As Brazil has become one of the most important target markets for Chinas automakers to absorb their electric vehicle (EV) overcapacity, local auto industry and labor associations have expressed growing

Shaolin kung fu, or Shaolinquan is one of the oldest extant styles of martial arts and one of the most influential. It has existed since the 6th century CE as a means of self-defense and exercise for Buddhist monks. Over time it spread throughout Eastern Asia. Even many modern systems of Chinese martial arts can claim descent from traditional Shaolin and they often use the name as part of their advertisement, for better or for worse. For those curious about this martial art, were here to provide a brief history and overview of Shaolin fighting systems.Origins of Shaolin Kung FuShaolin monks training. Source: Wikimedia CommonsThe earliest versions of this system of fighting are thought to derive from the teachings of the Indian monk Batuo (originally named Buddhabhadra), the first abbot of the Shaolin monastery, in the 5th century CE. Shaolin kung fu is not the oldest martial art or even the oldest in China (that distinction likely goes to Shuai Jiao), but it is the most widespread.Monastic life involved long periods of meditation; to counteract the potential negative effects of sitting still for long periods (e.g. blood clots in the legs), martial arts were introduced as a means of exercise and to foster wakefulness during Buddhist meditation. At first, the Shaolin were taught a series of simple forms known as Luohan Shiba Shou, or 18 Arhat Hands.Although the common story is that the monk Buddhadarma taught the Shaolin the Indian martial art of kalaripayattu, no historical mention was made of him until the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE), two centuries after the temple was built.Many Chinese martial arts are characterized by poetically-named techniques and large-flowing movements. So lets explore some of the most well-known forms.The Five Animal StylesWhite Crane Style Kung Fu. Source: Wikimedia CommonsThe various forms of kung fu inspired by the Shaolin are thought to be derived from the monks watching the movements of animals when expanding on the original 18 Luohan techniques that were created during the Sui Dynasty (581-618 CE). Legend has it that they would mimic the behavior and spirit of the movement, exemplifying the desired qualities of a martial artist such as power, balance, or flexibility as expressed in the animals movements. This may be the case for most of the forms; one of the five forms is that of the dragon and it is safe to say no monks were mimicking dragons from first-hand experience.Although different traditions have their own take, the five most commonly accepted animal forms are the Tiger, Crane, Leopard, Snake, and Dragon. Here are their commonly accepted characteristics:Tiger: Powerful strikes with the hands often through palm strikes or clawed fingers, low and broad stances.Crane: Precise strikes to soft targets using the fingertips. Focus on evasion using swift, yet balanced movements.Snake: Sinuous movement, attacking from deceptive angles.Leopard: Quick aggressive motions that strike from oblique angles, but not overly powerful.Dragon: Broad sweeping motions powered by solid biomechanics and proper breathing. Incorporates elements from the other styles.Conditioning of Shaolin TraineesShaolin Iron Palm Practice. Source: Wikimedia CommonsPracticing any form of martial art requires a degree of physical fitness. A strong core enables a stable posture with proper form and drives the movement of the limbs. Strong muscles and bones allow for explosive movement and can endure the force of attacking or defending from blows performed at full speed. Flexibility and speed allow fluid motion from any position without loss of power. It is said that the ideal feeling of, for example, a punch, is with the fist as a hammer on the end of a whip. For cardiovascular conditioning, vital for prolonged activity, running, jogging, and other exercisesespecially up stairs or steep mountain pathswork well.Some of the most well-known training exercises performed by the Shaolin include the Iron Palm which involves striking hard surfaces, Iron Body, which involves being struck repeatedly for the purpose of body hardening, and the famed water-bucket carrying exercise for endurance. They also sometimes use weights on their arms and legsnot too much, for fear of damaging ligaments and tendonsas a method of resistance training.Training of the Shaolin consists of equal parts cardiovascular conditioning, strength, and flexibility training, and martial training to learn the movements. As a part of meditation, the monks practice deep breathing exercises to cultivate qi, or life energy (which is derived from proper oxygenation and healthy eating and sleeping, nothing supernatural or mystical).WeaponsDao with scabbard, Chinese, 18th century. Source: The Met MuseumNot only