The Fall of the Southern Shaolin Temple and Rise of the Ten Tigers of Canton

Once nestled atop the picturesque mountains of southern China, the Southern Shaolin Temple was not merely a physical structure but a vibrant epicenter of martial arts and spiritual discipline. For centuries, it stood as a symbol of resilience, wisdom, and power. However, its fall from grace and the subsequent rise of the Ten Tigers of Canton marked a turning point in the region's martial history, leaving an indelible impact on both the locals and the global martial arts community.

The Birth of Southern Shaolin

In the early 17th century, during the Qing Dynasty, the Southern Shaolin Temple was established by Buddhist monk Jueyuan, who sought a secluded place to cultivate peace and martial arts mastery. Perched on the Song Mountain, its secluded location provided the perfect atmosphere for the monks to pursue their spiritual and physical training.

The temple's reputation for nurturing exceptional martial artists grew rapidly, attracting practitioners from various backgrounds. Its unique blend of Zen Buddhism and martial techniques gave birth to a distinctive style known as the Southern Shaolin Kung Fu. Under the guidance of eminent masters, this style flourished and gained recognition as one of the most formidable martial arts disciplines of the time.

The Fall of the Southern Shaolin Temple and Rise of the Ten Tigers of Canton

by Homer B. Hulbert(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	44714 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	326 pages

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The Rise of the Ten Tigers of Canton

As the Southern Shaolin Temple prospered, it became a beacon of inspiration and a gathering place for aspiring martial artists. Throughout its history, countless talented practitioners carved their path to perfection within its sacred walls. However, the temple's fortune took a tragic turn during the late 19th century due to political turbulence and external threats.

The temple faced repeated attacks from various forces seeking to suppress its influence. Despite fierce resistance from the monks, the Southern Shaolin Temple eventually succumbed to an overwhelming assault, leading to its destruction. The surviving monks dispersed, seeking refuge in neighboring provinces.

Among those who escaped the onslaught were ten exceptional disciples who would later emerge as the formidable Ten Tigers of Canton. Each of these esteemed warriors had dedicated their lives to mastering the Southern Shaolin Kung Fu under the temple's tutelage. Unbroken by the temple's demise, they vowed to preserve their heritage and continue their martial journey.

The Indomitable Legacy

With the Southern Shaolin Temple's demise, the Ten Tigers of Canton faced an uncertain future, but their unwavering determination propelled them to new heights. They dispersed throughout the region, establishing martial arts schools and fiercely guarding the Southern Shaolin legacy.

Wong Yan Lum, one of the ten warriors, founded the renowned Choy Gar school, renowned for its emphasis on powerful strikes. Lau Sam Ngan established the famous Hung Kuen style, celebrated for its explosive movements and strong stances. The other Tigers also made significant contributions, each shaping martial arts in their own unique way.

However, it was the rise of another legendary figure, Wong Fei Hung, that truly solidified the Ten Tigers' legacy. Wong Fei Hung, a student of one of the Ten Tigers, became one of the most revered martial artists in history. Renowned for his excellence in the Hung Gar style, his exceptional skills and noble character inspired countless practitioners for generations to come.

The Global Impact

The legacy of the Southern Shaolin Temple, despite its fall, continues to resonate worldwide. The Ten Tigers of Canton and their disciples played a pivotal role in spreading the knowledge and spirit of Southern Shaolin Kung Fu beyond the borders of China.

Today, martial arts schools around the world proudly teach and preserve the Southern Shaolin Kung Fu heritage. Practitioners are captivated not only by the martial techniques but also by the discipline, philosophy, and spirituality that accompany the art.

The fall of the Southern Shaolin Temple was undoubtedly a harrowing moment in martial arts history. Yet, from its ashes emerged the indomitable spirit of the Ten Tigers of Canton. Their unwavering dedication to preserving their heritage and spreading the art of Southern Shaolin Kung Fu ensured that the legacy of the Southern Shaolin Temple would live on forever.

Today, as practitioners immerse themselves in the sacred teachings of their predecessors, one can't help but reflect upon the resilience and profound influence of the Southern Shaolin Temple and the rise of the Ten Tigers of Canton.

The Fall of the Southern Shaolin Temple and Rise of the Ten Tigers of Canton

by Homer B. Hulbert(Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	44714 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	326 pages

FREE

The Fall of the Southern Shaolin Temple and the Rise of the Ten Tigers of Canton tells the legendary story of the Southern Shaolin Temples in Fukien Provence, China, and of the renowned Shaolin Kung Fu masters who trained there.

Events and betrayals led to the destruction of these Southern Shaolin Temples. The survivors fled from the Ch’ing/Qing army and dispersed around Kwangtung/Guangdong Province. Many of these eventually settled in or around the provincial capital city of Canton. They, in turn, taught their kung fu among the general population, which led to the rise of several eminent kung fu masters.

The ten best were chosen and from then on would be known as the Ten Tigers of Canton.