The Foundation of Martial Arts: Yoga

[jarcyn...@yahoo.com]

At first glance, Martial Arts and Yoga seem like opposing forces and
philosophies, but these two health maintenance systems have more in
common than meets the eye. For a moment, consider the similarities
between Tai Chi and Hatha Yoga. Within the warm up, you notice very
similar movement, philosophy, and principles.
Why does "climb the mountain" stance look so much like Warrior I
posture? Is it coincidence, luck, or a common link? Why does Kundalini
have movements that resemble punching, kicking, and martial arts foot
work? Are Kung Fu forms an extension of Vinyasa? Each has been
referred to as meditation in motion.
The place of origin, for most Asian martial arts, is agreed to be the
Shaolin Temple. Apparently, the monks at the Shaolin temple had become
very proficient at meditation, but had not developed a health
maintenance system to sufficiently train their bodies.
In the sixth century A.D., Bhoddidharma, a visiting Buddhist monk,
from India, began to teach the monks at the Shaolin temple, in Hunan
Province, a form of physical health maintenance, which is believed to
be Yoga. It is also said that Boddidharma was a member of the Warrior
caste. Therefore, he should also have had working knowledge of
Kalarippayat; an indigenous Indian Martial art....

http://groups.google.com/group/martialartsqen