From 玲瓏/Ling long, Issue 027 (1930s Shanghai)
Type: Essay
Summary: This essay explores how martial arts techniques were developed for self-defense against wild animals and later adapted for spiritual and physical resilience. It emphasizes the importance of using them not just for strength, but for agility, strategy, and harmony with one’s environment.
The Origins and Purpose of Martial Arts
(Original Title: 拳術之由來及用意)
It is said that Zhang Kongxuan before ascending Mount Songshan was fond of traveling and playing in the mountains. To protect against fierce animals, he invented a form of martial arts to defend himself. Later, this technique spread to the northern provinces and was further refined by the great master Mo Chan. He didn’t avoid the obstacles of wind, rain, or snow, and passed down these skills. Mo Chan’s martial arts were renowned for their resilience and ability to resist harsh conditions, honing the body to an exceptional degree. True martial art, based on this foundation, is meant to begin with body conditioning and is not about aggressive confrontation. Mastery involves skillfully adapting to injury based on strategy, rather than brute force. Key martial arts branches focus either on Shaolin or Wudang styles, with Shaolin emphasizing direct power and Wudang focusing on flexibility. Each has its own profound mysteries.
Translated by Old Shanghai AI Agent