What's In A Shaolin Monk's Refrigerator?

Food is Medicine
Shaolin Monks alongside the majority of Chinese people see food as medicine and eat in accordance
with traditional Chinese Medicine. Foods have Yin and Yang qualities and we alter what we eat in
accordance with how our health is that day. For example, if we have a cold then we'll make chicken
soup with dried red plums, Goji berries and ginger, an excellent tonic soup.
Inside the Shaolin Temple we eat vegetarian food but outside the temple, the fighting monks are
allowed to eat meat. In this article I'm not going to go into the pros and cons of being a vegetarian but
I'm going to give you an insight into our daily diet.
Shaolin Monk's focus on eating foods in their natural state. We don't eat energy bars or cereal, we don't
drink coca cola, protein shakes, alcohol, or water with ice. We eat a diet which is rich in fruit,
vegetables, and good quality protein. For carbohydrate we eat white rice, steamed buns or noodles. We
drink water at room temperature, and lots of green tea. For snacks we eat nuts and fruits.
Carbohydrate - The Difference Between East & West
Before I came to the West I'd never seen brown rice before. I, along with the majority of Chinese
people don't like the taste of it so it's not something we eat. There seems to be a backlash against
refined carbohydrates or even carbohydrates in general in the West. But anyone who trains hard needs
to eat carbohydrates. ( I eat about three times the amount of carbohydrate the average person eats

because I train so much.)White rice is a source of dietary fiber, which is important for a healthy
digestive system, it contains vitamin B1 and is low in fat.
Our daily food is stir fried vegetables and protein with carbohydrate, the most common protein being
lamb, chicken, pork or tofu (now that I'm in the West I eat turkey and Quorn , which is a good source of
lean protein). Lamb is usually grass fed which is better than grain fed, it's Yang and is good to eat if
people are low in energy. We rarely eat beef. We eat protein with every meal because it helps us to
sustain energy during our training. For our evening meal we don't eat any carbohydrate unless we're
going to train that evening.

Timing Is Important
Shaolin Monks believe that the time they eat is as important as what they eat. We eat our heaviest food
at breakfast because we need this energy for training, a slightly lighter lunch then less food in the
evening. Studies have shown that eating breakfast aids weight loss. Eating within an hour of exercise
burns a little more fat and helps to promote leanness. Eating before exercise enhances performance and
increases the amount of calories burnt.
Chinese food - excluding Chinese food in Western restaurants which is usually not authentic Chinese combines food in such a way that not only is it packed with nutrition but it's also an immune booster.
5 Vegetable Immune Booster
A good example of this and a dish to eat in the evening is five vegetable stir fry with ginger. Take five
vegetables, preferably five different colours, cut them thinly then stir fry them with ginger, garlic and
chili. I suggest that one of your vegetables is red pepper which has a high vitamin C content, and
shitake mushroom which enhances immunity . Ginger aids digestion, chili contains capsicum which
has anti-bacterial qualities and garlic is one of the most powerful healing foods that you can include in
your daily diet to boost immunity. This simple dish not only tastes great but helps to prevent cancer, the
common cold, gives you your five a day, and cannot make you fat.
Although our diet is Chinese, you don't need to start eating Chinese food to change your diet to
healthy, you just need to make sure that you're eating fresh fruit and vegetables with good quality
protein and carbohydrate. Food in its natural state has all the nutritional benefits you need. Avoid
processed food. Live simply and keep your diet simple. That way your mind and body will be in
balance.

7 Habits We can Learn From a Shaolin Monk

For Healthy Living Today

Living like a Shaolin Monk gives us a fascinating insight into how we can live a longer, healthier life
with more vitality even in the midst of our urban modern life. Many of us look at a Shaolin Monk's life
and think it's extreme but think of a Shaolin Monk like an Olympic champion, working hard everyday
to remain at the peak of their health and fitness so they can achieve their end goal of enlightenment.
1) Make your health your priority
Yesterday a student came to me with back pain so bad, he found it difficult to stand up straight. He told
me that he couldn't work or do anything because he was so overcome with pain. I massaged his pain to
alleviate the worse of it then I guided him through a Qigong sequence. At the end of our session, his
pain was almost completely gone. I asked him what had triggered the pain, and he told me he hadn't
had time to do any training for many months.
Remember that your health is the most important thing there is. Without health you can't work or look
after your family. Make it a priority. Shaolin Monks never skip a workout.
2) The Power Of Commitment
Before embarking on their training, a Shaolin Monk makes a vow in front of their community. Being
healthy requires a lifestyle changes and a way of approaching life in a more holistic way. Think of what