do Shaolin trainees train to great skill levels in unarmed fighting, but they also attain proficiency in several weapons. The weapon most associated with the traditional Shaolin is the gun, or staff similar to the Japanese bo. The gun is held more like a European quarterstaff, with one hand at the center and the other near the tip. The techniques of this weapon bear close resemblance to battlefield spear techniques. The Buddhist beliefs practiced by the Shaolin prohibited them from killing except out of necessity, so the staff and the pudao, or the monks spade, were the preferred weapons when venturing outside the temple and are therefore part of Shaolin training still.Because the Shaolin knew that they could be targeted by someone wielding anything, they trained to defend themselves against a variety of swords, daggers, and other weapons. Styles that descended from the Shaolin traditions incorporated the teaching of these weapons for use by soldiers or police officers.Northern and Southern Kung FuMan Practicing Northern Shaolin Kung Fu. Source: Wikimedia CommonsNo fighting style is developed in a vacuum. Tactics and weapons evolve to meet the needs of the prevailing culture as well as the environment. In this vein, Shaolin styles and other Chinese martial arts often fall into two broad geographical categories: Northern and Southern. The division between these two regions is either the Qian mountain range or the Yangtze River.Northern China has vast open stretches of flat terrain. Martial arts from Northern China focus on broad movements, upright stances, and kicks, practiced in flowing patterns. They also incorporate more weapons-based training as a holdover from ancient military drills with spears.The original Shaolin Temple, located in Henan Province, influenced the majority of Northern styles.Southern China, meanwhile, is mountainous. A slip on treacherous terrain could lead to one falling to their death. Therefore, Southern styles focus on stances that are low to the ground for stability and short, close-range movements. The close movements also serve well in tight quarters, such as urban combat or aboard ships, e.g. fighting the Japanese pirates of the 16th century. The Southern Shaolin-influenced styles came from a sister temple in Fukien.Notable LineagesChi Sao Wing Chun form. Source: Wikimedia CommonsVirtually every modern Chinese martial art can in some way trace its lineage back to the Shaolin Temple, to the point that its impossible to list them all. Well focus on several of the most notable.Hung Gar: Created during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 CE), Hung Gar is a Southern Shaolin style focused on low stances, specifically the horse stance. Its wide footwork facilitates blows driven by the rotation of the torso and kinetic linking from grounded stances. It includes Tiger and Crane techniques in its repertoire of hand movements, as well as the use of the staff and broadswords.Wing Chun: Wing Chun is another Southern Shaolin style. Unlike Hung Gar, Wing Chun is focused on tight movements with the hands held close to the center of the body. The main characteristic of Wing Chun is its speed. Skilled practitioners can throw lightning-fast punches to vulnerable points and simultaneously defend themselves. Wing Chun is one of the styles that Bruce Lee incorporated into Jeet Kune Do.Long Fist: Also called changquan, this fighting style of the Northern Shaolin excels in leaping, acrobatic kicking techniques, and broad movements that involve more rotation. It also has an extensive weapons curriculum that teaches the gun, the qiang (spear), dao, and jian (straight sword), as well as over a dozen others. The extensive variety of movements and their acrobatic nature make it well-suited for exhibitions.Xingyiquan: This Northern Shaolin-derived style bears the closest resemblance to military drills. Its movements are sharp and linear as if fighting from within a tight formation. Staff and spear movements feature heavily in Xingyiquan. The motions occur at short ranges and are single-time that is to say, attack and defense occur in the same instant.Modern Shaolin Kung FuShaolin Temple Entrance. Source: Wikimedia CommonsThe Shaolin Temple still stands after having been destroyed and rebuilt several times over its history. It is an immensely popular tourist destination in China, with visitors from all over the world coming to observe the monks or even to live and train with them. Of course, to be allowed to do this requires that one speak fluent Chinese: there are few if any willing translators at the temple. Those wishing to join the temple can apply on their website, filling in all medical information, food requirements, and personal, passport, and visa information.Shaolin kung fu is practiced all over the world, so anyone wishing to learn need not necessarily go to China. Monks, upon gaining a recognized degree of skill, are allowed to start their own schools.

