EIGHTEEN LOHAN HANDS
Eighteen Lohan Hands at a physical level
Question 13a
Sifu -- Did Shaolin Kung Fu evolve out of the Qi Gong patterns themselves? Or were they a result of the Qi Flow from these exercises?
-- Sifu Christina Didyk
Answer
Some Shaolin Kungfu evolved form the Eighteen Lohan Hands, some from the chi flow resulting from these chi kung exercises, and some from former generals who cultivated as monks at the Shaolin Monastery to attain Enlightenment.
The patterns from the Eighteen Lohan Hands evolved into the Eighteen Lohan Fist, which was the prototype set of Shaolin Kungfu. But the monks who evolved these Lohan Hands into Lohan Fist were already very proficient in kungfu. They introduced many of their kungfu techniques into the Eighteen Lohan Fist. They also created techniques to meet various combat situations.
Later, Zhan San Feng formalized his chi flow movements into kungfu patterns which contributed to the extensive repertoire of Shaolin Kungfu.
-- Grandmaster Wong Kiew Kit
Question 13b
Sifu, were the 18 Lohan Hands taught to the monks at a more physical level than what you teach us now?
-- Sifu Roeland Dijkema
Answer
Based on records still in extant, yes, I believe the Eighteen Lohan Hands taught to the monks at the Shaolin Monastery in the past were at a more physical level than what I am teaching now.
It was similar to what I first taught about 30 years ago (about 1980s). My early students had to repeat the forms many times in a relaxed manner without thinking of anything and with appropriate breathing. After practicing for about 4 to 6 months, they would have some slight chi flow. Gradually their chi flow became more and more vigorous.
Today in a regional course, students can have a vigorous chi flow in the first hour! It is incredible how much we have improved in our teaching methodology.
And now we realise that it is the chi flow, not the techniques themselves, that gives us the benefits of good health, vitality, longevity, mental freshness and spiritual joys. It took me more than 25 years to realize that, which was remarkable, considering that most other chi kung practitioners, including masters, may not know this important fact.
-- Grandmaster Wong Kiew Kit
Eighteen Lohan Hands resulting in chi flow
The above is reproduced from the thread 10 Questions for Grandmaster: Legacy of Bodhdharma in the Shaolin Wahnam Discussion Forum.
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