Fist of Rhalgr:

The Inspiration
Of
Shaolin Culture & Buddhism

Yes, the Monk class in Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV) is heavily inspired by Shaolin monks. This is evident in their gameplay, appearance, and overall concept. The Pugilist class, which is the prerequisite for becoming a Monk, focuses on unarmed combat and strength, which mirrors the martial arts traditions of Shaolin monks. The Monk class further develops this concept, incorporating elements of martial arts and focusing on close-range combat and powerful attacks.

The Fist of Rhalgr: Origins

In the time of the Sixth Umbral Calamity, there was a people who escaped the great flooding by following the guiding light of a meteo which led them to the highlands of Gyr Abania. These refugees devoted themselves to Rhalgr the Destroyer, whose streaking star had granted them salvation, and their fervent faith took solid root within the region. The order known as the Fist of Rhalgr was formed, and within their temple the devotees of the Fist tempered their body and spirit in an effort to grow closer to their deity. Through their meditations did these monks discover within themselves foci of power—chakras—and with this knowledge devised a martial art that channeled the life energies of the practitioner into destructive force.After the defeat in the Autumn War, the power of the king of Ala Mhigo waned and unrest grew within the nation. Among the dissatisfied masses, the Fist of Rhalgr and its monks emerged on the political stage. Lest their regime end the faith, the royalty chose to embrace this change and named the Fist of Rhalgr as the state religion. They employed high-ranking monks as advisors to the throne, and thus sought to stabilize the nation.The Fist of Rhalgr evolved into a formidable military force, and gradually nurtured an alliance with the royal family of Ala Mhigo. Eventually, the Fist was integrated into the nation's standing army, thus consolidating its position and influence within the region. Seeking to escape the influence of the Fist of Rhalgr, Theodoric proclaimed himself ordained by Nymeia the Spinner herself to lead the nation and forbade the worship of the Destroyer. Naturally, the monks of the Fist of Rhalgr rebelled against Theodoric. In 1546, Theodoric led a vast army to the Temple of the Fist and burned it down. Everyone inside, whether priests or refugees, perished in the flames. The few who managed to escape met a similar end in the blades of the soldiers waiting outside. . .

Academics & Culture: FFXIV Monks (Inspired By - Chinese Kung Fu)

