On the evening of July 16, 2022, thundering applauses and cheers persisted at the De Anza College Visual and Performing Art Center theatre, in the world famous high-tech city of Cupertino. The ovation was for the Shifus and students of Shaolin Temple USA. Under the direction of Master Yanran, this Shifu-student performing team enchanted the audiences with a 2-act showcase of Shaolin Kung Fu.

Act I: Shaolin Kung Fu Chan

“Chan and Kung Fu are One”

At dawn's break and the sound of the morning bell, Shaolin disciples arrived at their favorite destination to begin their daily Chan and Kung Fu practice by a lotus pond.

“Chan is the foundation, attainment emanates from one’s own heart and efforts.” They practiced Shaolin Wellness Qigong, Shaolin traditional fist and animal forms, presenting a scene from tranquility to the vibrant action of leaping tigers and soaring dragons, softness harmonized with strength. Then tranquility returned. The essence of Shaolin Kung Fu Chan: “From the same origin, Chan and Kung Fu are one” was revealed.

Act II: Shaolin Kung Fu Chan

“Magnificent Shaolin”

Act II enthralled the audience with breathtaking performances of the 18 Shaolin weapons (a term to describe the wide variety of Shaolin traditional weapons) and Shaolin Hard Qigong.

Long and short weapons, soft weapons, double weapons, big weapons…, from the flowing elegance of Shaolin Damo Straight Sword, to dragon like maneuvers of the Shaolin spear and the imposing Spring and Autumn Broadsword, the audience were offered a dazzling spectacle, who awarded the performers their blazing accolades.

Shaolin Temple USA students who participated in the performance come from diverse professional backgrounds. There were college students, AI engineer, financial advisor, business owner, acupuncturist, and from Stanford University, a laboratory director and a senior librarian. They love Shaolin culture. Despite their busy study and work schedule, Shaolin Kung Fu is an important part of their life style.

The audience held their breath as the Shifus performed Shaolin Hard Qigong: Metal Helmet “Breaking Cast Iron Bar on Head,” and Iron Jacket “Breaking Wooden Staffs on Body.” Roaring applauses broke out after each jaw-dropping act.

Report: Tai An

Photography: XL, Lich Tran, Anthony Wu, Dong Ah Ge