The ‘Da Mo’ or Shii Soei Jing ensemble
When Bodhidharma, or Da Mo, the first patriarch of Chan Buddhism, arrived at the Shaolin Temple in Henan in 528 CE, he introduced the Shii Soei Jing to the monks’ training program, achieving considerable improvements in their martial arts and general health. .
This Training Program improves the physique, makes the 5 main internal organs ‘Qi Batteries’ (enhancing martial activities), cleanses and refreshes the brain and bone marrow, strengthens the immune system and generally conditions the interior of the body. . A powerful anti-aging tool, the ‘Da Mo’ game is also used in the quest for enlightenment and longevity.
The Da Mo Set helps develop the internal strength and stamina necessary for prolonged Kung Fu training. The Set also significantly improves leg and arm power (substantially increasing the effective range of the latter) and provides many other benefits and martial applications.
Designed according to the principles of ‘Wuxing’ or the Theory of the 5 Elements, the Set supports both the Changquan System and the 5 Animals System (‘Wuxing’ in Chinese means both the 5 Elements and the 5 Animals; they are used different Chinese characters for each term). It is likely that the development of the Shii Soei Jing led directly to that of the Northern 5 Animals of Shaolin Kung Fu. The awareness of the element-animal-organ interrelationship is essential to appreciate the functioning of the Set in its entirety.
The correspondences between elements, internal organs and animals are as follows:
Land: corresponds to the spleen (associated with transport, excretion of bile and anger) and the snake (consider how the colonic and rectal ducts ‘meander’ to the anus). The venomous snake knocks enemies down with a small bite or ‘tap’ and the snake technique, partnered with hits to vital points, can have the same effect.
Metal: corresponds to the lungs. Lightweight in construction, they power the entire body, like metal, displaying a high power-to-weight ratio. The leopard shows similar characteristics of size to strength. Stronger pound for pound than the much heavier tiger, it is unfortunately no match, even fully grown, for its striped superior. Leopard Techniques are usually mid-range, involving knees and elbows, the spiky nature of which packs more attack power into each strike.
Water: corresponds to the kidneys. These govern (among other things) the hormonal secretions in our bloodstream that must be balanced for optimal health. Corresponding to Water, the elegant Skullsymbolizes balance, poise, stamina and longevity. The crane technique embodies skilful defense and counterattacks.
Wood: The only ‘living’ Element of the 5. We depend on Wood for life itself, eating grains, grasses, vegetables and fruits, etc. Or animals that do. Wood corresponds to the Liver that filters and purifies the various food essences into ‘spirit’ or body fuel, which provides energy. The Dragon is the Animal associated here: powerful blocking and pulling techniques, along with agility, dexterity, and wisdom are all characteristics of the Dragon.
Fire corresponds to the heart. Those with healthy and strong hearts are often “hot” and courageous. The Tiger, top of the food chain, he’s not used to losing fights. Kung Fu Techniques that take the fight to reluctant opponents fall into the Tiger category.
In terms of ‘method’, concentration on the relevant organs in turn, performing appropriate internal exercises at distinct, separate points in a sequence of breathing-cycles, whilst holding and moving between a number of extreme body-positions are all features of the Set’s performance. These allow the various benefits of repeating the ‘Da Mo Set’ to begin to condition and strengthen the body from within.
The Da Mo Set or Shii Soei Jing brings many advantages to the martial artist, especially when performed regularly. The 5 Elements are universal building blocks and inevitably precede the 5 Animals (inhabitants of this universe) while the 5 Organs locate the associated principles firmly within the body of the Kung Fu practitioner. The Da Mo Set helps ensure the healthy integration of these key principles into Kung Fu and broader martial arts training.