Shaolin Kung fu and Classification:Shaolin kung fu is a comprehensive martial art, it’s hard to classify in a simple way. The common classification is by the training forms: Barehand forms and Weapon forms. Most of the bare hand forms are Quang shu (fists and palm forms). For weapons, there are 3 big types: long, short, and soft weapons. The stick, spear, pork, cane, and broadsword with handle are long weapons. Straightsword, double hooks, and dagger are short weapons. The 9 section whip, 2 section stick, and soft whip are soft weapons. All these weapons have their own techniques and can training in pair sparring.One upon, there are lots of shaolin temples set in China, and there have been a southern Shaolin temple in Putian, Guangzhou. By the location, the main shaolin kung fu also classified in Northern Shaolin kung fu and Southern Shaolin kung fu.From the type of training methods, there are 6 main types: internal & external, hard & soft, Qi Kung, and Qing Kung. Internal kung fu and Qi Kung practice to hold the Qi (Chi, essential energy) in body, contral breath, and blood circulation. External kung fu and Hard kung fu are practicing the strength and force of a special part of the body, like Tietou gong(iron head) and Yi zhi chan (1 fingers chan). Qing kung is training to jump higher and farther. Soft Kung is training the softness and twist angle of joints, neck, and waist.The Shaolin kung fu have so many forms, and no one can master all. And most kung fu forms have special ask for personal body condition, also need different time and methods to practice. For example, if you like one type of fist or weapon in particular you can choose one to learn.Shaolin Kung Fu Techniques & Training Mothods:
Techniques for Shaolin kung fu depend on the style in which you are interested. Some styles are better suited to big physical size, strength, and ability than others. King kong hammers and Tiger fist fit strong and big guy, while some short weapons will great for girls training freely.There are four major shaolin kung fu techniques: kicking (踢), hitting (打), wrestling (摔) and grabbing (拿). A complete system will necessarily include all four types of applications but each style will differ in their training focus. For example, most Northern styles are said to emphasize kicking, Southern styles have a reputation for their intricate hand techniques, there are short words of ‘Southern fists, northern legs (南拳北腿)’. Shuai jiao practitioners train predominately in full-body close-range techniques, and Eagle claw fighters are noted for their Chin na expertise. There are varioues forms to choose from, so how to begin?Training shaolin kung fu step by step:
For the Shaolin kung fu learning and training, the first thing you should do basic technique training to get your body in preparation and the Ji ben gong includes flexibility(softness), strength, endurance, balance, speed, and power. And then, you should learn the Shaolin kung fu conception, understand the natural ideas about Chinese kung fu. These Shaolin kung fu tutorials will help you to get the true meaning of kung fu.When you have prepared your body, raised your mind, and now you can choose one kung fu form to get further training.The basic Shaolin kung fu training instructional
(Shaolin kung fu fundamental training):
These exercises were created thousands of years ago so why do Shaolin Monks still study them? Because they’re the only movements where every muscle is engaged and you’re simultaneously building flexibility, strength, endurance, balance, and power in one fully integrated unit. They then teach you how to move in your modern life, whether that’s carrying your groceries home or climbing the stairs to the subway. Everything becomes part of your training: total mind-body wellness.Flexibility & Stretching: stretching your legs, do the splits and waist can training your softness so that you can do more difficult movements. Shaolin Monks stretch the whole body from the neck down and include dynamic stretching as well as static.Stamina Training: Shaolin stamina training consists of short bursts of intense exercise. Research has shown that it’s one of the most effective ways to build fitness levels and lose weight. Frog jumps, Cossack jumps, duck walks, step-ups, squats, squat jumps, sprints, toe jumps (don’t bend the knees at all), one-legged jumps.Stances Training: stances are commonly found in each style of Shaolin kung fu. The horse stance is a common stance used to develop thigh strength, endurance, and patience. Known as Zhan-Zhuang, or stance training, this position provides a foundation for training in learning intermediate and advanced kung fu moves. Stand with your feet farther than hip-distance apart. Bend your elbows close to your sides, with hands fisted and facing upward in front of you. Sink down into a squatting position until your thighs are almost parallel to the floor; hold the position for as long as you can, for 2 to 5 minutes.Kicks Training: these kicks are one of the reasons Shaolin Monks are so flexible. Don’t underestimate them. They open the hips at the same time as stretching the leg. And they are a great warm-up for fighting kicks and bag work.Punch & Strike: while not recommended for the beginners, this traditional Shaolin technique can make a lasting improvement to the strength and power of your strikes. Traditionally used as a black belt test for students graduating from the Shaolin Monastery’s fighting curriculum, this exercise involves wearing a blindfold and breaking boards as you perform your Shaolin forms and techniques.Shaolin Kung Fu Taolu Training:
Taolu refers to the set routine (form) practice component of kung fu. Taolu routines comprise a continuously connected set of pre-determined techniques, choreographed according to certain principles and philosophies which incorporate techniques and stylistic principles of attack and defense. These include hand techniques, leg techniques, jumps, sweeps, stances & footwork, seizing, throwing & wrestling, balances, etc.Taolu practicing is a great way for kung fu training. Traditionally, Taolu routines were originally compiled to preserve the techniques and tactics of a particular lineage or system, and would “imprint” a tactical order into practitioners. Taolu routines include individual routines and group routines, as well as partner/duel routines with 2 or more practitioners involved. They have a rich and diverse content utilizing a wide variety of techniques and includes both bare-handed routines and those performed with weapons. Now the Shaolin forms have 708 Taolus, 552 for fist and weapon forms, 156 Shaolin secret skills. Of course, there are some very special training methods.Special Shaolin kung fu training exercises:
