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60-Minute Documentary (2006; airing now) Explore the world of martial arts in China on a journey with two American Kung Fu students. Masters of China’s most renowned martial arts schools will share their knowledge and wisdom with these two determined learners. Instruction will provide a deeper understanding of this ancient Chinese philosophy and tradition, which combines exercise, self-defense, self-discipline, and art.
In this two-week journey, Kristi Jordan and Adam McArthur study a variety of martial arts forms, from Taiqi—a softer, internal martial art typical of Wudang Mountain— to harder, external styles attributed to the Shaolin Temple. How do Kung Fu classes in the U.S. prepare them for this challenge to mind, body, and spirit? Does a visit to the origins of this 1,500-year-old tradition and lessons with Chinese Masters affect their performance and increase their devotion to Kung Fu practice? This feature-length documentary will shed light on these questions, and provide depth and perspective to this ancient, but increasingly popular art form.
Viewers: Please check your local listings. If Kung Fu Journey to the East is not scheduled at a station near you, contact your local PBS station to request it. TV Programmers:  Visit APT Program Catalog for the online Press Kit.  Press Coverage: "Oakland production company gets a kick out of Kung Fu," NATAS Off Camera Newsletter, June 2006 (page 2).
The Three Destinations Shaolin Temple, Song Mountain While the origins of Shaolin Kung Fu are widely debated, there is little doubt that the Shaolin Temple has become an icon for Chinese martial arts and Ch’an (Zen) Buddhism, which emphasizes meditation and enlightenment. Originally founded in 496 CE in Central Henan Province, the Shaolin Temple has been destroyed, restored, and rebuilt several times during China’s tumultuous history. Lohan boxing is only one of many well-known martial art styles born from this long tradition. Jet Li’s starring role in the 1982 movie, Shaolin Temple, catapulted Kung Fu’s popularity in both practice and the movies. Today, dedicated students along with curious spectators flock to Shaolin to experience, first-hand, the awe of human strength and endurance.
Wudang Mountain Wudang style martial arts developed in the mountainous region of Central Hubei Province, home to many Taoist palaces and temples dating as far back as the 7th century. Traditionally practiced by Taoist Priests, Wudang martial arts incorporates fundamental Taoist philosophy, including theories of yin-yang from the I-Ching, and the Five Elements:  water, earth, fire, wood, and metal. The three most popular styles from Wudang Mountain—Taiji, Bagua, and Xingyi—are considered internal Kung Fu, focusing more on training the spirit, qi, and mind. Wudang Monasteries are increasingly featured in many Kung Fu movies, including as the setting in the last scene of Director Ang Lee’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
Emei Mountain Majestic Emei Mountain, in Western Sichuan Province, is one of the four most famous Buddhist mountains in China. Dotted with a mix of Taoist and Buddhist temples, its picturesque summits often rise above a sea of clouds, making it a favorite subject of photographers. Like the mountain itself, Emei Kung Fu is shrouded in mystery, and not well-known to outsiders. Emei martial arts incorporates a mix of Taoist and Buddhist elements, and focuses equally on internal and external approaches. The two-day pilgrimage to the highest Wanfo Summit, at 10,165 feet, reveals forests thick with pines, firs, cedars, and over 3,000 other plant species, many with medicinal value. Rich with rare plants and many animal species, Emei’s unique Kung Fu styles draw heavily on this diversity, perfecting animal movements such as its notorious Fire Dragon form.
Martial Arts Students ~ The Stars of this Kung Fu Documentary
Adam McArthur studies at Yee's Martial Arts Academy in Hercules, California, with Sifu Scott Yee. For nearly twelve years Adam has been practicing external Chinese martial art forms. Recently, he also added internal Taiqi forms to his training.
Kristi Jordan studies at Seven Star Women’s Kung Fu in Seattle, Washington, with Sifu Michelle McVadon. For nearly four years Kristi has been practicing a unique form, called Kajukenbo, which combines Chinese Kung Fu with other martial art styles.
