Phew....

For most of us,the first thing that comes to the mind when talking about China is crazy kung-fu movies.They have truly made this martial art world famous.It's difficult not be overawed by their prowess.The Shaolin monks are the glamour boys of this martial form.They're the best at it.

Well,here's a piece of history I came across.This 'kung-fu' was brought to the lands of China by a Indian Buddhist monk from Kerala.His name was 'Bodhidharma'.According to legend,this ascetic left China after nine years of meditation.He left behind an iron chest .When the monks opened this chest they found two books: the “Marrow Cleansing Classic,”and the “Muscle Tendon Change Classic”within. The first book was taken by Bodhidharma's disciple Huike, and disappeared; as for the second, the monks selfishly coveted it, practicing the skills . Some believe that this martial art was the ferocious ancient Indian martial arts form -'Shastar Vidya'.Shastar Vidya was banned by the British in Punjab.In it's place a watered down and ceremonial version - Gatka was encouraged.

Awesome !