Shaolin Self-Protecting Hidden Weapon Secret Transmission

Author: Su Fa / et al
Editor-in-Chief: Li Fei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1998-08-01
Features: Excerpt: Chapter: Secret Transmission of Shaolin's Strange Weapons
Shaolin's strange weapons are the treasured artifacts guarded in secret by generations of high monks. This book selects 17 types of strange weapons, including bows and slings, which are generally rare outside the world. Their existence demonstrates that the sacred Buddhist monastic grounds truly possess unique hidden skills and astonishing martial arts. To promote the development of Shaolin martial arts and uphold the might of Chinese martial arts, we have initially unearthed and organized the following 17 types for enthusiasts to reference and study.
1. Shaolin Diamond Hammer
(1) Introduction to Shaolin Diamond Hammer
The Diamond Hammer is one of Shaolin's secret small weapons, passed down by the Tiger Subduing Monk of the Song Dynasty. It originally had 18 moves, which were refined into 32 hammers by the Ming Dynasty high monk Wulei, and later transformed into double hammers. Subsequently, Qing Dynasty monks such as Qinglun, Qinglian, Jingshao, Zhenzhu, Rurong, Ruliang, Haishen, Zhanju, Jizhu, Jipao, Jiting, Chunjin, Chunnian, and Chunmi diligently practiced and increased the moves to 64. It was said that by the late Qing Dynasty, the high monk Zhenqiu refined it into 81 moves, which have been passed down to this day.
The Shaolin Diamond Hammer is small in size and easy to carry. In emergencies, it can be quickly retrieved from the waist to drive away thieves and protect the temple. It can defend against both long and short weapons and can also be used to attack from a distance. For example, in 1927, Master Zhenqiu traveled to the Hubei and Hunan regions. While passing through the Milsong Forest, 10 li north of Huangmei County, he encountered 12 thieves surrounding a young woman (who had passed through the forest to fetch medicine for an elderly person). Master Zhenqiu immediately persuaded them to stop their unreasonable behavior, but the thieves not only refused but also provoked the old monk and even tugged at the woman. At that moment, Zhenqiu reached into his waist, pulled out a row of hammers (13 in total), and shouted, "Evil thieves, brace yourselves!" With a flick of his hand, he shot one hammer into the eye of the thief tugging the woman. The thief fell to the ground, clutching the hammer in pain. The other thieves raised their weapons to surround Master Zhenqiu.
At this point, the old monk leaped onto a tree and then onto the branches, shouting, "Thieves, brace yourselves!" He then swiftly threw two more hammers, both striking the thieves in the face. He continued, "If you move again, I will send all of you to your deaths with these hammers. They are poisoned, and anyone hit will die within half a day. If you want to live, repent sincerely, and I will treat your wounds. Otherwise, you will not survive." Three thieves knelt and begged for mercy, while the others scattered in fear.
Master Zhenqiu then retrieved the hammers, applied medicine to the three thieves' wounds, and gave them pills, instructing them on how to take them. He advised them to reform and do good deeds in the future. The three thieves thanked him and vowed to change their ways and do good. Master Zhenqiu then sent the woman home, five li away, who bowed deeply in gratitude. He left without entering her home, and at that time, he was 74 years old.
The techniques of the Shaolin Diamond Hammer mainly include: thrusting, piercing, inserting, hooking, sweeping, sliding, parrying, blocking, pointing, poking, and shooting. High monk Zhenqiu said:
"The small golden hammer, seven inches long,
passed down by the ancestors in the temple.
Guarding the temple and its treasures,
preventing thieves and bandits.
Traveling for alms, it stays by my side,
protecting me from swords and spears."