You may see some strange Shaolin monks’ training methods in how they cut water in big pot, they hold to tip bottom wooden barrels running quickly without a moment rest, they stand on the top of piles with one foot or moving around,…these Hanging handstand, Xiao wu Kung (little kung fu), Zhan Zhuang Kung (piles top standing).Shaolin Qigong training:There is an old Shaolin trick to increase jumping height would be to dig a small hole and jump just using the calf (not bending the knees). When that was achieved, the hole would be dug slightly deeper, then deeper still.Shaolin iron body training:
The Shaolin monks use their bare hands to stirfry the iron sand, over and over again, then their hands will be very tough and strong, can cut a metal band easily.Shaolin Quang Forms ( Fist Forms) Training:
Shaolin Quang is strong and powerful, both use hard force and soft skills, all moves are useful for combat fighting. When they combating, the stances of attacking or defending are flexible and agile.Shaolin Da Hong Quan (Big hong fist):
Is a representative form in Shaolin and is one of the most important parts of Shaolin training. It knocks down any opponent, has unexpected and tricky moves and is therefore is regarded as distillation in Chinese Shaolin martial arts. Shaolin Da Hong Quan, or "Big Hong Fist," emphasizes both attacking and defending. It's a foundational style in Shaolin training, known for its offensive and defensive capabilities. A key aspect of Da Hong Quan's combat strategy is the use of "covering moves" to protect oneself while simultaneously attacking or retreating. These moves can be used to defend against attacks, launch counter-attacks, and even distract the opponent.Shaolin Xiao Hong Chuan (small hong fist):
Is one of the basic Shaolin forms in Chinese Shaolin martial arts. The movement is simple and plain but attack and protection are very exact and precise. The position is small and requires sudden and quick strength with a secret force, as well as coupling hardness with softness and the compulsory form. Xiao Hong Chuan is a basic form in Shaolin martial arts, emphasizing precise attack and defense with a combination of hard and soft techniques. It involves quick, precise movements and can incorporate elements like jumping, rolling, and falling. a video tutorial on Shaolin Xiao Hong Quan applications demonstrates how the form is used in practical fighting scenarios.You may have heard the “5 animals kung fu forms“, they are not only named with animals but also played like animals. As we know, the chinses people admire nature, they try to find principles from nature. The ancestors learn from animals, plants, water, and other elements to understand nature in special ways. When we see the five animals kung fu forms, you will find most kung fu forms are based on the characteristics and attack methods of more than a dozen different animals, including the snake, the tiger, the monkey, the dragon, and the cobra.The Crane:
Become Stable. Train concentration, accuracy, and dexterity. The Crane style is focused on balance, flexibility, and rapid footwork. It's known for its agility and ability to exploit weaknesses.The Tiger:
Become strong, quick & direct: strengthens bone marrow, and builds muscle. The Tiger style emphasizes strength, agility, and powerful, direct attacks. It's known for its ability to charge and overwhelm opponents.The Monkey:
Become cunning & ferocious: develop leaping strength.The Snake:
Become fast, sensative & aware: prolongs life and builds flexibility. The Snake style emphasizes flowing movements, internal energy, and striking vulnerable areas. It's known for its ability to manipulate opponents and create openings for attacks.The Leopard:
The Leopard style is characterized by its strength, power, and speed. It's known for its powerful strikes and ability to control the flow of battle.The Dragon:
Become powerful. Light & quick. Trains the spirit of mind. The Dragon style focuses on cultivating spirit, flexibility, and graceful movements. It's known for its ability to blend hard and soft techniques and adapt to any situation. Representing the fighting spirit & wisdom. From the Dragon we learn to ” ride the wind ” meaning the Dragon is especially noted for its flexibility, it uses simple, basic techniques with a challenging strategy of movement complementary to the opponent's (When the enemy advances, I retreat; when the enemy retreats, I advance).Shaolin Weapon Form Training Techniques:Dao Shu (Broadsword):
As one of the prominent short-bladed weapons in Chinese history, the broadsword was widely practiced throughout China. It is a single-edged curved blade and its practice is characterized by vigorous attack and defensive techniques. Its fierce and powerful movements primarily utilize wrapping and entwining techniques with relentless hacking, upper-cutting, slashing, blocking, thrusting, and circling. Its performance requires great strength and coordination between the practitioner’s body and the weapon.Jianshu (Straight sword):
The straight sword is one of the most widely practiced short-bladed weapons in Chinese history; its influence goes beyond the realm of Wushu (martial arts) and has deep cultural connotations. It is a double-edged straight-bladed sword and its practice is characterized by graceful, elegant, brisk, agile, and naturally flowing motions. It focuses on a harmonious balance between hard and soft techniques with variable and flexible changes in speed. Its primary techniques include thrusting, pointing, tilting, shearing, and sweeping combined with intricate footwork, and flexible bodywork.Gun Shu (stick, cane): Considered the “father” of all weapons, the long cudgel is fast-paced which focuses on far-reaching sweeping techniques. Combining offensive and defensive techniques, it is characterized by quick and heavy movements, with fast and numerous changes. The most commonly used techniques include chopping, butting, sweeping, smashing, and rotating.Qiangshu (Spear): The spear is considered the “king” of all weapons, and is the major long-shafted weapon practiced widely throughout China. Its practice is characterized by agile footwork, flexible bodywork, smooth transitions, fast and precise techniques, with both short and long-range techniques. While its core technique is thrusting, it also includes coiling, circling, circular blocking as well as slamming movements. The spear requires unity between the body and the weapon and relies on force generated from the entire body. This creates a breathtaking and mesmerizing display.Except for these main types of weapons, Shaolin has lots of uncommon weapons form with a long history. There are Spade (or shovel), Rope Dart, Double Hook, Moon Fork, Grass Sickle, Hammer, Qian Kun Wheel, Double tiger head hooks, Damour Rod, Group Soft Whip, Double Whip, Shepherd Whip, Wood Fish and 18 weapons sparring you can try.

