"The exercising of weapons putteth away aches, griefs, and diseases, it increaseth strength and sharpeneth the wits, it giveth a perfect judgment, it expelleth melancholy, choleric, and evil conceits, it keepeth a man in breath, in perfect healthe, and long life." – George Silver (1599)

(From the Samo Hung / Yuen Biao classic The Prodigal Son)

Sometimes I wonder why things are the way they are…

1) This is Buddhist kungfu:

2) And this is Taoist kung fu:

3) And these are some Google searches:

search: number of results:
“Buddhist chastity”

1,930,000

“Taoist chastity”

251,000

Hung Gar Bench:

For maximum effect, picture 100 robed Shaolin monks practicing this in unison.

… Oh, wait, here you go:

Shaolin Bench! Because you never know when spear-wielding Qing soldiers might bust in on you at the diner.

What’s the modern application? Might be a good form for a carpenter, has all those sawhorses around…

Other Shaolin forms to research: bicycle, cookie sheet, lawn chair.

Is this awesome?
Yes
No

Just like these wicked kukris:

Woohoo KMA