Channeling qi...
Kumu

Kumu

Great Master Kumu (simplified: 枯木, traditional: 枯木, Jyutping: fu1 muk6, pinyin: Kūmù) was the abbot of Yunqi Temple in Lin’an Prefecture and a martial arts master of the Vermilion Zenith School. A former military officer who later became a Buddhist monk, he represented the intersection of martial arts mastery and religious devotion in the jianghu during the late Song Dynasty.

Biography

Kumu was originally a military officer in the Song Dynasty before choosing to renounce worldly life and become a Buddhist monk. After becoming a monk, he took up residence at Yunqi Temple in Lin’an Prefecture, where he eventually became the abbot.

Kumu’s martial arts training came from the Vermilion Zenith School, a martial arts tradition that originated in the border region between Zhejiang and Fujian provinces. The school was considered a branch of the Shaolin School, incorporating both Buddhist martial arts principles and practical combat techniques.

Kumu’s most significant involvement in the story occurred when his nephew Duan Tiande sought refuge at Yunqi Temple while fleeing from Qiu Chuji. Despite his initial reluctance to become involved in the conflict, Kumu was eventually persuaded by Duan Tiande’s manipulation to confront Qiu Chuji.

The confrontation between Kumu and Qiu Chuji represented a clash between different martial arts traditions and philosophical approaches. The battle demonstrated the effectiveness of both martial arts systems, with Kumu’s defensive techniques initially holding their own against Qiu Chuji’s aggressive attacks. However, the Quanzhen master’s superior internal energy and combat experience eventually proved decisive, leading to Kumu’s defeat.

Following his defeat by Qiu Chuji, Kumu recognized the futility of further resistance and allowed Duan Tiande to escape with a letter of introduction to his fellow disciple Jiaomu at Fahua Temple in Jiaxing.

Personality and traits

Kumu embodied the traditional Chinese ideal of combining martial arts mastery with spiritual development. His approach emphasized the unity of physical and spiritual cultivation, believing that true martial arts excellence could only be achieved through the development of both aspects of human potential.

Kumu demonstrated practical wisdom in his handling of the conflict with Qiu Chuji, recognizing when resistance was futile and choosing to minimize further harm rather than pursuing a hopeless cause. His moral judgment was guided by both Buddhist principles and practical considerations.

Martial arts abilities

Kumu’s martial arts foundation was built upon the comprehensive training system of the Vermilion Zenith School. This school emphasized righteousness and compassion, values that would define his later actions and teaching methods. The school’s techniques combined Buddhist philosophical principles with practical combat applications.

Kumu’s signature martial art was the Arhat Sabre Technique, a sophisticated weapon technique that embodied the highest principles of Buddhist martial arts. This technique required exceptional control and precision, allowing the practitioner to deliver powerful strikes while maintaining spiritual awareness and compassion.

Kumu’s internal energy cultivation followed the traditional methods of the Vermilion Zenith School, emphasizing the development of qi through meditation, breathing exercises, and meridian circulation. This cultivation provided him with the foundation necessary for both martial arts combat and religious practice.

Relationships

Kumu’s relationship with his nephew Duan Tiande represented both family loyalty and moral conflict. As Duan Tiande’s uncle, Kumu felt obligated to protect him, but he also recognized the problematic nature of his nephew’s actions and character.

As the master of Lu Guanying, Kumu played a crucial role in the young man’s martial arts development and character formation. His teaching emphasized both technical skill and moral development, reflecting the Vermilion Zenith School’s philosophy of combining martial arts excellence with spiritual cultivation.

Kumu’s relationship with his fellow disciple Jiao Mu represented the broader network of martial artists within the Vermilion Zenith School tradition. Their connection through shared training and philosophical principles created a support system that extended beyond individual temples and regions.