you want to achieve, how much time you can give to achieve this goal, and make an inner commitment
to strengthen your resolve.
3) Everyday day life is Zen
When a Shaolin Monk eats they do eating meditation, when they walk they do walking meditation.
Staying focused on the path leads to unshakeable peace. So next time you're in the supermarket do
shopping meditation.
4) Be moderate in eating and drinking
Through training, your body will naturally reject unhealthy foods and crave healthy foods. Shaolin
Monks think of food as medicine, only eating and drinking what they really need.
5) Quantity counts more than quality
When a Shaolin Monk trains they train with their heart - mind first then their body. Better to train for
ten minutes like this than an hour of unfocused training
6) It is our bad habits that cause us trouble, not reality
Whenever a negative emotion arises, a Shaolin Monk welcomes it as a gift so that they can progress on
their path. We tend to cling to our worries, circling them round and round in our mind like a marble.
But the truth is that by doing this we are only adding to our problem.
7) The peaceful heart is always here
A Shaolin Monks way is to peace is through their training and meditation. Whatever yours is, make
sure you give yourself time to renew yourself on a daily basis and get in touch with the peace that is
always within you.

Shaolin FAQs
Written by Ramesh Patel
How does a Shaolin warrior monk train? What does he eat, and does he absolutely have to master the
iron crotch technique? How does one become a warrior monk in the first place?
Find out everything about Shaolin
Image credit:Leon Neal/AFP/GETTY
Despite its immense popularity among martial arts lovers and its recent opening to the world via the
monks government-backed international performances, the 1500-year-old Shaolin Temple on
Songshan Mountain in Dengfeng, China is still shrouded in myth, mystery and misinformation. In
this two-part series, Shaolin kung fu expert and Australian disciple of the temples Abbott Shi Yong
Xin, Sifu Ramesh Patel, answers the frequently asked questions about Shaolin and tackles some
rarely asked questions as well.
Q. Is Shaolin Temple really the birthplace of Chinese kung fu?
A. Shaolin Temple has a recorded history of over 1500 years and is considered to be the birthplace of
kung fu. This is an honour, but is also instantly met with scepticism and doubt. Chinese martial
culture has a recorded history of at least 3500 years, so Chinese martial arts existed a long time
before Shaolin Temple how, then, can Shaolin Temple be the birthplace of kung fu?
Shaolin Temples influence on Chinese martial arts throughout its history is well documented and
extensive. It has weathered many dynasties from both sides of power and its martial heritage remains
intact, so to this day it continues to be a powerful force. Its martial skills, culture and philosophy
have touched all styles in some way, and numerous Chinese martial arts claim their styles were
created at the Shaolin Temple. This is why many see Shaolin Temple as the birthplace of kung fu.
Q. Is the legendary Bodhidharma considered the true founder of Shaolin kung fu?
A. There are records of monks at Shaolin Temple with martial abilities, such as reverend Seng Chou,
prior to Bodhidharmas arrival. You must also consider the dynasty and the period in which this all
took place (in the early fifth century AD, though this varies in some historical texts by almost 300
years, up to the eighth century). Martial arts, especially hand-to-hand combat, was becoming more
and more popular and at that time many people already had some martial arts or military training.
Upon Bodhidharmas arrival after his meditation atop Mount Songshan, legend has it that he taught
the monks skills and exercises to help them maintain their physical health and to protect their temple
and themselves while studying Chan (Buddhism). Obviously Shaolin kung fu has had many
influences through hundreds of years of exchanges and research, but the monks have long considered
Bodhidharma to be the founder of their kung fu, as he was the first in Shaolin Temples history to
combine the physical aspects of martial arts with his Buddhist practices.
Q. What is the process for monks learning Shaolin kung fu today?
A. Shaolin Kung Fu is just one aspect of a Shaolin monks journey through Chan. For the monks that
are chosen or choose to study Shaolin martial arts they have a very strict and disciplined life ahead of
them. Coupled with the precepts they have undertaken as a Buddhist monk, they also have the

reputation of Shaolin Temples legendary skills resting on their shoulders.

