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Master Mohammed Khamouch
Early Muslim merchants and travellers of Arab and Persian origin, voyaged to China in their quest for the silk trade, enduring perilous journeys to establish strong trade relations that endured for centuries. This produced a dramatic increase in economic growth within Muslim mercantile communities, especially in the ancient imperial city of Chang'an (present day Xian) in Shaanxi Province, the eastern terminus of the Silk Roads and the Maritime (Silk Route) port cities of al-Zaytun (Quanzhou) and Guangzhou (Canton).
As Muslims settled and widely dispersed throughout the country, rapid progress was achieved in allowing Muslims to govern their own internal affairs, build Mosques and appoint a Qädi (Muslim judge) who adjudicated according to Islamic (Sharia) law. When a military commander An Lu-Shan revolted against Emperor Su T'sung in 755 CE, an urgent plea was made to the Abbasid Caliph Abu Jafar al-Mansur who immediately sent a contingent of 4000 soldiers who eventually quelled the unrest and recaptured the city.
Figure 1. A contemporary multicultural scene of the Shaolin Monastery with the Abbot and a senior monk at the back, attentively observing how diligently their foreign disciples (left) apply the art. Shaolin Temple witnessed the rise and fall of dynasties, and experienced both glory and destruction for its great pride, heritage and legacies, that left a discernible influence on world martial arts today. It was once said, "One Shaolin Monk was considered to be worth one thousand soldiers".
Chang'an, the "City of Eternal Peace", retained its normality once more and continued in its splendour under the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE),as the world's most thriving metropolis. During the Tang period a variety of different cultures, knowledge and spiritual beliefs, all interacted with each other; thus attracting many keen Japanese and Korean scholars who wished to learn and observe Chinese arts.
Many Abbasid warriors who helped the Emperor accepted the invitation to stay and settled in China, marrying Chinese wives thus beginning a natural process of integration into Chinese society while maintaining Islamic identity and stressing a common lineage and descent from venerated Muslim ancestors. These ancestors were colloquially known as "Hui Hu,' down the centuries, and founded one of the longest lived and rarest of all Muslim minorities in the world. This colourful pattern is implicitly mentioned in the following Quranic verse:
' mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of male and female, and made you into Nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (Not that ye may despise each other)"(Qur'an 49:13).
During the Mongol Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368 CE), founded by Kublai Khan, Muslims were granted special status and were known as "Da'shmd' or "Da'shman" (meaning the learned one), because of their outstanding ability and contribution as statesmen, astronomers, astrologers, doctors, pharmacist, architects, businessmen, philosophers and authors. P'u Sung Ling, popularly known as one of China's few great novelists, wrote stories considered as the Chinese equivalent of the Arabian "1001 Nights", obtainable in many languages.
The efficient management of Kublai Khan's royal court and palaces, which included over thirty high Muslim officials, was noticed by Marco Polo (1254-1324 CE), who was awe-struck by the mighty ruler. Out of twelve administrative districts, eight had Muslim governors and Muslims occupied numerous other senior positions in civil power. They were also military advisors, as well as martial arts experts and bodyguards who escorted caravans on long perilous journeys. Muslim scientists were invited to participate in various projects including the construction and running of the famous observatory in Shensi (Shaanxi).
Many distinguished Muslims responded to the Chinese need to fill strategically important gaps and excelled in all fields. Two expert technicians, who made "Hui Hut' (Muslim) cannon, were Allah-uddin of Mufari, who was later promoted to Deputy Wan Hu, the second in command of an army of 3,000 - 7,000 men, and Ismail of Syria, who became the chief superintendent in the manufacture of "Hui Hu,' cannon. Cannon made by these Muslim technicians was deployed during the Yuan Dynasty to shell the Hsiang Yang Fort in Hubei Province. The two technicians were possibly some of the earliest to use gunpowder!
Syed 'Umar Shams-uddin (known as Sayyid al-Ajall), a noble figure and descendant of the Prophet, contributed a great deal to the achievements of the Yuan Dynasty, and with his son Nasir al-Din actively proselytised and converted thousands of people to Islam. As a young boy, he was surrendered by his father (king of Bukhara) as a hostage to Ghengis Khan, who took him to Peking, where he was educated in both Chinese and Arabic. Being very intelligent, he was able to assimilate both Mongolian and Chinese cultures. In 1271 CE he was appointed by Kublai Khan as Governor of Yunnan and posthumously awarded with title of "Prince Hsien Yang". He shed new light on education, Chinese law, improved agriculture and was the first to establish the Confucian temples in Yunnan, despite being a devout Muslim.
