The Shaolin Temple and Martial Arts

The Shaolin Temple, established in 495 CE during the Northern Wei Dynasty by Emperor Xiaowen, is situated on Mount Songshan in Henan Province, China. It was originally built to honor the Indian monk Batuo, who introduced Buddhism to China. Around 527 CE, the temple's significance deepened with the arrival of the Indian monk Bodhidharma (Damo), who is traditionally credited with founding Chan (Zen) Buddhism and is linked to the creation of Shaolin martial arts. According to legend, Bodhidharma meditated in a cave near the temple for nine years, and his teachings on physical exercises, designed to improve the health and discipline of the monks, helped them develop what would become Shaolin martial arts, blending Indian and native Chinese techniques.

During the Tang Dynasty (618–907), the Shaolin Temple gained royal patronage, especially after monks aided Emperor Taizong in defeating a rebel army in 621 CE. However, the temple faced numerous challenges, including destruction during the Red Turban Rebellion in the late Yuan Dynasty and later during the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912). The most severe damage was inflicted in 1928 when warlord Shi Yousan set fire to the temple, destroying many historical texts and artifacts. Despite these setbacks, the monks preserved their martial arts knowledge through oral transmission and reconstruction efforts. 

Shaolin and the Cultural Revolution

In the 20th century, the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) was a period of profound upheaval and turmoil in China, initiated by Mao Zedong to preserve communist ideology by removing capitalist, traditional, and cultural elements from Chinese society. The Shaolin Temple, with its rich history and deep cultural significance, was not spared from the widespread destruction and persecution that characterized this era. As a symbol of ancient Chinese heritage and Buddhism, the temple became a target for the Red Guards, who sought to eradicate the "Four Olds"—old customs, old culture, old habits, and old ideas.

During the Cultural Revolution, religious institutions across China were systematically dismantled. The Shaolin Temple, renowned for its unique combination of martial arts and Chan (Zen) Buddhism, faced severe devastation. Red Guards ransacked the temple, desecrated its sacred spaces, and destroyed invaluable historical artifacts, scriptures, and relics. Many of the monks were persecuted, forced to abandon their religious practices, and subjected to "re-education" programs designed to align them with Maoist ideology. The temple's physical structure suffered extensive damage, and its function as a spiritual and cultural center was critically impaired.

Amid this chaos, Shi Suxi, a prominent figure in the history of the Shaolin Temple, played a crucial role in preserving its martial arts and spiritual traditions. Born in 1924, Shi Suxi became a monk at a young age (around 1936) and dedicated his life to the practice and teaching of Shaolin Kung Fu and Chan Buddhism. Despite the relentless persecution during the Cultural Revolution, he remained at the temple, enduring significant personal risk to safeguard its legacy. Shi Suxi, along with a few other monks, secretly continued to practice and teach Shaolin martial arts, ensuring that the knowledge and skills were not lost to the destruction around them.

Shi Suxi's commitment to the Shaolin traditions was instrumental in the temple's eventual revival. He carefully preserved martial arts techniques and Buddhist teachings, often training disciples in secrecy to avoid detection by the Red Guards. His efforts were a testament to the resilience and dedication of the Shaolin monks who refused to let their heritage be obliterated. Through his quiet defiance, Shi Suxi helped maintain the continuity of the Shaolin martial arts lineage during one of the darkest periods in modern Chinese history.

Following the end of the Cultural Revolution in 1976, China began to slowly restore its cultural and religious institutions. The Shaolin Temple, benefitting from these broader efforts, started its journey of recovery. In the late 20th century, the Chinese government recognized the cultural and historical significance of the Shaolin Temple and initiated restoration projects. The temple's structures were repaired, and its functions as a religious and martial arts center were revived. Shi Suxi emerged as a key figure in this revival, helping to restore the temple's reputation and attracting new generations of practitioners from around the world.

In the post-Cultural Revolution era, Shi Suxi continued to teach and promote Shaolin martial arts and Chan Buddhism until his death in 2006. His leadership and perseverance during the Cultural Revolution had a lasting impact, ensuring that the traditions of the Shaolin Temple could endure and flourish once more. Today, the Shaolin Temple stands as a symbol of resilience and cultural continuity, its legacy preserved by the efforts of monks like Shi Suxi who weathered the storms of political and social upheaval to keep its heritage alive. 

