By Ahmed Kurnia Suriawidjaja
Director of Indonesia School of Journalism of Indonesian Journalists Association, Indonesia
I still remember clearly, around the 1970s, when I was still a teenager, about 13 or 15 years old. One afternoon, I sat on a wooden bench in a cinema in the small town where I grew up. The big screen in front of me showed scene after scene from a Chinese martial arts film that has been etched in my memory ever since. At that time, I had not known China from history books or travels abroad, but from classic action films – films that brought me into a new and amazing world: the world of Shaolin.
For me at that time, China was kung fu, and kung fu was China. My first impression of the country did not come from stories about the Great Wall or its exotic scenery, but from the heroic tales of martial arts warriors who studied in a hidden temple called Shaolin.
The Sacred Place of Warriors
Shaolin, in my imagination at that time, was a holy and sacred place. Located deep in the mountains, hidden behind the mist and lush trees, this temple was like a world of its own. Surrounded by high stone walls and cold air, Shaolin monks and disciples lived a harsh but meaningful life. The films portrayed Shaolin not only as a place for martial arts training, but also as a center of spirituality and life wisdom.
Every morning the disciples woke up before dawn. They practiced in the quiet temple courtyard, under the strict supervision of the teachers. There was no entertainment, no luxury. Just hard training, endless repetition, and the determination to improve every day. Their bodies were trained to be strong and flexible, but more than that, their minds and souls were also forged – to control anger, maintain inner balance, and always be humble in strength.
The Philosophy Behind Shaolin Kungfu
From these films, I got one very strong idea: kungfu is not just about physical strength, but also about the principles of life. Shaolin philosophy is based on Chan (Zen) Buddhism, which emphasizes meditation, awareness, and harmony between body and mind. A Shaolin warrior not only knows how to fight, but also knows when to fight and when to hold back.
One of the main values taught in Shaolin is “Wu Wei” – a Taoist concept that means acting without force. In kung fu training, this means moving with a natural flow, without stiffness, without ego. There is also the principle of Yin and Yang – the duality of strength and softness, light and dark, which must be kept in balance.
In Shaolin, students are taught that self-defense is a tool to defend the weak, not to oppress. They are trained to face evil and injustice, but not with revenge, but with justice and compassion. That is why in films, warriors are often depicted helping the common people, fighting cruel landlords, or defending others from evil groups.
In addition to the philosophy of life, Shaolin is also synonymous with high-level martial arts skills. I still remember how my eyes widened when I saw the movements of the warriors on the screen: high jumps as if without gravity, fast and precise spinning kicks, to intelligent and unexpected defense techniques.
Shaolin students learn many empty-handed techniques, from basic techniques to animal styles such as tiger, snake, crane, and monkey styles. But not only empty hands, they are also proficient in using various traditional weapons: toya (long sticks), swords, spears, and nunchaku. For them, weapons are an extension of the body, and must be used responsibly.
Films That Change Perspectives
Films such as “The 36th Chamber of Shaolin” starring Gordon Liu or “Shaolin Temple” which later became popular in the early 1980s with Jet Li, are examples of films that shaped my first impression of Chinese culture. Even before I knew who Sun Tzu or Confucius were, I was already fascinated by the world of Shaolin.
The film was not just entertainment. They are stories of struggle, discipline, justice, and enlightenment. Through these films, I learned about the values held in Chinese culture: respect for teachers, the importance of training and hard work, and the search for a deeper meaning in life.
Reflection
Now, after decades have passed, I realize that my teenage experience watching Chinese martial arts films was no small matter. It was my first entry into Chinese culture—a culture that is rich, profound, and full of philosophy. Shaolin, although initially only present on screen, has shaped my perception of what it means to be strong: not through violence, but through self-control.
The stories of Shaolin teach that everyone can be a hero in their own life, as long as they are willing to learn, practice, and hold on to noble values. The China I first knew was a land of warriors and philosophers. And until now, the image of temples on the mountains, the sound of bells echoing in the morning, and the figures of young monks practicing kung fu – all remain vivid in my memory.
My first introduction to Chinese culture was through the world of martial arts, and from there I saw a country that combines physical strength with spiritual depth. A country that not only gave birth to warriors, but also great thinkers. And all of that, for me, began in one legendary place: Shaolin.
This is my story. A cultural journey that began in the cinema in the 1970s and continues today, through memories that never fade.
*The views and opinions expressed in the articles are solely those of the individual authors and do not reflect the position of the Secretariat of the Belt and Road Journalist Network.