Is there any truth behind the tattoo/branding scene with the Tiger and the Dragon?? I was wondering if that was that ever really practiced in real life at any time. Was there ever a monastery or whatever that actually required you to do that before you left??
It seems almost impossible, i bet that weighed a ton.
Greetings!
I can say with no authority that there was no such thing, but the test was a test of Caine's chi (qi) and inner strength, as well as physical strength. I'm aware of no one in the martial arts community who ever indicated that test wasn't real. I remember reading, many years ago, an article in the Chicago Tribune. It was in the late seventies, early eighties, when the Chinese government was against the practice of kung fu and wushu. One of the last surviving Shaolin masters of that time frame said that his exit from the temple was barred by ten or twelve masters. He had to fight his way past each -- not sustained fights, but he had an extremely short time with each, in which the best moves were used. They would attack, and he would counter. By defeating one, he went on to the next.
I believe the monastery still exists, as the Chinese government has relented on the practice of kung fu and wushu. They did stomp on falun gong, though. Goodness forbid one should be free to be individual and have one's own thoughts!
I hope this of some help.
Traditionally Shaolin priests recieve the brands on their chest once they reach the level of master. The produces of the series choose to use artistic liscense and change it to the arms.
shareHow are they branded? And with what insignia??
sharethis is the insignia they get on their chest
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0502B_zW9c8/SQcvIIzmw0I/AAAAAAAAAEY/i5j0hc5Nbh4/s320/logo.jpg
The Weekend Has Landed
It's pretty wild. They have to lift a firepot with their arms that burns the Tiger and Dragon into their skin.
shareI've seen it in other Chinese made movies. That's not proof they did it but at least it's a corroboration from the real country.
share