(Note: I became a 31st Generation Lay Disciple of the Shaolin Temple 1988 under Venerable Dharma Master Shi Suxi visiting and studying with him often.)

Shaolin in the Modern Era

In the 1980s, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) played a significant role in the revival and promotion of the Shaolin Temple, marking a period of rehabilitation and state-supported revitalization after the devastations of the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976). The government began to recognize the cultural and historical value of religious and cultural sites, including the Shaolin Temple, which had suffered considerable damage and neglect during the preceding decade.

In the early 1980s, the Chinese government initiated efforts to restore the Shaolin Temple. These restoration projects were funded by the state and aimed at repairing the temple’s physical structures, including its halls, statues, and historical artifacts. This was part of a broader national effort to rehabilitate cultural heritage sites across China. The state supported Shaolin monks in performing martial arts demonstrations across China and abroad. These performances helped to popularize Shaolin Kung Fu worldwide and positioned it as a symbol of Chinese cultural prowess. Government backing facilitated tours and exchanges that brought Shaolin martial arts to a global audience. 

(Note: Most of the touring “monks” were not monks at all but accomplished lay martial artists who shaved their heads for the tour and were given a Shaolin lineage name. I was at Shaolin at the time of the first tour and can personally vouch for this.)

While the government supported the temple's cultural and economic activities, it also maintained oversight and control. The CCP's approach to religion involved regulating religious institutions to ensure they aligned with state policies. The Shaolin Temple, like other religious sites, was subject to regulations that aimed to prevent religious activities from challenging the authority of the Communist Party.

In 1987, Shi Yongxin was appointed as the head of the Shaolin Temple. He is a member of the Chinese Communist Party. His membership reflects the broader trend of integrating religious figures within the framework of the CCP, ensuring that religious activities align with state policies and interests. This integration allows the government to maintain oversight and control over religious institutions while benefiting from their cultural and social influence. Shi Yongxin’s role as abbot of the Shaolin Temple is deeply intertwined with his functions within the CCP. As a party member and political figure, he has navigated the complexities of maintaining the temple’s religious and cultural heritage while aligning with state policies and promoting economic development. His leadership has significantly shaped the contemporary identity of the Shaolin Temple, reflecting the broader dynamics between religion and politics in modern China.

Shaolin and Martial Arts

The association of martial arts with the Shaolin Temple is a blend of documented history and enduring myths. This relationship has evolved over centuries, making the Shaolin Temple synonymous with martial arts and Chan (Zen) Buddhism.

One popular myth suggests that Bodhidharma introduced physical exercises to improve the health and discipline of the monks, which later evolved into the martial arts practices known today. However, historical records indicating direct contributions of Bodhidharma to martial arts are sparse and debated among scholars.

By the Tang Dynasty (618–907), Shaolin's martial prowess began to gain recognition. In 621 CE, monks from the Shaolin Temple assisted the future Emperor Taizong in defeating the rebel general Wang Shichong, earning the temple royal patronage and increased influence. This period marked the beginning of Shaolin's reputation for martial excellence. The martial arts practiced at Shaolin included a variety of combat techniques, weapon skills, and physical conditioning exercises. The monks developed these practices not only for self-defense and physical health but also as a form of moving meditation to complement their spiritual training.

The martial arts system of Shaolin continued to develop and diversify over the centuries. By the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), Shaolin Kung Fu had emerged as a comprehensive and sophisticated martial arts system. This included both unarmed combat and the use of various weapons such as staffs, spears, and swords. The Shaolin monks became known for their rigorous training regimens and their ability to apply their skills effectively in combat.