Traditionally, as for all systems of martial art, its important that all the monks have a solid
foundation in the ji ben gong (basics). All Shaolin monks study kung fus fundamentals including
striking, kicking, grappling, takedowns, throws, conditioning, qigong, empty-hand and weaponry
forms, meditation and, of course, Chan Buddhism.
Some monks will specialise in a certain form or unique skill (e.g. iron head); it is up to the teacher
to assess each monk and select for them what they believe is the best form of study to undertake. This
is gauged by looking at the ability, personality and dedication exhibited by the monk.
Q. At Shaolin Temple, is there a difference between purely religious monks and warrior monks, or do
all their daily routines include kung fu?
AAs 31st-generation Shaolin warrior monk Grandmaster Shi De Yang explained to me, a Buddhist
monk in Shaolin Temple is simply a Buddhist monk in Shaolin Temple. Shaolin monks are very
fortunate to have kung fu as part of their monastic life, but in the pursuit of enlightenment through a
deep study of Chan, not every monk will practise Shaolin kung fu. Each monk finds their own
vehicle to enlightenment. There are those who endeavour to study Shaolin quan (literally fist, the
term used for fighting systems) in great depth, to the point of mastery, while others only practise to
maintain health through qigong or portions of Shaolin quan training.
Traditionally, the daily routine of a Shaolin monk follows a simple path of morning prayers, training,
breakfast, training/Buddhist study, lunch, training/Buddhist study, afternoon prayers, and more
training/Buddhist study. The monks also meditate daily as part of their training.
During the day, the monks have assigned duties relating to different parts of the temple and different
arenas within the Shaolin Temple community structure. Depending on their place in the temples
hierarchy, some of the monks have official positions that require attention. Obviously, throughout the
year there are also special occasions relating to Buddhist lore that they must participate in.
The Shaolin monks lives are much like those of other monks in other Buddhist temples, except for
the fact they study kung fu.
Q. How much of Shaolin kung fu is taught and practised with its traditional goals in mind (i.e. selfdefence and combat survival) and how much now is focused on performance or sport fighting?
A. Shaolin Temple monks practise Shaolin kung fu as it has been for the last 1500 years, with the
goal of enlightenment through the study of Chan. The monks focus on the skills of traditional Shaolin
martial arts, which were originally designed for life-or-death combat, rather than sanda/sanshou
(Chinese full-contact kickboxing) or performance wushu.
Sanda and contemporary wushu are modern sports that have derived from traditional kung fu.
Shaolin quan is one of the core styles that was used to produce the forms associated with the
contemporary wushu discipline of Chang quan. Likewise, sanda contains many of Shaolin Temples
basic techniques of striking, kicking and throwing/takedowns. Shaolin Temple has influenced these
new martial-arts-based sports, not the other way around.
Although sanda is very popular and many of the worlds best sanda fighters came from the Shaolin
area, Shaolin monks do not participate in competitions or sport fighting as their practice is not based
on capturing a championship title or winning a medal.
In regards to performance, the Shaolin Temple has three groups that are trained to perform in shows
around the world, international delegations, for VIPs who visit the temple, etc. These monks are
trained in the traditional manner but also have additional training for the performance groups on top

of their existing schedules.

