Editing The World of Kung-Fu 3.1: Shaolin

Shorinji Kempo was introduced to the secular world by Japanese Buddhist monks after World War II, in an effort to reinvigorate Buddhist values in Japan. Today, the style is popular enough in the US to provide most of the Shaolin faction’s troops. Insofar as the Shaolin can field an “army”, it will mostly be composed of Kempo students. Kempo is not as selective in accepting students as other Shaolin faction styles precisely because they understand the importance of numbers in battle. To the horror of traditional Kempo artists, the effectiveness of the style has attracted the attention of martial artists who care nothing about Buddhism and just want to kick butt.

Shorinji Kempo was introduced to the secular world by Japanese Buddhist monks after World War II, in an effort to reinvigorate Buddhist values in Japan. Today, the style is popular enough in the US to provide most of the Shaolin faction’s troops. Insofar as the Shaolin can field an “army”, it will mostly be composed of Kempo students. Kempo is not as selective in accepting students as other Shaolin faction styles precisely because they understand the importance of numbers in battle. To the horror of traditional Kempo artists, the effectiveness of the style has attracted the attention of martial artists who care nothing about Buddhism and just want to kick butt.

Kempo sees itself as the natural leader of the Japanese styles. It strives to end the Karate Wars by convincing the Karateka to focus on Buddhism. Of all the Shaolin faction, Kempo fighters are the least resistant to working with Vigilantes. Kempo understands some of the harsh realities of the Kung Fu War as it is raging on the streets of America, and know how useful it can be to have Vigilante allies, as imperfect as they are.

Kempo sees itself as the natural leader of the Japanese styles. It strives to end the Karate Wars by convincing the Karateka to focus on Buddhism. Of all the Shaolin faction, Kempo fighters are the least resistant to working with Vigilantes. Kempo understands some of the harsh realities of the Kung Fu War as it is raging on the streets of America, and know how useful it can be to have Vigilante allies, as imperfect as they are.

For members of the Shaolin faction, Kempo fighters have a reputation for being streetwise and technologically competent, and for urging the rest of the faction to get up to date.

For members of the Shaolin faction, Kempo fighters have a reputation for being streetwise and technologically competent, and for urging the rest of the faction to get up to date.

Invented by Tibetan monks, Pak Hok, or “White Crane Kung Fu”, is a Tibetan development of Shaolin Kung Fu, based on observation of Cranes. Pak Hok’s proven effectiveness in combat has attracted some western students who just want to win fights, and couldn’t care less about Buddhism or monastic loyalties. However, masters are expected to keep style secrets out of the hands of unworthy students.4  Monks who practice Pak Hoc have been mistaken for Shaolin for centuries, and are traditionally irritated by this. With the encouragement of the monastic hierarchy, Pak Hok artists are often vocal about the wonderful culture and traditions of Tibet, and seek to make appreciation of Tibetan culture more widespread in other nations. Pak Hok classes aren’t hard to find, but being Trained by a Maste, usually requires spending time in Tibet, and most often, becoming a Buddhist monk.

Invented by Tibetan monks, Pak Hok, or “White Crane Kung Fu”, is a Tibetan development of Shaolin Kung Fu, based on observation of Cranes. Pak Hok’s proven effectiveness in combat has attracted some western students who just want to win fights, and couldn’t care less about Buddhism or monastic loyalties. However, masters are expected to keep style secrets out of the hands of unworthy students.4  Monks who practice Pak Hoc have been mistaken for Shaolin for centuries, and are traditionally irritated by this. With the encouragement of the monastic hierarchy, Pak Hok artists are often vocal about the wonderful culture and traditions of Tibet, and seek to make appreciation of Tibetan culture more widespread in other nations. Pak Hok classes aren’t hard to find, but being Trained by a Maste, usually requires spending time in Tibet, and most often, becoming a Buddhist monk.

Despite Pak Hok having been developed independently of the Chinese Crane styles, grudges against the Cranes have been extended to Pak Hok and they are regarded as enemies by the Lizards, the Toads, and especially the Monkeys. The bad blood with Lizards and Toads makes Pak Hok a particularly relentless foe of the Five Venoms.

Despite Pak Hok having been developed independently of the Chinese Crane styles, grudges against the Cranes have been extended to Pak Hok and they are regarded as enemies by the Lizards, the Toads, and especially the Monkeys. The bad blood with Lizards and Toads makes Pak Hok a particularly relentless foe of the Five Venoms.