Shaolin martial arts, or Shaolin Kung Fu, are distinguished by a unique combination of physical techniques, philosophical principles, and spiritual practices. These martial arts blend rigorous physical training with the meditative and ethical teachings of Chan (Zen) Buddhism. Shaolin Kung Fu is characterized by its diverse movements, ranging from fluid, graceful motions to powerful, explosive strikes. Many of these movements are inspired by animals, such as the tiger, crane, snake, leopard, and dragon, each embodying different combat principles. Distinctive styles and techniques within Shaolin martial arts, such as the various animal styles, emphasize different aspects of combat. For example, the Tiger Style focuses on strength and ferocity, while the Crane Style emphasizes balance and precision. Shaolin Kung Fu integrates both soft (yin) and hard (yang) techniques, with soft techniques involving yielding and redirecting force, and hard techniques involving direct, forceful strikes and blocks. 

Training methods in Shaolin martial arts include individual practice, where solo practice of forms (taolu) and basic techniques allows for skill refinement and personal discipline. Partner drills, including sparring and interactive exercises, help improve timing, distance control, and reflexes by applying techniques dynamically. These forms develop agility, strength, balance, and coordination. Practical applications of these techniques ensure that movements learned in forms can be effectively used in real combat situations. 

The Shaolin Empty Hand Forms

The Shaolin Temple has a rich tradition of empty hand forms (taolu), which are central to the training and practice of Shaolin Kung Fu. Here are some of the core Shaolin empty hand forms that are traditionally taught at the Shaolin Temple:

Xiao Hong Quan - Little Red Fist

Da Hong Quan - Big Red Fist

Tongbi Quan - Through-the-Arm Fist

Xiao Pao Quan  - Little Cannon Fist

Da Pao Quan  - Big Cannon Fist

Qixing Quan - Seven Star Fist

Luohan Quan  - Arhat Fist

Taizu Chang Quan - Emperor Taizu’s Long Fist

Chang Hu Xin Yi Men - Long Guarding Heart Mind Gate

Mei Hua Quan - Plum Flower Fist

Wu Xing Quan - Five Animal Fist (also known as Five Element Fist)

Mizong Quan - Lost Track Fist

These forms represent a variety of techniques, principles, and philosophies inherent in Shaolin martial arts. They are designed to develop different aspects of a practitioner's skills, such as strength, flexibility, speed, and combat effectiveness. Each form has its unique sequence of movements and applications, contributing to the comprehensive training system of Shaolin Kung Fu.

Health and wellness are also prioritized, with qigong exercises playing a vital role. These practices involve breath control, meditation, and slow, deliberate movements to cultivate and balance the body's vital energy (qi), enhancing overall health, vitality, and longevity. This holistic approach, addressing physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, is a hallmark of Shaolin training.

Two of these forms are Yi Jin Jing - The Muscle/Tendon Changing Classic and Ba Duan Jin - Eight Pieces of Brocade.

Shaolin Weapons

Weapons training is another crucial aspect, with students learning to wield traditional Chinese weapons like the staff (gun), sword (jian), broadsword (dao), and spear (qiang), each with its own set of forms and techniques. Physical conditioning is essential in Shaolin training, focusing on building muscle strength, enhancing flexibility, and toughening the body to withstand strikes. This conditioning involves repetitive drills and the use of specialized equipment, fostering the development of both speed and power through proper body mechanics and breath control.

At the Shaolin Temple, practitioners train with a variety of traditional Chinese weapons, each associated with specific practice sets or forms (taolu). Here are some of the primary weapons and their corresponding practice sets:

Gun - Staff

Primary Practice Set: Ying Shou Gun - Eagle Hand Staff

Dao - Broadsword or Saber

Primary Practice Sets: Qi Mei Dao - Eyebrow Level Broadsword, Five Tigers Killing Sheep

Jian - Straight Sword

Primary Practice Set: San Cai Jian - Three Powers Sword

Qiang - Spear

Primary Practice Sets: Mei Hua Qiang - Plum Flower Spear, Thirteen Spear

Shuang Dao  - Double Broadswords

Shuang Jian - Double Straight Swords

Pu Dao - Pudao or Horse-Cutter Sword

Primary Practice Set: Ba Wang Qiang - King’s Halberd or Tyrant Spear

Fang Tian Ji - Halberd

San Jie Gun  - Three-Section Staff

Jiu Jie Bian - Nine-Section Whip

Shuang Gou - Double Hook Swords

Shéng Biāo - Rope Dart and Liú Xīng Chuí - Meteor Hammer

Chán Chuí - Monk’s Spade

These weapons and their practice sets form a crucial part of Shaolin martial arts training. Each weapon requires specific techniques and forms, allowing practitioners to develop a broad range of combat skills and enhancing their versatility as martial artists.