Q. For visitors, is it possible to experience this monastic life or to take classes at the temple?
A. Unfortunately, it is not so simple. To train in the Shaolin Temple with the real Shaolin monks takes
the right connections or invitations. Many people go to Shaolin Temple to learn from the monks but
are often met with blank faces and claims of not knowing any kung fu, or they find themselves
training at one of the local schools in Dengfeng.
Many people in the past would pose inside the temple as monks to snare such potential students,
when in reality they are not from the temple. With all things in life, if you put time and effort in and
you will reap the rewards; this is kung fu.
I have been involved with Shaolin for over 20 years and have become accepted into their family and
as a disciple of both the Abbot of Shaolin Temple, Shi Yong Xin, and Shaolin warrior monk
Grandmaster Shi De Yang. Through my endeavours I have been able to learn directly from them and
open the doors at the Shaolin Temple Cultural Centre (Shaolin Kung Fu Guan) here in Australia to all
who wish to learn.
Q. How can one get the authentic Shaolin experience in China?
A. To learn from the monks directly in Shaolin Temple I would advise that you first find a teacher in
your country who has this direct connection. This will give you the foundation needed to be able to
train at the Shaolin Temple. You should then save your money, as without money you cannot go
anywhere!
If you are going with a school that is reputable in Shaolin, you will know instantly when you go to
Shaolin Temple, through several observations: whether you are training with the monks or not; how
you are welcomed (i.e. meeting with the Abbot and eminent monks); entering the temple without
paying; being able to access the temple after hours; staying in the temple; being able to attend the
5am prayers in the main hall These are just some of the things a true or authentic experience at
Shaolin temple would involve.
Most people got to Shaolin temple take some pictures or video and do some training out the front of
the shan men (mountain gate), the famous entrance to Shaolin Temple, with a student, disciple or exmonk. This is not an authentic Shaolin Temple experience. Shaolin Temple training is hard and they
are very strict in ensuring you represent what they have taught you correctly.
Q. There are many Shaolin kung fu schools near the temple that arent actually part of it. With some
current and former monks teaching at these schools, do any have official connection with Shaolin
Temple? How legit is the kung fu taught at these schools?
A. The Shaolin Temple no longer has any schools near it since the Abbots Relocation and
Rejuvenation Project. These Shaolin schools can be found in Dengfeng city, about 25 minutes
drive from Shaolin Temple. These schools student numbers range from a handful to over 15,000.
Many of the larger schools offer more than just martial training; they provide all levels of education
up to and including high school, and opportunities for jobs.
Many of the schools are run/owned by what are known as folklore Shaolin masters. These masters
have lineage that can be traced back to Shaolin Temple. A handful of these masters, such as Liang Yi
Quan and Liu Bao Shan, are renowned throughout China.
As in all countries, the quality of these kung fu schools is variable; however, Dengfeng schools do
teach traditional Shaolin kung fu, as well as additional extras like sanda, taekwondo and more. In

regards to current or ex-monks teaching or owning their own schools, these are their own personal
endeavours and are not related to the temple itself.
China is a developing country and several monks, including my teacher Grandmaster Shi De Yang,
have schools. Grandmaster Shi De Yangs school was originally located at the back of Shaolin
Temple and was the major training area for the monks.
Sifu utilises his school as another way to give underprivileged students the opportunity to learn
authentic Shaolin. This school has gradually improved and is now able to accept foreign students
wishing to learn authentic Shaolin kung fu from his lineage. Although there are many monks with
schools, Shaolin Temple is their home and the disciples of these masters usually train in the temple
with their masters.
To have the true Shaolin experience you must train in Shaolin Temple. Training at one of the schools
is great and the standard can be very high, but its not the same as training in the temple. Many
foreign and Chinese students come to Shaolin but end up at one of the nearby schools and leave
having never truly experienced Shaolin Temple kung fu.
The major difference between the temple and these schools is the path that each student takes. At
Shaolin Temple they are searching for nirvana and the study of the Buddhist doctrines, whereas the
students and schools in Dengfeng are focused on schooling and creating opportunities for work, and
possibly stardom.
Q.There are several different Shaolin temples Northern, Southern, etc. Are they all historically
long-standing, or have they been constructed/reconstructed by the government in the modern era?
A. The Shaolin Temple is located at the foot of Songshan Mountain in Dengfeng, in Henan province.
This is the original temple that remains today. In regards to other Shaolin temples, both still standing
and destroyed, the exact nature of connections are not always clear. In the past, Shaolin Temple sent
many of its monks to other temples and areas to promote and propagate Chan. These temples were at
times classified as sub-temples of Shaolin, due to the residence of a Shaolin monk teacher.
Shaolin Temple was at times very prosperous and was shown favour by the emperor and provincial
governments, so it was the owner of several temples throughout China. These were managed by
Shaolin Temple monks and seen as branch temples of the original monastery in Songshan. Today
Shaolin Temple is engaged in similar activities and supports several temples within China, to ensure
the survival of temples in other areas and to spread Chan Buddhism beyond Henan.
The Northern Shaolin Temple, which was founded outside Beijing, is not to be confused with the
original Shaolin Temple in Henan. Currently the Shaolin Temple is working on a project to restore
the Northern Temple, but all that currently exists of this temple is a pagoda and some old
foundations.
The Southern Shaolin Temple is an interesting case, as there are no official ruins or original
structures that exist. However, there are temples that, according to researchers, have been built in the
area where the original Southern Shaolin Temple once stood.
The Shaolin Temple in Songshan recognises that there was a Southern Shaolin Temple which is
attributed with spawning many amazing and effective southern styles of kung fu but, at this stage,
the heads of Shaolin Temple have not given their full support to any of the southern temples, as they

