayakawa, mainly because we learned about him last quarter so he was one of the few faces I recognized.

It was a good turning point when Bruce Lee films started coming out so that there was finally an Asian American role model on the big screen for kids to look up to. It was also positive because it gave Asian American men more pride, because they look like such bad-asses in the films!

Another interesting point that was brought up in the movie was that in many Asian American roles, they are the villain, but often they would take this role even if it portrays them in a bad light because this role in a film is better then no role at all.

Nursing home or not?

During our class we have talked about Asian American children and their responsibilities of staying at home with their elderly parents as they age. This week I found an article about an Asian American daughter and her mother that has Alzheimer’s. The daughter had to give up her job to take care of her mother. The family is only living off of her husbands income. The kids of these elderly parents feel bad as to do they keep making money to help their own kids or do they give up an income to help their parents out? They feel as if they are leaving their parents and that their parents will be alone. The parents of these families believe these nursing homes will worsen their health. Today the suicide rate for elderly Asian American and Pacific Islander has raisin. These families don’t want to go to nursing homes because many nursing homes don’t have ethnic foods and speak their native language. In Philadelphia there trying to open a nursing home that carters to different ethnic groups.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/15/us/as-asian-americans-age-their-children-face-cultural-hurdles.html?_r=0

A-POP, Don't Stop

Winter 2014