Spiritual Principles

The philosophical and spiritual principles of Shaolin martial arts are deeply rooted in Chan Buddhism. Meditation and mindfulness are integral to the practice, helping practitioners cultivate a calm and focused mind, which is essential for both combat and daily life. Discipline and perseverance are key virtues, as the demanding nature of the training builds character and resilience. Ethical principles such as humility, respect, and compassion are emphasized, guiding practitioners to use their skills responsibly and for self-defense rather than aggression.

The combination of internal training, which focuses on mental and spiritual development through meditation and qigong, and external training, which emphasizes physical conditioning and combat techniques, creates a comprehensive martial arts system.

Shaolin martial arts have achieved global recognition, influencing martial arts practices and popular culture internationally. The legacy of Shaolin Kung Fu is a blend of historical development and rich mythology, sustained by centuries of disciplined practice, adaptation, and spiritual integration. While myths like Bodhidharma's creation of Shaolin exercises contribute to its mystique, the factual history of Shaolin martial arts is grounded in the monks' resilience and innovation, ensuring the preservation and perpetuation of this rich cultural heritage.

Buddhist Versus Martial Monks

The distinction between "martial monks" and ordained monks at the Shaolin Temple lies in their roles, lifestyles, and adherence to Buddhist precepts. The Shaolin Temple, famous for its combination of Chan (Zen) Buddhism and martial arts, has historically housed both ordained monks who follow strict religious disciplines and martial monks who are often laymen dedicated primarily to martial training. Ordained monks at Shaolin take formal vows and live according to the Vinaya, the Buddhist monastic code. Their daily lives revolve around meditation, chanting, studying scriptures, and performing rituals. These monks dedicate themselves to the spiritual path, seeking enlightenment through the teachings of Buddha. Their practice of martial arts is typically supplementary, serving as a form of moving meditation and a means to maintain physical health and discipline.

In contrast, martial monks, although associated with the Shaolin Temple, are generally laymen who focus predominantly on the physical and technical aspects of Shaolin Kung Fu. These individuals are skilled martial artists who might not fully adhere to the rigorous spiritual and ethical precepts required of ordained monks. Martial monks train intensively in various combat techniques, forms, and weaponry, honing their skills through repetitive drills and physical conditioning. Their training emphasizes the development of agility, strength, and combat effectiveness. Unlike ordained monks, martial monks might not engage deeply in meditation, scripture study, or other religious duties, although they often respect and incorporate elements of Buddhist philosophy into their practice.

The origins of martial monks date back to periods when the Shaolin Temple played a significant role in local defense and military campaigns. Historically, these lay martial artists were sometimes recruited to protect the temple and surrounding communities. These martial monks often balanced their martial training with some degree of spiritual practice, reflecting the dual nature of Shaolin as both a religious and martial institution.

The differences between these two groups also extend to their daily routines and community interactions. Ordained monks follow a disciplined schedule of religious observances, including pre-dawn meditation, alms rounds, and communal meals, conducted in silence to foster mindfulness. They live communally in the temple, following strict rules regarding celibacy, abstention from intoxicants, and other ethical guidelines. Martial monks, on the other hand, may live both within the temple grounds and in external communities. Their routines are heavily centered on physical training sessions, which can be grueling and time-consuming. While they might participate in some temple activities, their commitment to martial arts often takes precedence.

In contemporary times, the Shaolin Temple has become a global center for martial arts training, attracting both ordained monks and martial monks from around the world. The temple’s modern role includes not only the preservation of traditional practices but also the promotion of Shaolin Kung Fu as a cultural and physical discipline. Ordained monks continue to uphold the temple’s spiritual heritage, while martial monks contribute to its martial legacy, teaching and demonstrating Shaolin Kung Fu worldwide.

