If the Shaolin Temple found its roots in Antarctica, the Emperor penguin would be one of the martial art animals. Seems to be an odd statement, but it is an amazing creature. In martial arts, animal techniques conjure up powerful, fierce images of predators like the tiger, snake and leopard. Early Daoists, however, as observers of nature and the animal kingdom, may have learned a great deal from the Emperor penguin.

Strong survivors, they are the only animals to winter and mate on the harsh Antarctic continent. On a barren landscape amidst months of darkness, blizzards, high winds and bitter cold, they court, breed and raise their young during the most severe weather on the planet. There is no daylight, there is no sun.

Each female lays one egg, gives it to her male partner, she is too weak now to incubate, and heads out to sea to feed for 2 months. The nourishment will revive her and later enable extended care of the chick. The males huddle in massive groups to stay warm, they do not eat or drink for several months. Females return as the eggs are ready to hatch and the males go off on to feed for several weeks. Parents then take turns away feeding and staying home.

In the warmth of spring sun, the chicks have an excellent chance of survival, the days are warm and food is bountiful. As a result, despite the extreme conditions, emperors enjoy longevity, 5 times the life span of other penguins. The largest of the species, their athleticism may not be apparent. They travel miles to the ocean, propel themselves onto land from the sea, and are able to dive more than 1500 feet for extended periods of time.

Strong, resilient warriors.Their lesson for us? The Emperors work together in a seemingly impossible environment as partners and as members of the larger community. During the frigid huddle, the males will take turns moving in to the center where it is warmest. We could learn from this shared dynamic. Most important, adult penguins undergo extreme hardship to afford their babies an optimum start in life. Their selfless acts ensure continuity of the species. Can we brave the cold to give our children the sun?

And congratulations to our cousins Chris & Joe on the birth of their daughter Veronica Rose – born 7lbs 6 oz…and to Grandma Rose too!

Toni Josephson

Don’t forget to check out our Shaolin Animal videos – working on the Crane!