All of the Shaolin monks taught me apps...
I ask every teacher I train under how to use such and such. They've always told me, including the monks. Actually, most of the monks just thumped me with it. After a while, I stopped asking and starting looking more, so I wouldn't get thumped so often. Now I only ask if I really can't see the app in a form. But usually, I can now. I find my own apps too, mostly becuase I'm not fast/agile/powerful enough to make all the apps work verbatim to the masters' execution. I've got a quirky physique, so I got to modify stuff to fit.
As for Dejian's apps, it's pretty harsh to judge him based on a short video. I'm still curious about where that video came from. And I think there's some decent stuff in that video. Sure, it's playful, but we can't all practice like steroided MMA guys all the time. The critics here just want to bash Shaolin. FWIW, the monks do tend to laugh after they've thumped you. I'm not sure why that is. It's a playful laugh usually, not an evil maniacal bwahahaha kind of laugh (although I'm generalizing here - I've heard a few evil monk laughs too).
Well, this one got exciting...
YouKnowWho: Those are fine questions, but if a student came to me with all that right after I showed him or her something, I'd probably just smile and walk away. Ok, actually, my reaction would depend on the student's level. If it was a new concept and the student asking couldn't grasp it at all, then I'd probably back track to something less difficult and write off those comments off to some one trying to cover lack of skill with questions. If it was someone that could emulate the move fairly quickly, then we'd move on to counters and training equipment. If they can't get the initial move, there's no use moving on to counters. Of course, I'm speaking very generally about pedagogical methods and no where are those written in stone. The character of the student determines everything. I would teach applications before form to someone who only wants to learn how to fight. I would teach form before applications to anyone else.
WanderingMonk: Hmm, I have seen that but I don't remember that scene. Perhaps I don't have all three episodes. Perhaps I just got hit in the head really hard and that synaptic path was severed. I've seen way too many Shaolin documentaries. They're all blending together. I'll have to dig that one out a look at it again when I get the chance...
rickyscaggs: Retarded, eh? I know you are but what am I? :p