The Shaolin martial arts are a combination of spiritual beliefs and practical self defense training. There are many misconceptions though and few truly understand the Shaolin and their Kung Fu. The Shaolin monks believe they can grow spiritual through mediation. They originally began developing exercises to strengthen their bodies to endure the long hours. As towns began to grow around the monasteries, the real need for personal protections skills was apparent. Shaolin monks quickly learned to deal with the dangers of the outside world.
The monks developed their own close combat program that included weapons training and hand-to-hand combat training. Over time their teachings would not be confined to the inner walls of their monastery and their method of hand-to-hand combat would go to inspire hundreds of other forms. For centuries the Shaolin monks have made martial arts and Buddhist teachings part of their daily lives. In the process they have survived bandits, foreign invaders and a cultural revolution.
Contrary to popular belief, martial arts existed in China well before the monks and they aren't invincible. Developed from exercises, the original form of Shaolin Kung Fu was a solid combat effective martial art that stressed quickness and brute force. It utilized common weapons of the day and stressed fitness and body conditioning. Many monks were soldiers and even generals prior to embracing monastic life. They helped influence the development of the new martial art.
Like the monks of Europe, the Shaolin lived on large, estate like temples that were completely self sufficient. This is the primary reason towns began to grow around them with the monetary serving as the focal point. But unlike their European counterparts they knew how to fight back. Though they had their defeats like any other group, but the monks were a force to be reckoned with and would aid several lords in time of crisis throughout their long history. They would fight bandits and handle local disputes like and provide protection to those around them . During invasions they would fight along regular soldiers from their temples and local warlords. At the Battle of Hulao monks helped the second Emperor of the Tang dynasty Li Shimin achieve victory against vastly superior forces. They would even take their fight to the sea and did battle with Japanese pirates. Some even worked as spies and weren't above assassinating enemy leaders.
In the 20th century the monks survived both the Chinese civil war and the invading Japanese, but when the communists seized control things would change forever. The communists persecuted the monks and made Wushu the official form of Kung Fu. The new form of Kung Fu is completely devoid of any spiritual aspects. In their place, communist China Maoist teachings are taught as part of the training. Many who teach Kung Fu are actually teaching Wushu which looks impressive, but it stresses the theatrics and the gymnastics and is completely useless when it comes to self defense.
Today the Shaolin monks hang on to their traditions while adapting to an every changing world. The monks use modern weights and machines as part of their training and when someone wrote an offensive article about them they contacted lawyers not assassins. Performances at their temple in China showcase modern Kung Fu not the traditional form that made them famous, because the communist government has outlawed Shaolin Kung Fu. Restrictions have relaxed some and the monks still continue to train anyone of good character who wishes to learn regardless of culture or religion. Also in 2006 Buddhist Master Shi Yong Xin the thirteenth successor after Buddhist abbot Xue Ting Fu Yu met with Vladimir Putin of Russia who is an avid martial artist himself, and became the first foreign leader to visit the monastery. Though some monks have escaped communist China, few outside of the monastery practice true Shaolin Kung Fu. Still if you put in a search for Shaolin monks you will probably find out all about video games and bad martial arts movies, but the real monks were hard training men who sought spiritual enlightenment. They understood that sometimes the only one you can depend on in a fight is yourself and those closest to you. They train together in a community to day with the worst. If more people followed their example the world would be a safer place.
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Chinese Martial Arts 