Shams-uddin studied three types of ancient Chinese books, called the "Books of Changes" dating back to 909 BCE, which are understood by only a few scholars today. Shams-uddin was responsible for the origin of the "Tai T'sf, Yin and Yang symbol, an ancient concept centred on the Daoist philosophy and principle of unity of the two cosmic forces.2 When he died in 1279 CE, aged 67, many attended his funeral, and the non-Muslim Chinese people built a shrine in his honour, and a cenotaph in Guangzhou.
The opposing forces of Yin and Yang flow into one another and neither the positive or the negative aspect of the universe can exist without the other. In the West, the term martial arts denotes the art of war, derived from the name of Mars, the Roman god of war.3 However the philosophical background to Chinese martial arts is contained in the common idiom of "Go 1u", "Gd' meaning "hard" and "id' means "soft". The negative (Yin) element is the hard Kung fu, and the positive (Yang) element is the soft Kung fu.
There are literally several hundreds of different types of martial arts in China, all stemming from a just a few distinct branches. These consist of mainly the external (hard) Kung fu, and there are much fewer internal (soft) Kung fu styles. Muslim Kung fu, however, ranks amongst the best of both, the internal and the external popular styles of China.
Ever since the dawn of civilization, man has had a desire for unarmed combat and warfare to defend himself and his property. Different martial arts have sprung naturally from many nations in their long centuries of continuous struggle, incorporating similar fighting techniques tempered with cultural and spiritual values, transmitted from many generations that nurtured the ideals of the legendary fighting skills of the warrior's archery, swordsmanship and horsemanship. There is historical evidence dating back several thousands of years for the origins of the various organized fighting arts that have existed in Southeast Asia.
Figure 2. A frozen action depicting Shaolin monks engaged in unarmed combat welcomes new disciples at Shaolin Temple today, reminiscent of ancient past tradition.
One of the earliest references to unarmed combat is detailed in a Babylonian plaque dating back more than 5,000 years, which represents two figures in unarmed combat, using fighting stances and counter-blocking characteristic of Asian fighting arts.4 Another object, found in 1975 during an archaeological excavation in a tomb in Jiangling County, Hubei Province, dating back to the Qing Dynasty (221-207 BCE), is a decorated wooden comb depicting two bare-chested wrestlers, competing with one another in front of an official referee.5
In China however, elements of the Chinese martial art, known in the Western world by the popular name of "Kung RC, can be traced back to circa 2700 BCE during the rule of legendary Yellow Emperor Huang Ti, who fought and defeated his opponent Chi Yuo, using traditional Chinese wrestling methods.6 Such a wrestling style is different to that of western wrestling or judo, and was known as Shuai Chiao, or Shuai Jiao. It comprised hand and low leg tangling and kicking and evolved around 700 BCE as one of the earliest forms of organized fighting systems, sharing strikingly similar techniques to those of Kung fu.7
The late Grandmaster Ch'ang Tung Sheng (1905-1986), a Hui Muslim from Hubei Province, was one of China's most prominent exponents of the ancient art of Shuai Chiao. According to Matt Mollica (5th Teng), a senior student of Grandmaster Ch'ang, "attacking Ch'ang Tung Sheng was like sticking your hand in a blender. The latter accepted all challenges from many different styles and was undefeated for over half a century.
Wrestling was often performed before the Emperor and as part of military training, until unarmed combat developed further into a complexity of different fighting systems. During the Shang Dynasty (1523-1027 BCE), warriors fought wearing animal horns, performed folk dance, then grabbed and threw each other to the ground. During the Chow Dynasty (c.1027-256 BCE), at the beginning of Iron Age, archery and horsemanship was encouraged by all gentlemen and scholars of the schools of philosophy that had sprung
Martial arts, emanating from the Far East, have deep mystical and spiritual foundations, and are entwined with the doctrines and philosophical beliefs of Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism and finally Islam. Islam aroused the appetite of its followers to practice and excel in Wu Shu (military arts in Chinese), as a sacred practice. This is reflected in a famous Islamic proverb (some consider it a saying of the Prophet Muhammed, inspiring Muslims to "seek for knowledge, even unto China".
