Shaolin Warriors perform exhilarating kung fu show

JAKARTA. Chinese New Year in Jakarta has been made all the merrier as a Shaolin troupe from Beijing, China, visits the capital to perform the first ever on-stage kung fu show in Indonesia.

To showcase its kung fu prowess, the China Performing Arts Agency (CPAA) brought 20 warriors with them to the capital for the theatrical show at Ciputra Artpreneur in South Jakarta.

Having performed in more than 40 countries, Shaolin Warriors, created by CPAA in 2000, has entertained millions of people.

“We’re so glad for the chance to visit Indonesia. Not many people know about Shaolin culture and we want to promote it through our show here,” said Deng Ronghui, the troupe company manager.

The Shaolin Warriors theatrical show is centered on the journey of a boy studying Shaolin martial arts and philosophy at a monastery.

“We’re telling the story of how Shaolin kung fu began, by following the journey of a boy who studied martial arts at a temple,” Ronghui said during a rehearsal.

Throughout the 105-minute show, set in 1620, the boy is seen to undergo a grueling training regime that teaches him become, both mentally and physically, a strong individual while the daily life of the 20 Shaolin warriors is simultaneously witnessed through adrenaline-pumping action.

In one scene, nine warriors in orange saffron robes take to center stage to perform a Shaolin stick formation and showcase their ability to use the cane as a defense tool.

Not wanting to be left behind by their seniors, two Shaolin disciples — aged 10 and 12 —steal the limelight as they showcase some basic kung fu and wow the audience with a series of head somersaults.

“Those are some of the basic movements that we learn during our regular training. For many, the actions may seem dangerous and challenging, but we don’t find them difficult to perform them as we’ve been practicing for so long,” Shaolin master Deng You Feng said.

During a kung fu show, the use of weapons is expected. To enliven their performance, among spears, daggers and swords, the warriors also take to the stage with an additional 15 other kinds of weapons and a group of six warriors, equipped with weapons and shields, create a formation before proceeding to fight in pairs.

Despite the absence of dialogue, Shaolin Warriors manages to deliver an interactive performance.

During a bowl technique demonstration, a warrior can be seen to perform a breathing technique, generating inner energy flow that leaves the bowl attached to his stomach. Furthermore, in another scene, people from the audience join the warriors on stage to practice several kung fu movements.

Ten-year-old Yu Shi Xi said that he was proud to be part of the group as he loved participating in such challenging activities.

“I started practicing kung fu when I was four. I like kung fu and also performing. When my teacher told me that I had potential, I agreed to join,” he said.

You Feng said that, to be able to master kung fu martial arts, each performer is expected to participate in extensive daily training. For adult warriors, the training schedule takes approximately six to seven hours, while children have to train for five-hours a day.

“We begin the day with mediation before proceeding to rehearse some basic and then more advanced movements,” he said.

“Kung fu is not just a physical activity, but is also a way to learn self-control. That can be reached through meditation,” You Feng added.

Presented by Bank Mayapada and Ciputra Artpreneur, the Jakarta shows run until Sunday evening. (Novia D. Rulistia)

 

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