Kung Fu and Longevity

[Dr.Frank Loo]

For many years I have been asking myself about whether Kung Fu can really enhance one's life span. This question came back to me again when I read Wong Sifu's writing that "Shaolin Chi Kung enables us to live as fully as possible our potential life span, which most scientists agree to be at least 120".

Let us take a look at Yang Cheng Fu (1883 - 1936). Being a grand master of the art he died at the age of 53. His student, Zheng Manqing (1901 - 1975) and he died at the age of 74. This includes Bruce Lee.

I really don't have an answer to this question.


Best Regards,
Frank

[Andrew]

Good question Frank.

I think of it (if ever) in 2 different ways .....

1. Regarding those masters you mention
- Did they practice a high level internal Art correctly (in Bruce Lee's case the answer is most likely no .... for the other 2 the most likely answer is yes)?
- How long was THEIR potential life span?
- How long would they have lived WITHOUT their training?

2. Your quote from Sifu "Shaolin Chi Kung enables us to live as fully as possible our potential life span, which most scientists agree to be at least 120"
- The maximum possible seems to be (currently) 120 years of age -- but this is a theoretical maximum and not a possibility for every human who walks our planet
- MY maximum is ...... well .... whatever it happens to be. I started relevant training relatively late and after already having done much to reduce my life span (smoking, etc.). Even now I don't avoid everything which could possibly reduce my life span (alcohol, coffee, stress)
- I will live as long as I am supposed to live and will continue to attempt to anhance my life and the lives of those near to me as far as I can in the time I have in this life.
- I don't really worry about when my life will end nor how long I will continue to live but more HOW I live

Just my thoughts,
Andrew

[Dr.Frank Loo]

Dear Andrew Sifu,

Your answer is very interesting. Let's see what others have to say.

Best Wishes,
Frank

[Dr.Frank Loo]

Bruce Lee

Andrew Sifu,

You are quite right about Bruce Lee because I know him.

Best Wishes,
Frank

[yeniseri]

highly unlikely

Taijiquan by itself cannot promote longevity.

Taijiquan is just one variable. If you have 5 variables (family history of disease, health status, degree of fitness, sedentary profile, diet), then taijiquan is only 20%. The more variables I add the less impact taijiquan will have keeping in mind the greater effort we take in caring for ourselves, the better lifespan we can expect.

Wu Tunan and Ma Yuehliang died at 99 and 97 years (close anyway) of age while as Frank said, Chengfu died at 53!

[Dr.Frank Loo]

Hi Yen,

Thank you. I am learning.

Frank

[YunXiang]

It's a matter of "How" and not "What".

Greeting Everyone,

In my opinion, it is matter of how one trains when it comes to kungfu (which includes taijiquan) and longevity. Does one channel the benefits of their training towards their own health, vitality, and spiritual growth? In Shaolin Wahnam, we are fortunate enough to receive the methodology and skills to enhance our lives and combat efficiency without sacrificing our health.

There is a fundamental tenet within our school which is "first be healthy, then be able to defend yourself". The first priority in training kungfu is to attain and maintain good health. It would be considered foolish to harm one's health and reduce the quality of life for the sake of becoming a better fighter.

I do not know of how the masters mentioned in this thread (i.e. Yang Cheng Fu, Bruce Lee, etc.) trained, what they used their training for, or what lifestyle they lived. However, if they placed combat efficiency over their own health, it is no wonder that they have lived a shortened lifespan.

Thank you for the interesting discussion everyone. I look forward to reading some more thoughts and views.

Best Wishes,
Mike