After a few months of hard work and preparation, International Shaolin Wushu Center of St. Louis hosted a grand opening yesterday (April 23rd). It was an important event in the St. Louis martial arts community. Many of the local martial artists and sifus were excited about the Center and attended the opening to show their support and embrace this world-class martial arts academy. Grandmaster Jiang Dong Xu, the head coach of the international division of the world famous Shaolin Temple Kung Fu, was invited to bless the Center. As an honorable guest, Mayor Shelley Welsh of University City followed the Chinese tradition and painted the pupils of a brand new lion which brought the life to this golden beast. Dancing to the drum beats and sound of fire crackers, the lion brought fortune and energy to the Center as well as to the audience.
Shaolin Temple Kung Fu has a 1,500-year history. Over several dynasties, Shaolin Temple has repeatedly been destroyed by natural disasters or from the invasion of warlords. To protect its heritage and spirit, Shaolin monks have been trained with superb martial arts and safeguarded them through generations. Shaolin Kung Fu is a complex and extensive system. It consists of 72 techniques, including 36 external and 36 internal Qigong exercises. Shaolin boxing (Chuan) includes five imitating boxing styles (dragon, tiger, crane, snake, and leopard), Luohan boxing, drunken boxing, praying-mantis boxing, and more. It has 18 types of weapons, including broadsword, spear, sword, staff, hook, whip, shovel, dart, etc.
Master Xue Li Zhang (aka Master Shi Xing Xue) learned how to jump high from his grandfather at age 4. At 6, he won a martial arts tournament in his hometown Anhui, China, and was discovered by several judges from Shaolin Temple. His family sent him to the Temple to study martial arts at an invitation from the monks. For the next 15 years through blood, sweat and tears (he bled by punching the wall with fists), Xue Li Zhang grew from a boy to a martial arts teacher, champion, international tournament judge, and master. He assisted Grandmaster Jiang teaching in China. He toured with the Shaolin Kung Fu Troupe in a few countries to promote Chinese culture and Shaolin wushu. Last year, he was invited to perform in the Second Tiger Claw's Kung Fu Magazine Championships (San Jose, California) and won the best performance award.
There are a few Shaolin Kung Fu academies in the U.S. to teach the authentic Shaolin wushu, but mostly in large cities with big demand. Dr. Paul Lee of St. Louis is a martial art enthusiast and believes that St. Louis deserves a world-class wushu master. At Paul's earnest invitation, Master Zhang decided to establish a Shaolin Center in St. Louis. Many martial artists in the local community believe that this Center can promote martial arts not only in the metro St. Louis area but also in the mid-West.
Yesterday's grand opening was unique and eye-opening to St. Louisans. The ceremony adhered to the Chinese tradition and was filled with sights and sounds. Outside the center, there was an offering table set up with a roast pig, a cooked chicken, a pan-fried fish, three bowls of rice, fresh fruits, and red candles. At the beginning of the ceremony, Master Zhang, Grandmaster Jiang and Paul held incents and bowed to heaven, ancestors, and Buddha. They then offered liquor to the ancestors. Special money for the ancestors was burned. Mayor Welsh dotted eyes of the golden lion. After the lion dance, Mayor Welsh, Grandmaster Jiang, Master Zhang, and Dr. Lee cut the ribbon for the Center.
While the attendees enjoying delicious home-made food and catered food prepared by Little Saigon Caf?and Wei Hong Seafood Restaurant, Master Zhang's students performed basic Shaolin routine, Tai Chi, and Shaolin boxing. Even though they have only studied for three months, they all demonstrated relatively high skills. The youngest student is Veronica who is only 3 1/2 year old. Wudang Sifu Tim Bruewer, Chen Style Tai Chi Hun Yuan System Sifu Herb Parran, Southern Praying-Mantis Sifu Sheers, Chen Style Tai Chi Hun Yuan System Sifu Justin Meehan and his disciple Jardena Green, and Ms. Wang all performed to celebrate this joyful event.
Afterwards, Master Zhang presented his astonishing Kung Fu. Shaolin Kung Fu is famous for its hard style Qigong which generates extreme power and unbelievable body endurance. After amassing his Qi, Master Zhang slammed a 1/8" thick metal ruler onto his head and broke it into halves. Next he threw regular sewing needles through a 1/4" thick glass pane. Audience's jaws dropped as they were watching. To show his appreciation of Grandmaster Jiang's teaching, Master Zhang performed his favorite Shaolin praying-mantis. He flew through the air and flipped his body like an animated movie character. It totally defied gravity.
Conveniently located in University City, International Shaolin Wushu Center has a large studio with nice facility. It offers a variety of classes for martial art lovers of all ages which include adult Kung Fu, Kids Kung Fu, Tai Chi and Qigong, and Lion Dance. You can contact them at 314-308-3683 or info@shaolinwushucenter.com.
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