What do you think of this National Geographic product?

I think the simple fact they used 'Shaolin Monks' pretty much says it all.

They should be called something like wushu performers, this guy werent even monks. What were they teaching them, wushu or something else?

Haven't seen the documentary, but Shaolin does not represent Chinese martial art (come to think of it it does not even represent Buddhism). Over years of development, Chinese martial art of various styles is very down to earth. The Shaolin style remains because it is good for foundation.

A sad fact of Chinese martial art development today is the over emphasis on forms and taiji. Wushu in the narrow sense is the performance of forms. When speaking about the competition of wushu today it is about performing forms. The art of application is slowly dying out as it is not getting the much need attention.

Ok guys, since we have established that the performances of the show are based on Post-PRC performance wushu and that it is against forum rules to bring it up, I think it is safe to say that this discussion has ran its course.

If anyone else believe there are something worthwhile to talk about in regards to this thread, please PM me. Until then, I am closing it for now.