Chakra:
FFXIV & Buddhism

In Final Fantasy XIV (FFXIV), "Chakra" refers to a mechanic specific to the Monk (MNK) job, representing the potent, internalized aetherial energy they utilize.
Here's a breakdown of what Chakras are in FFXIV and how they relate to the Monk job:1. Aetherial Energy:
Chakras are essentially nodes within a Monk's body where they channel and focus aether, the fundamental energy of the FFXIV universe.
Unlike mages who manipulate aether externally for spells, Monks draw ambient aether into their bodies and refine it into potent energy.2. Monk's Unique Ability:
Monks uniquely possess the ability to absorb and control this aether, converting it into raw power that enhances their strikes and abilities.3. Chakra Gauge and Abilities:
The Monk's Chakra system is represented by a Chakra Gauge, which fills as the Monk performs actions and utilizes skills.
Accumulating Chakras allows Monks to unleash powerful abilities like Steel Peak, Howling Fist, The Forbidden Chakra, and Enlightenment.
Different Monk abilities grant different types of "Beast Chakras" like "Opo-opo" and "Raptor" which can then be converted into enhanced actions like Elixir Field.4. Lore and Explanation:
The NPC researcher Erik, encountered during Monk job quests, explains that "Chakra" is a term for aether absorbed into the body, particularly in aether-rich environments like battlefields.
Monks are theorized to also absorb memories and experiences from such locations, aiding in the opening of their Chakra gates.
5. Essence of Monk Gameplay:
Chakra is fundamental to the Monk's identity in FFXIV, representing their unique ability to channel and amplify their power through internalized aetherial energy.
In simpler terms: Think of Chakras as internal energy reserves that Monks build up during combat, allowing them to unleash devastating attacks and abilities, setting them apart from other melee jobs in FFXIV.Buddhism (Chakra):
Muladhara (Root Chakra):
Located at the base of the spine, it's associated with survival, security, and grounding. In Buddhism, it's linked to the foundational qualities of a practitioner's practice, such as establishing a strong base and cultivating a sense of belonging.Svadhisthana (Sacral Chakra):
Situated in the lower abdomen, it's linked to emotions, creativity, and pleasure. In Buddhism, it can be associated with cultivating compassion and emotional intelligence.Manipura (Solar Plexus Chakra):
Found in the upper abdomen, it's related to personal power, will, and self-esteem. In Buddhism, it can represent the strength and determination needed for spiritual practice.Anahata (Heart Chakra):
Located at the center of the chest, it's associated with love, compassion, and empathy. In Buddhism, the heart chakra is central to cultivating loving-kindness and developing a compassionate approach to life.Vishuddha (Throat Chakra):
Located at the throat, it's linked to communication, expression, and self-assertion. In Buddhism, it can be associated with clear and authentic communication, both in speech and actions.Ajna (Third Eye Chakra):
Positioned between the eyebrows, it's associated with intuition, wisdom, and spiritual insight. In Buddhism, the third eye chakra is seen as the seat of spiritual awareness and the ability to perceive reality beyond the limitations of the ordinary mind.Sahasrara (Crown Chakra):
Located at the top of the head, it's associated with wisdom, connection to the spiritual realm, and a sense of unity. In Buddhism, the crown chakra represents the ultimate goal of spiritual practice: enlightenment, the transcendence of duality, and the realization of one's true nature.Summary:
In essence, the chakras in Buddhism serve as a model for understanding the interconnectedness of the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of a person's being. By cultivating and balancing these energy centers, Buddhist practitioners aim to progress on the path toward enlightenment and liberation.