await the results of ongoing research to prove their legitimacy as an arm of the original Shaolin.

Training Plan
Schedule:
Here you can see our training schedule. The plan can be adjusted to your personal goals, style focus
and body condition. Times vary depending on the seasons.

Teaching Plan:
In order to give you a general idea of what you can learn during different lengths of stay, we provide
you a rough teaching plan.
- One month: In this time you will learn the Shaolin Basics and rudimentary movements of Shaolin
fist, staff and broadsword. One traditional short fist form is what you'll have to master. Furthermore
basic Tai Ji moves and a basic Tai Ji form according to individual preference.
Examples of forms: - Five Step Fist
- Continuous Fist or Tongbei Fist
- 24 Step Yang-Style Tai Ji
- Three months: During three months of studying you will learn some more advanced Shaolin fists
and weapons (either a long or a soft weapon), Sanda wrestling techniques, the law of attack and
defense, Sanda sparring and some hard Qi Gong.
Examples of forms: - Xiao Hong Fist
- Yin Shou Staff or Ying Yang Staff
- Xiao Luo Han Fist
- Jing Gang Fist
- 42 Step Chen-Style Tai Ji or 56 Step Yang-Style Tai Ji
- Six months: During this time you can learn about four weapon, six fist and three Tai Ji forms as well
as all the applications of the forms. You will also be more skilled in Sanda combat and takedown
techniques. In hard Qi Gong you are able to break a brick by single hand or your head. Furthermore:
Flying needle, Two-Finger Zen.
Examples of forms: - Da Hong Fist
- Da Luo Han Fist
- Canon Fist
- Liu He Fist (Two-Person Form)
- Four Weapons: Qi Mei Staff, Mei Hua Broadsword,
- Shaolin Straightsword or Shaolin Spear
- One year: You will know all Shaolin Kung Fu customs and ideas. Authentic Shaolin health care Qi
Gong, Ba Duan Jin and Yi Jin Jing. High achievements in flexibility, stability and endurance training.
You will learn advanced traditional Shaolin forms selected from the famous Shaolin 18 types of

weapons and 72 secret skills. In hard Qi Gong you can break an iron bar or steel board or throat
withstand a spear.
Examples of forms: - Mantis Palm-Blossom Fist
- Drunken Fist
- Tiger Fist
- Monkey Fist
- Spear or Chain-Whip or Three-Section Staff
- Double Hooks
This plan will be adjusted individually to personal body condition, preference and improvements. For
example, if you like one type of weapon in particular you can learn more forms of that weapon during
your stay here.
After you've finished a set of movements or a form, masters will teach you all its practical
applications in order to make you understand the underlying meaning of it.
Please note: Kung Fu learning is an endless process. You are never too old and it is never too late to
learn.
Message of the academy:
An old saying in Chinese martial arts field says: "The master teaches the trade, but the perfection of the
apprentices skill depends on himself".
Our masters will teach you how to do something and they will do their utmost to help you to progress,
but your actual progress all depends on your personal effort. The harder you train, the more you learn,
and the better you get.
It is also said: No pain, no gain. When you are training here you may sweat every day. Sometimes
physical pain or weakness will bother you and you might not want to do anything. But don't worry, our
masters will help you to resolve any matters related to training.