An example of how the Prophet applied such a principle occurred during the "Battle of the Trench" in 5/627 CE. He adopted a stratagem put forward by Salman al-Farisi (the Persian), to defend Madina by digging a defensive trench around the city. This proposal was judged by its merit not by nationality. Such a plan was hitherto totally unknown to the Arabs, but was commonly used by the Sasanids in Persia.
Spiritual belief played an influential role in the development of the Far Eastern fighting skills that we know today. Although the origins of Chinese martial arts go back to well over 5000 years, a major celebration took place a decade ago to mark the 1500th anniversary of Shaolin Monastery, where centuries of careful study of various animals and their fighting techniques have been incorporated to produce a uniquely skilful fighting techniques. Some of these are physically imprinted on the interior and exterior of the Shaolin temple complex; such as the "Thousand Buddha's Half where years of treading and stamping by monks during training has worn depressions on the surface of the brick floor.9
Various patterns of fighting skills gradually evolved into effective human forms of combat. The ferocious Kung fu style popularly known in China as "Tong Lun" originated nearly four hundred years ago towards the end of the Ming Dynasty, when Master Wang Lang of East Shan-Tung Province of China observed a fight between a praying mantis and a grasshopper.
Shaolin Temple, Si Lum in Chinese, one of the most famous religious establishments in all China, is situated near Mt. Songshan, 15 kilometress northwest of Dengfeng County town in Henan Province. It was built in 495 CE, on the orders of Emperor Hsiao Wen of the Northern Dynasty (386-534 CE) in honour of a visiting monk, Batuo (Fu Tuo in Chinese) from India.1
Figure 3. The author's martial arts demonstration at the Shaolin Temple's 1500th anniversary, was received with a round of applause, and saluted by Chinese television crew members and this young Shaolin monk.
Over a century later, in 651 CE, during the Tang Dynasty, a delegation was sent to China by Caliph Uthman Ibn Affan (r. 644-656 CE) from Madina, led by S'ad Ibn Abi Waqqas (d. 674 CE), from Beni Zuhrah, the clan of Aminah daughter of Wahb, mother of the Prophet Muhammad, who arrived at the port of Guangzhou to deliver the peaceful message of Islam. Sa'd was one of the most courageous warriors and commanders, was the first to shoot an arrow in defence of Islam, one of the best archers who never missed his target, and was renowned for his bravery and his generosity.12
Before S'ad journeyed to China, he had engaged in many battles along with many prominent Companions like Ali Ibn Abi Talib, a skilful swordsman, who was honoured with a famous sabre "Dhul Fiqae, by the Prophet who exclaimed: "No sword can match Dhul Fiqar, and no young warrior can compare to All. Ali demonstrated exceptional bravery in his courageous fighting skills, and his spectacular swordsmanship earned him the epithet of "Asad Allah" (The Lion of God). Ali's mastery of the sword gained him popularity and had a tremendous influence on the Muslim Ummah (nation), from the heart of Morocco to North-Western China where early Muslims choreographed an art of stick fighting that was named "Aff's stick'. Amongst other arts of swordsmanship "jian" (meaning straight sword), which existed in the past, were various sets like the "Qur'an's sword' and the "Sulaiman sword' (Arabic for Solomon).13
When Ali Ibn Abi Talib was engaged in combat, during the Battle of the Trench and had knocked an enemy warrior to the ground and raised his sword to kill him, the enemy suddenly spat on his face; Ali halted and refrained from killing him. "Why have you spared me?, the enemy asked. Ali then said: "0 Gracious God, you made property and life sacrosanct", and then replied:
"It is only permissible to kill a life while in holy combat, but when you spat on my face, you aroused my personal pride and anger so instead of striking you with a sword, I struck my passion for the sake of Allah".
The enemy gazed in awe by Ali's noble character, especially when Ali offered him to freely escape; instead the non believer immediately accepted the faith of Islam.
Imam Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya (1292-1350 CE), in his book of "Zäd- al-Magd", stressed the importance of exercise and its effect on the body, how it strengthens, enhances its immunity and protects it from diseases. He described strengthening one's memory, thought and reading, as well as the art of exercising one's hearing, talking, observation, and walking gradually starting from slow to a fast pace. Also self-discipline of the "nafs" (soul) in the case of happiness, sadness, patience and steadiness, forgiveness, piety as well as courage. These commended elements of the above exercises are to be found at the core of Asian philosophical teachings which form the basis of martial arts as we know them today.