With nicknames like The Soldiers Friend and Hero of Two Worlds, Marquis de Lafayette went down in history as a man of means who used his resources for good. Involved in causes such as the American Revolution, French Revolution, and human rights for all, he was a soldier, statesman, and writer who is remembered with respect on both sides of the Atlantic. Though it may seem that he had everything handed to him on a silver platter, the Marquis proved that wealth and effective action can go hand in hand.1. He Had an Impressively Lengthy NameMarquis de Lafayette statue by Raul Josset, located at the William Reilly Memorial for Revolutionary War heroes. Source: Association for Public ArtKnown commonly as Gilbert du Motier, the man who later became addressed as Marquis de Lafayette was born with a rather impressive name. He was dubbed Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roche Gilbert du Motier, and shared a first name with his wife, Marie Adrienne Francoise de Noailles, a member of one of the wealthiest families in France.2. Lafayette Was OrphanedLafayettes birthplace, Chteau de Chavaniac, in 2016. Source: Clement Bardot / Wikimedia CommonsLafayette was born into a family with a lengthy historylongtime members of the French nobility. The men in his family made up a line of military men, serving France as far back as the Crusades. His mother traced her genealogy back to King Louis IX. Despite his familys status, prestige, and wealth, Lafayette was left an orphan (albeit a rich one) at the age of twelve.His father, Michel, was killed at the Battle of Minden, part of the Seven Years War, right before Lafayettes second birthday. The young Lafayette was educated by a local priest, then received a classical education in Paris, guided by his mother and paternal grandfather. Unfortunately, in 1770, when he was only twelve years old, his mother died suddenly from an unrecorded cause. Tragically, his grandfather perished just weeks later, leaving the young man heir to fortunes from both sides of his family, along with the title of Marquis.3. His Motto Illustrated His Free-SpiritednessA portrait of Lafayette by Jean-Baptiste Weyler, date unknown. Source: Wikimedia CommonsIn 1775, Lafayette adopted a motto to place on his coat of arms. Cur non was his chosen saying, a Latin phrase meaning why not? It was added to his familys historical coat of arms after Lafayette went against the French kings wishes and sailed across the Atlantic to join the Revolutionary War. The phrase is still used today at Lafayette College as a maxim to encourage students to think outside the box and follow their dreams.4. He Joined a War in Which He Had No Stake, Then Helped Start Another in His Home CountryLafayette in his continental army uniform by Charles Willson Peale. Source: Independence National Historical Park / Wikimedia CommonsLafayette earned his nickname The Hero of Two Worlds due to his involvement in both the American Revolution and the French Revolution. After learning about the American cause, Lafayette was inspired. The revolutionary ideas of young America captured his heart and led him to enlist in the Continental Army. At age nineteen, the Marquis was given a commission, and he offered to serve without pay. He arrived in America in 1777 and was appointed a Major General. He first saw action at the Battle of Brandywine, where he was shot in the leg but recovered.At the conclusion of the Revolution, he returned to France with a reputation as a national hero. In 1789, he served in Frances National Assembly and wrote the Declaration of the Rights of Man, playing a key role in launching the French Revolution. Despite his status as a wealthy military man, Lafayette was firmly on the side of the revolutionaries, looking to bring the freedom hed helped the United States gain to France. Nevertheless, he fled France as the revolution became violent and was briefly imprisoned. His fortune was confiscated, and many family members and compatriots were killed. However, at the end of the revolution, he returned to his estate near Paris and regained his status as a French hero.5. George Washington Was a Father FigureA depiction of Lafayette and Washington at Mount Vernon, 1784, by Louis Remy Mignot and Thomas Prichard Rossiter. Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art / Wikimedia CommonsThe commander of the Continental Army, General George Washington, took an instant liking to Lafayette. The two shared many of the same ideals, such as a belief in a strong central government. The young general assured his superior that I am here to learn, not to teach and saw the older man as a mentor. When Lafayette was shot at Brandywine, Washington entreated the doctors to treat him as if he were my son. Lafayette became an important part of Washingtons core advisory team, which included men like Alexander Hamilton. After the war concluded, the Marquis would return to visit his friend at Mount Vernon.6. He Spent His Own Money to Keep His Soldiers ComfortableWashington & Lafayette at Valley Forge by John Ward Dunsmore, 1907. Source: Library of Congress / Wikimedia CommonsLafayette earned the