There are myriad animal styles that trace their roots back to Shaolin Kung Fu, but only one has stayed fiercely loyal to the Shaolin. The style was invented by 11th century monk Wang Lang, after watching praying mantises when he should have been meditating. The Praying Mantis have a reputation for being ruthless, forsaking the peaceful and compassionate example of the monks, even as they fight the Shaolin’s wars. This reputation is unfair. Mantis are pragmatic, which is part of what makes them so useful, but they still mean to be on the side of good and take their Buddhist values seriously.

There are myriad animal styles that trace their roots back to Shaolin Kung Fu, but only one has stayed fiercely loyal to the Shaolin. The style was invented by 11th century monk Wang Lang, after watching praying mantises when he should have been meditating. The Praying Mantis have a reputation for being ruthless, forsaking the peaceful and compassionate example of the monks, even as they fight the Shaolin’s wars. This reputation is unfair. Mantis are pragmatic, which is part of what makes them so useful, but they still mean to be on the side of good and take their Buddhist values seriously.

It is difficult to find Praying Mantis teachers. Masters pass on their skills only to those they expect to become Kung Fu masters themselves, and to fight for the Shaolin faction in the Kung Fu War. Many Praying Mantis masters work in the military and police, devoting their lives to protecting the public. Suitably honorable and dedicated comrades may be recruited to the Shaolin cause and trained in the secrets of Praying Mantis style.

It is difficult to find Praying Mantis teachers. Masters pass on their skills only to those they expect to become Kung Fu masters themselves, and to fight for the Shaolin faction in the Kung Fu War. Many Praying Mantis masters work in the military and police, devoting their lives to protecting the public. Suitably honorable and dedicated comrades may be recruited to the Shaolin cause and trained in the secrets of Praying Mantis style.

Praying Mantis are traditional enemies of Crow, Centipede and Scorpion. Because of Centipede and Scorpion’s central role in The Five Venoms, the Mantis have become passionate enemies of the Venoms, and of crime in general. The Mantis are also rivals with the Wudang faction Hsing I Chuan, who also recruit from soldiers and special ops agents. Mantis does recognize that Hsing I Chuan are essentially “good guys” however.

Praying Mantis are traditional enemies of Crow, Centipede and Scorpion. Because of Centipede and Scorpion’s central role in The Five Venoms, the Mantis have become passionate enemies of the Venoms, and of crime in general. The Mantis are also rivals with the Wudang faction Hsing I Chuan, who also recruit from soldiers and special ops agents. Mantis does recognize that Hsing I Chuan are essentially “good guys” however.

The classic fallen Shaolin is a cynical, hedonistic mercenary. The life of a monk is a demanding one, devoid of most of the pleasures of the flesh. Sometimes, monks give into temptation, break their vows, and cash in on their incredible martial arts skills. Whether serving as assassins, bodyguards, enforcers, or instructors, a rogue Shaolin is an invaluable tool for any criminal organization.  Typically, the monks indulge enthusiastically in worldly joys, drinking alcohol, eating meat, gambling, and trying to have all the fun money can buy. However, they often find it difficult to shake all elements of their old life. They might keep their head shaved, or abstain from intoxicants, or suffer attacks of merciful feelings.

The classic fallen Shaolin is a cynical, hedonistic mercenary. The life of a monk is a demanding one, devoid of most of the pleasures of the flesh. Sometimes, monks give into temptation, break their vows, and cash in on their incredible martial arts skills. Whether serving as assassins, bodyguards, enforcers, or instructors, a rogue Shaolin is an invaluable tool for any criminal organization.  Typically, the monks indulge enthusiastically in worldly joys, drinking alcohol, eating meat, gambling, and trying to have all the fun money can buy. However, they often find it difficult to shake all elements of their old life. They might keep their head shaved, or abstain from intoxicants, or suffer attacks of merciful feelings.

Kempo and Pak Hok villains have usually been trained by criminal or commercial organizations and have never been part of the Shaolin faction. The effectiveness of these styles is well known enough that they appeal to athletes, tough-guys, and gangsters.

Kempo and Pak Hok villains have usually been trained by criminal or commercial organizations and have never been part of the Shaolin faction. The effectiveness of these styles is well known enough that they appeal to athletes, tough-guys, and gangsters.