Shaolin vs Ninja

Isn't there a Shaw Brothers movie of the same title?

Well folks, this time it's not silver screen fiction. It's the real deal. According to a recent news report, such an exchange is currently taking place.

In summary, an internet user posted in a forum that a ninja paid a visit to the Shaolin Temple in Henan China and challenged the martial monks. According to the user many monks failed to defeat the ninja. Well, true to the law of retaliation in kung fu flicks, shaolin responded. They were represented by their most ruthless, vicious and blood-thirsty combatants- the shaolin lawyers.

Said lawyers issued a notice stating that the contents of the post was fabricated and demanded an apology.

Here's a link to the news report:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20523643/

There have been some discussions amongst martial arts practitioners that the actions taken by shaolin are unbecoming of those purportedly practising the buddhist chan [zen] philosophy.

However let me offer you a different take on this. From a legal perspective, it's a logical tactic. Shaolin is famous across the globe. The word shaolin is virtually synonymous with kung fu. Of course with fame comes other unwanted baggage- slanders, slurs, gossip and rumours whether true or not.

This tactic of getting their lawyers to respond to an apparently trivial posting in an internet forum may seem like overkill, but there's more to it. By taking this step, shaolin is in fact sending out a warning to the world at large to -watch you say or write about us, for you may not be spared from litigation. Any individual entertaining any thoughts of publicly making any reputation-damaging statements about shaolin would be thinking twice after reading this news report.

Therefore this single act has the potential to prevent any future written or oral attacks. It allows shaolin to continue promoting and marketing their art and tradition globally without having to worry much about defending their reputation. Sticks and stones may break my bones, but watch what you say or write about me.

In my opinion, the true heroes in this story are the shaolin lawyers. Congratulations to them for a job well done.