Quick! Before Quentin Tarantino makes a movie about them, come check out the truly spectacular Shaolin Warriors in their choreographed theatrical production, making a comeback to Seattle! These renowned Buddhist monks of the Shaolin Temple have spent a lifetime of disciplined training in martial arts and Chinese Kung Fu, enabling them to sustain extreme pain and achieve the masterful levels of adeptness needed for these demonstrations. Think Jackie Chan meets Cirque du Soleil, but with weapons! The monks are required to be proficient in at least 18 weapons, but each a master of one; their arsenal comprises rare but intimidating tools such as the cudgel, the three-section staff, and the plumblossom broadsword. (Did I mention this lethal sect of clerics are notorious for being able to use any common, everyday object to inflict pain?) This just leaves me with one question: Arent Buddhist monks supposed to be pacifists?
Sun., Sept. 30, 7:30 p.m., 2007
