Are the crane, monk fist and Shaolin arts actual fighting arts or are they simply health exercises like the animal frolics?
Also does anyone know what art was introduced to the far East by Chan Buddhism? I've heard health exercises but this painting appears to show fighting.
http://www.shotojuku.com/shaolin_monks.gif
Was ther an art from the Indian sub-continent that became kungfu? If so then what art was it? A Graeco-Buddhist-Bactrian form of pankratium? Kalaripayattu?
I've heard the stories but I'd like a more expert opinion if anyone has the time.
Thanks
Mike