moniker The Soldiers Friend during the terrible winter that the Continental Army spent at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, in 1777. The winter brought snow and cold temperatures to an encamped army that was desperately short on supplies. Men were barefoot, and disease was rampant. Desertions were common, and the leadership of the army was eager to turn the tide and bolster the mens spirits. Lafayette took it upon himself to experience these hardships with his men rather than sequester himself in the comfort that his rank permitted. He purchased muskets and clothing for his men and was popular with the troops as a result of his generosity.7. Lafayette Was an Anti-Slavery HeroPortrait of Lafayette in his military days by Joseph Boze. Source: Massachusetts Historical SocietyLafayette and Washington did disagree on one topic. Lafayette believed that a goal of the new United States should be the immediate end to slavery. The Marquis was an anti-slavery advocate until his death, believing the practice should be outlawed on an international level. His Declaration of the Rights of Man, published in 1789, begins with men are born and remain free and equal in rights. To this, he also believed there should be no racial separation. This document would lead to the eventual development of a French Constitution. He was a supporter of women and their rights and spoke out against solitary confinement in prisons. He was against capital punishment and supported religious freedom.8. Napoleon Bonaparte Freed Him From Political ImprisonmentLafayette by Joseph-Desire Court, painted in 1834. Source: Palace of Versailles Collection Wikimedia CommonsAfter fleeing the violence in his home country during the French Revolution, Lafayette was imprisoned in Austria and Prussia for a five-year period. Foreign governments were concerned about his radical ideas and the potential threats they could pose to the status quo. Napoleon Bonaparte allegedly arranged for his release, and he was able to return to France. Despite Bonapartes support, Lafayette recommended that the emperor abdicate after his loss at Waterloo in 1815.9. His American Farewell Tour Was a HitA Currier & Ives image of Lafayette and Washington. Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art / Wikimedia CommonsLafayette made a Farewell Tour of America in 1824 as the nation prepared to celebrate its 50th anniversary. He was invited by President James Monroe and was welcomed warmly by Americans in 24 states. He was the last of the significant generals of the American Revolution to survive at this time and met with many past and future presidents, including Thomas Jefferson.Parades, dances, and lavish dinners were held in the Marquis honor over the next year before he returned to France in September of 1825. The boat that transported him home was named the USS Brandywine in honor of his first battle.10. He Could Have Been a DictatorA Lafayette Statue in Washington, DC. Source: APK / Wikimedia CommonsDuring the July Revolution in France in 1830, King Charles X was overthrown. During this time, Lafayette was given the opportunity to take the role of dictator and rule the country. However, this would have gone against the beliefs he had fought for his entire life, and he refused the position. Louis-Philippe became dictator instead, and Lafayette took command of the National Guard. He died only four years later after suffering from pneumonia.11. He Was Made an Honorary US CitizenAn older Lafayette, painted by Rembrandt Peale in 1825. Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art / Wikimedia CommonsOn August 7, 2002, the US Congress made Marquis de Lafayette an honorary citizen of the United States. He currently shares this distinction with only eight other individuals and is one of only two who earned the designation via a direct act of Congress. He became the sixth honorary citizen 39 years after the first, Winston Churchill, was announced in 1963. An American flag has flown over his grave in France ever since his death.12. A College Was Named After HimThe Williams Visual Arts Building at Lafayette College in 2023. Source: Dutch Treat / Wikimedia CommonsJames Madison Porter proposed naming a new college in Easton, New York, after Lafayette, after meeting him in 1824 on his Farewell Tour. Lafayette College matriculated its first graduating class of five in 1832. In 2010, the college awarded the Marquis the honorary degree of Doctor of Public Service at its 175th commencement ceremony.The college maintains a collection of Lafayette artifacts, including his sword, which was confiscated upon his imprisonment in Austria. The sword is brought out annually for graduation ceremonies. The college earns top rankings from a number of media outlets, including Forbes and the Wall Street Journal. It offers degrees from an interdisciplinary program that combines the unusual bedfellows of liberal arts and engineering. Currently, 51 majors and 41 minors are offered to students.Almost 3,000 students from 44 states and 60 countries around the world attend the college.

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