Trying to achieve such profound wisdom which clearly emphasizes the need for perfecting and conditioning the body, and obtaining a high level of fitness, is followed all over the world by the Muslim way of life, in fulfilling both religious and worldly duties. The obligatory five times daily "Salah" (ritual prayers), "Salat tahajjud' (supererogatory night prayers), all help stimulate the "nafs" (soul) and the body. The rituals duty of Hajj (pilgrimage), which demands a great deal of physical and mental effort, in turn sustains the heart and helps maintain a healthy body. "A sound mind in sound body', just like the Roman poet Juvenal quoted over two thousand years ago.
Spectacular Arab swordsmanship was displayed during the course of the rise and fall of the Islamic empire, and today swords may still be found in every part of the Islamic world from Marrakech to Jakarta as part of the flags of some Muslim countries or as part of a wall decoration. In Muslim countries of South East Asia annual sword ritual processions are performed during "Muharram", the first month of the Islamic calendar, which marks ra's al-Wm, (New Year), where all "mats" (blade in Malay) or "wilah" (in Javanese), are ritually cleaned. In Java, the month of Muharram also coincides with "Surd', where the Javanese prepare for cleaning their "Kris" (a unique 30 inch long wavy-edged bladed sword) accompanied by a relevant Qur'anic recitation prior to beginning the cleaning procedure, by owners who are desirous of rejuvenating the spiritual power of their Kris.
During the period of 900s CE, Sun Tzu's Chinese military classic the "Art of War, was keenly read by Japanese Samurai warriors, who were originally taught with real (bladed) swords before changing to training swords called "Bokken", made in a similar weight of red oak and having the balance of a real sword except that it too could severely injure or kill an opponent. Special ceremonial rituals which were handed down by masters for centuries, were also performed during Japanese sword-making. Takuan, the great Zen master and swordsman was the first to apply Zen to the psychology of swordsmanship.
More uncharacteristic than the Chinese sword "jian" or the fine Damascus sabre, is the "Urumr (Spring Sword) of the Indian art of Kalarippayattu (normally kept coiled-up), which is made up of four steel bands, sharpened from both edges. This makes incredible sparks and causes confusion when released, swung through the air in a circular movement. A deadly weapon, mastered by only a few, it could cut off the heads of many attackers when rapidly swung through the air. However, a sudden loss of control can mean that its exponent can suffer a similar fate.15
Under the Umayyad Dynasty (651-750 CE), infantry men deployed weaponry such as bows, arrows in quivers, lances, double edged swords and javelins; they also wore helmets to protect their heads and leather shirts with several folds to guard their body. According to Ibn KhaldOn (1332-1406 CE), there were two methods of fighting, one by attacking and retreating and the other by charging at close quarters, until the last Umayyad Caliph introduced small compact bodies of troops differing from of early Arab troops who fought in ranks of single and double lines.
Master Salah ad-Din al-Ayyubi or Saladin (1138-1193 CE), son of the Kurdish general, was honoured by Muslims and Christians alike; he was the epitome of a great warrior, being chivalrous with a strong sense of justice towards the defenceless. He fought courageously and achieved remarkable success in defeating "alSalibiyyah" (the Crusaders) at the Horn of Hattin near the Tiberias, and recaptured "al-Quds" (Jerusalem) in 1187CE, ending eighty-eight years of occupation by the Franks.
Richard the Lion-heart showed off his skills in swordsmanship by cutting through an iron bar, and was immediately opposed by Salah ad-Din, who unsheathed his finest Damascus steel curved and narrow bladed scimitar and dropped a piece of silk across the edge, instantly cutting it in two. There is a similar contrast in the previously mentioned internal and external styles of Kung fu, where the external is hard in action, using muscular strength and is quicker to master, than the internal, which is soft in action and utilizes "chr internal energy and requires many years to master.
In China, however many thousands of martial arts practitioners of all ages begin their daily routine at the local park, for a session of Tai Chi Chuan, one of the most popularly used of the "internal' styles after Hsing-I and Pakua. This style has attracted for decades many due to its gentle movements and calmness of the mind, vision; yet its fundamental principle is not to resist or oppose an attacking force, but to reverse the incoming force against itself to restrain an attacker.
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