Kwan Gong (Kwan Kung) is the Warrior
of Peace and God of War.
Kwan Gong (Guan Yu) is poised in practically every kung
fu Kwoon (school). Whether as a picture or statue, his presence to
oversee activity and training is inspiring.
Kwan Gong was born 162 A.D. near the end of the Han Dynasty. He grew
up selling vegetables and became the Greatest General of all time.
His strength, courage, and fluid field tactics were unparrelled. Yet
it was this combined with his loyalty, dedicaton, wisdom and leadership
that put him in the realm of immortality.
In practically every image Kwan Gong is holding his weapon known
as Kwan Dao. A strong staff with a large blade. This weapon requires
strength and skill to master. It is said that his blade weighed 82
jin, around 20 lbs.
Guan Yu (Kwan Gung) served under Liu Bei during the late Han Dynasty
and an era referred to as the Three Kingdoms Period. It was Guan Yu
that led the removal of the Han Dynasty to install the First Emporer,
Liu Bei, the Kingdom of Shu around 220 A.D.
As all legends go, the stories get embellished as they go, yet there
is no doubt that Guan Yu (Kwan Gung) was embraced centuries ago as
the representative of loyalty, courage, and willing to stand for peace
of the Chinese people.
It is said that not only was he an excellent General that was able
to avoid confrontations when advantageous, but that over time he was
offered land, money, and women by the Emporers enemies. These enemies
knew that if they had to face Guan Yu on the battlefield, that would
most likely loose, so they took a softer approach to get themselves
in.
Guan Yu never sold out, and along side with his son, Guan Ping, they
were later executed by Sun Qua.
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