PHOTO GALLERY
Beijing: Kristi and Adam begin their journey in April 2006.
Kristi and Adam in a group shot with the Beijing Wushu School students   Master Wu Bin shares photos of his student Jet Li   Adam perfecting techniques with Tiger, a Beijing Wushu School student   Adam and Tiger Master Xu teaches Imperial Kung Fu to Kristi and Adam   Kristi recaps Day 1 in front the Temple of Heaven, dating back to the Ming Dynasty
Wudang Mountain: Next stop, Hubei Province - the world's most sacred Daoist area.
Kristi and Adam enter Purple Cloud Temple, the largest and best-preserved Daoist Temple in Wudang Mountain   Practicing Kung Fu moves on the stairs up to Parents Hall, built in honor of Zhenwu who is the most revered Daoist God   Kristi learns from a nun at the Academy of Wudang Daoism Wushu Arts   Adam learns from a priest  at the Academy of  Wudang Daoism Wushu Arts
Leshan & Emei Mountain: Kristi and Adam travel west to the lush province of Sichuan.   Kristi and Adam posing in front of the Leshan Grand Buddha From this angle its easy to see that this is the biggest stone Buddha sculpture in the world   Adam balances on this plum flower gate at Baoguo Temple, the center for most Buddhist festivities in Emei   Master Fu teaches a lesson in the Fire Dragon Form at the Long Life Monastery Animal-lover Kristi hikes through an area infamous for its naughty monkeys Emei's majestic Wanfo Summit in its classic form, above a sea of clouds   The Shaolin Temple: Final destination, tracing Kung Fu to its roots in Henan Province.   One of the many gateways renovated after the release of  Jet Li's 1982 movie, "The Shaolin Temple"   Zhi Yanzhuang, one of the top two monks at the Shaolin Temple, demonstrates Qigong   A special meeting with the Head Abbot in his room, the Dragon Hall   One bag of vegetarian Baozi at the Shaolin Temple costs 10 RMB, or $2 US Members of the Songshan Shaolin Warrior Monk Delegation give a lesson at the Pagoda Forest   Adam recaps day 7 on the top of Song Mountain, at an elevation of about 5,000 feet An early morning practice in the rain with students of the Henan Dengfeng Shaolin Epo Wushu School, which has over 8,000 students   Adam attempts to pull this bowl off this student in a performance of Qigong Kristi takes in the growing crowd of 800 as she prepares to participate in the next set of performances of "The Shaolin Show"   A final stance after performing as part of this Shaolin Troupe which draws over 3,000 tourists daily
In Gratitude
Touch Base USA (www.touchbaseusa.com) is the official wardrobe sponsor for Kung Fu Journey to the East:
In our efforts to find two ideal participants, we relied on the recommendations of many Kung Fu schools and masters. We would like to acknowledge their efforts and enthusiasm throughout the process of this talent search.
Special Thanks to Brent Hamby, EBM Kung Fu Academy Hao Zhihua, Wushu West Valerie Lee, Gold Mountain Kung Fu School Alan Hubbard, Eastern Ways Martial Arts Jen Resnick, Hand-to-Hand Kanjukembo Self Defense Center
Additional thanks to Academy of Martial Arts Brendan Lai Martial Arts Supply California Wushu Academy Chau Gah Kung Fu Academy Concord Kung Fu Academy Destiny Arts Center Doc-Fai Wong Martial Arts Center E.Y. Lee Kung Fu School Lai Hung Chinese Martial Arts Lily Lao Eagle Claw Kung Fu Federation O’Mei Kung Fu Academy Pacific Wushu Shaolin Kung Fu Seven Star Women’s Kung Fu Tat Wong Kung Fu Academy U.S. Wing Chun Kung Fu Academy U.S.A Kung Fu Studio Wen Wu School of Martial Arts World Hung Fa Yi Wing Chun Kung Fu Association Wushu Central Yee's Martial Arts Academy
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