2.3. Ancient China
China becomes an important development center for martial arts. The first documented martial arts system appears around 4000 BC. Ancient fighting arts were preserved in the ancient text Kantsu. This ancient martial art is the basis of Chuan Fa. Chuan Fa comes in two unique styles: Taoist and Buddhist. Taoist Chuan Fa (Wakkin-Hi) emerges into Taichi-Chuan. Buddhist learn Shi Palo Hansho from Bohidharma. This emerges as So-Zu Kempo.
Recall the section on Ancient India. Bodhidharma does not appear in China until 520 AD. The historians have enough evidence to show that Bodhidharm was not the first to introduce a fighting style to the Chinese monks. His influence, however is still important to the development of karate.
The Shaolin Monastery founded in 495 AD by Buddhist monk Batuo. The first temple was built by order of emperor Wei Xiao Wen. This temple was originally built on Song Shan in the center of the Sacred Mountains of China. This monastery is one Bodhidrama visits and introduces the monks to the 18 Hands of Lohan
