Shaolin Wheel of Life

Amazon.com

Have you ever done a handstand... on the tips of your index fingers? How about snapping iron bars over your head as if they were breadsticks? You'll witness these amazing feats and much more in this astonishing London performance of China's legendary Shaolin monks (familiar to Westerners from the '70s TV series Kung Fu). In perfecting their martial arts prowess, these devoted Buddhists have honed their physical and mental disciplines to such an uncommon degree that their movements seem almost supernaturally powerful. From the athletic contortions of a young acolyte to an older monk being hoisted aloft on the points of sharpened spears, these men and boys have conquered and crossed boundaries of control that would strike most outsiders as impossible if it weren't for their living proof. In demonstrating these and other kung fu skills, the Shaolin also enact their history as an enduring order, providing a theatrical narrative that's literally breathtaking. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Go to CMAOD dot com to learn real Shaolin and many other martial arts for cheap -- avoid phony teachers!.......2007-08-26

Shaolin kung fu is without question beautiful and if you wish to learn complete kung fu forms for only seven ninety nine per video disc, or slightly more for English-Chinese DVDs, visit the website that begins with the first letters of "Chinese Martial Arts On Disc": CMAOD dot com. "CMAOD dot com" offers every kind of kung fu form and style you would ever wish to learn from beginning to end: traditional hong gar, almost all styles of Shaolin, Dim Mak, traditional hong fist, animal styles, many fighting self-defense videos, wudang, er mei, and dozens of other complete systems of kung fu, including weapons, forms, and self-defense. You name it, you can learn it, without having to spend thousands of dollars to learn from phony kung fu teachers. Many Americans don't know that this website allows you to buy the best instructional VCDs and DVDs available. Visit the "wushu for youth" section of CMAOD dot com and you can buy the wushu fundamentals VCDs or DVDs that will teach you from the beginning stages. Visit the Shaolin section and you will find more fundamental Shaolin VCds or DVDs taught by two allegedly real Shaolin monks called Shi De Juan and Shi De Jian. I don't know how real their monkhood is, but they are gifted martial artists, and you can learn complete forms in many styles of martial arts. You've got to see this website to believe it. The owner Bill is a great guy, and offers great discounts on his website. You've got to visit CMAOD dot com to believe it. There are literally thousands of kung fu artists here that are "at least" as good as the so-called real Shaolin monks in China and America, and many are far far better. With a few bucks, they can be your teacher. If you can't find a good teacher in person, here's your only chance to learn real Shaolin or other styles for almost nothing. Ever wish you could find "the secret kung fu manual" to teach you various styles? Well, here it is in video disc or DVD form. Buy these VCDs or DVDs and enjoy learning great martial arts from top Chinese masters without worrying about being fooled by phony kung fu masters. Finally, every American has access to real kung fu learning at his or her own pace! I have written three international cover stories for Inside Kung Fu and Wushu Kung Fu magazines (now Kung Fu magazine) and can vouch that CMAOD dot com is the best source for learning authentic Shaolin and other kung fu step-by-step without being bamboozled by and kowtowing to phony practitioners of fake kung fu styles or schools. Learn at your own pace, according to your own interests from the best Chinese masters and grandmasters for less than eight dollars for VCDs.

Riveting Presentation.......2007-04-16

I purchased this product to present to a class I teach about alternative health and exercise lifestyles. My expectations were exceeded with every passing minute. While the play begins slowly, it doesn't take long to become fully involved in the dedication, athleticism, and tenacity of the Shaolin monks. I strongly recommend this DVD presentation.

Dangerous, a bit freaky, and just dazzling art at its best!.......2007-01-19

Like a Chinese Phantom of an Opera, but on film, and a lot more physical endurance, literally. The story was a bit boring, and some of the physical attributes seemed a bit repetitive, but otherwise undeniably impeccable. Some of these physical stunts people did take a lot of trust, physical strength, and endurance. You can't be drunk doing this kind of show, that's for sure. Things from a person standing on his two index fingers, probably with more help from the bar than we realize, and how a person made himself half lie flat on one sharp point, and another person laid totally flat on 5 sharp points with people he trusted helping him reach that point. Almost seems like visual proof of how acupuncture has an art form to it, and possibly even works. Some people being able to tumble or bend their bodies at incredible angles, especially if the people have some muscles, you'd think they'd be less flexible, but it's like holy cow, the entire package. If you appreciate physical talent and movement and not much storyline, this is a great movie to watch. Even though there's not much plot, it does not deserve criticizing!

I think there was only like one female in this movie if any, so sorry females! I guess you assume that people just chooses to live like monks and join the crew.

Helluva Show!.......2007-01-05

I know absolutely nothing whatsoever about martial arts, but I will tell you that this is one helluva good show - sort of like a martial arts ballet - telling the story of the Shaolin Temple and its monks. The monks themselves are graceful and strong. It reminded me of watching the Olympics on TV - sort of a "gee whiz, did they really do that?" quality. I also got a big kick out of the little kid monks. I know kids are generally more limber than grown-ups, but jeez! Don't let your kids try these stunts at home. Some of the posters here seem to know a lot about gongfu, which I don't, but I will say that all in all, this is a very entertaining DVD. .

Watch the documentary!.......2007-01-05

Excellent documentation of a fascinating production, which toured the US and told the story of the Shaolin teachings, as well as demonstrating the "Kung Fu power". The part I actually enjoyed most was the additional documentary about the creation of the production - how they formed a team to go the Shaolin temple and recruit monks of all ages (7-70) to be in the touring company. A very interesting story for anyone interested in some of the culture behind one of the world's true martial arts.

Average customer rating:

Go to CMAOD dot com to learn real Shaolin and many other martial arts for cheap -- avoid phony teachers!
Riveting Presentation
Dangerous, a bit freaky, and just dazzling art at its best!
Helluva Show!
Watch the documentary!

Shaolin Wheel of Life [Region 2]
Starring: Guo Jinming , Chen Defeng , Shi Yanyang , Xu Liying , and Wu Yanxing
Director: Nick Morris
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B00005NB06