Shaolin Martial Arts and Women

The history of women learning Shaolin martial arts at the Shaolin Temple is not extensively documented, but there are indications and modern developments that suggest their involvement. Traditionally, Shaolin Temple, like many other religious and martial institutions in ancient China, was primarily male-dominated. The rigorous training and monastic lifestyle were often seen as unsuitable for women, reflecting the broader societal norms of the time. However, historical records and folklore provide some evidence that women did, in fact, learn and practice martial arts, although perhaps not within the main halls of the Shaolin Temple itself.

One of the most notable legends is that of the legendary female warrior, Ng Mui (Wu Mei in Mandarin or Five Plums in English) who is often associated with the Shaolin tradition. Ng Mui was one of the Five Elders, the survivors of the destruction of the Shaolin Temple by the Qing Dynasty. According to the myth, she developed her own martial art system, Wing Chun, which was later passed on to a young woman named Yim Wing Chun. This story, while more mythological than factual, highlights the idea that women were not entirely excluded from the martial arts traditions associated with Shaolin.

In more recent times, particularly in the 20th and 21st centuries, there has been a significant shift towards inclusivity. Modern Shaolin schools and training programs around the world have opened their doors to female practitioners. Women now actively participate in learning and teaching Shaolin martial arts, demonstrating that the art is not confined by gender. This evolution is part of a broader movement towards gender equality in martial arts and sports in general.

Moreover, contemporary Shaolin masters and schools recognize the value of diversity and the unique perspectives that female practitioners bring to the martial arts community. Women training in Shaolin martial arts today undergo the same rigorous physical conditioning, forms practice, weapons training, and philosophical study as their male counterparts. They are also involved in performances, competitions, and teaching, contributing significantly to the global spread and popularity of Shaolin Kung Fu.Thus, while historical evidence of women being taught at the Shaolin Temple is limited, the current landscape of Shaolin martial arts embraces female practitioners, honoring their contributions and recognizing their potential to carry forward this ancient and revered martial tradition.

A Southern Shaolin Temple?

The existence of a Southern Shaolin Temple is a topic of much debate and speculation within the martial arts and historical communities. Unlike the more widely recognized Northern Shaolin Temple located in Henan Province, the Southern Shaolin Temple's historical authenticity is less clear.

According to Chinese folklore and martial arts tradition, the Southern Shaolin Temple was established in Fujian Province. It is said to have been a center for martial arts training, particularly for styles such as Wing Chun and Hung Gar. Legends often state that monks from the original Shaolin Temple fled to the south to escape destruction and continued their practices there. Many southern Chinese martial arts trace their origins to the Southern Shaolin Temple. Styles such as Southern Praying Mantis, Choy Li Fut, and White Crane are often associated with this temple. These martial arts lineages claim a heritage linked to the teachings and practices supposedly preserved at the Southern Shaolin Temple.

In recent years, some sites in Fujian Province, such as in the cities of Putian and Quanzhou, have been identified and promoted as possible locations for the Southern Shaolin Temple. These claims are often supported by local legends and some historical texts, but the evidence remains inconclusive. Despite extensive research, there is a lack of definitive archaeological evidence confirming the existence of a Southern Shaolin Temple in the same historical and cultural context as the Northern Shaolin Temple. Historians have not found conclusive physical remains or contemporaneous documents that validate the temple's historical existence.

The promotion of a Southern Shaolin Temple has cultural and political dimensions. During various periods, Chinese authorities have supported the narrative of a Southern Shaolin Temple to promote regional heritage and tourism. This has led to reconstructions and the establishment of new temples claiming to be the continuation of the ancient site.

The Future of Shaolin and It’s Martial Arts

In 2010, the Shaolin Temple and its surrounding historic sites on Mount Songshan were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting its global cultural importance. Today, the Shaolin Temple is a major tourist destination and a center for the study of martial arts and Chan Buddhism, attracting students and tourists worldwide. Shaolin martial arts have achieved global acclaim, influencing martial arts practices and popular culture internationally, thus continuing the legacy of its rich historical and cultural heritage. While myths, such as Bodhidharma's creation of the famous Shaolin exercises, are a part of the temple's lore, the factual history of Shaolin martial arts is grounded in centuries of disciplined practice, adaptation, and resilience.

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Verified and edited by Jeffrey J. Kelly