Shaolin Chi Monk Spade (小林 气 月牙鏟 Xiǎolín qí yuè yá chǎn)

Описание: When Master Chien Ho Yin (1904-88) died, he left behind a monk spade. He never taught the weapon form to anyone. For many years, his wife, Mrs Yin (1930-2020), hosted gatherings for his students at their house. I always noticed his old monk spade sitting forlornly in the corner of their living room next to the couch.

I knew all of master's kung fu and tai chi, but I always yearned to learn the missing piece: the monk spade.

Upon her passing, Mrs Yin left most of her husband's belongings to me. I distributed many of his prized possessions to his students, but I hung on to the monk spade.

During the pandemic year of 2020, the world shut down. With plenty of time, an empty dojo, and Master Yin's monk spade in my hands, I made it my mission to put his old weapon to good use.

I learned the basics by watching a Buddhist monk perform it on Youtube. I renamed the monk's form "Shaolin Chi Monk Spade." Then I set about creating four more monk spade forms: Six Harmony Monk Spade, White Ape Monk Spade, Grand Emperor Tai Chi Monk Spade and Plum Blossom Monk Spade.

The master bequeathed to his students many Shaolin weapon forms, including sword, saber, fan, wind-fire wheels, Guan Dao and spear. I like them all, but the monk spade has become my favorite. Learning it and creating all these forms has been a labor of love, and a tribute to our old master and his dear wife.