Many of your questions can be answered more in-depth and interestingly by reading Gene's book Shaolin Trips. I just picked it up a week ago and have found it fascinating. He gives a good review of the evolution of Shaolin Kung Fu and to the traveling Monk troupes that you are referring to. I was also skeptical of the flashy stage act that these troupes perform and there is a reason for its evolution...much of it having to do with the rebirth of Shaolin and modern Wushu post Mao and the cultural revolution.
Check it out...a worthy investment.
"if its ok for shaolin wuseng to break his vow then its ok for me to sneak behind your house at 3 in the morning and bang your dog if buddha is in your heart then its ok"-Bawang
"I get what you have said in the past, but we are not intuitive fighters. As instinctive fighters, we can chuck spears and claw and bite. We are not instinctively god at punching or kicking."-Drake
Reply With Quote