What Martial Art Do Shaolin Monks Practice?


Kung fu

Shaolin monks are the most peaceful people, and they know how to fight. Yet, there must be more to it. How is the same group of people so stress-free? There must be something they do altogether to have such a worry-free mindset and lifestyle. Well, there is. They’re all practicing the same martial art

Shaolin monks have practiced Shaolin Kung Fu since the creation of their temple. They learn a series of techniques and movements some are a form of meditation and some are a form of fighting. As a result, not only are Shaolin monks peaceful, but they’re also capable of battling.

However, there’s more to it. While some find Kung fu more like a fighting style, others use it for meditation pursuits. Yet, Shaolin monks use it in a healthy balance. As a result, they’re highly qualified individuals. 

If you want to read why martial arts decrease anger and aggression levels, follow the link to an article of mine. Both pieces of content correlate closely, and you should read them both. 

Additionally, if you want to learn more about the Shaolin monks. Follow the link to a fantastic article that explains their history.

Which martial arts do Shaolin monks learn?

The style in which Shaolin monks primarily focus on learning—is Kung fu. Most people don’t comprehend the martial art itself, and therefore they won’t understand the monks’ lifestyle. When you picture one of these individuals, you most likely see a bold man meditating on the top of a mountain. Yet, most of them can fight and beat many professional fighters!

Shaolin monks Learn Shaolin Kung fu in its whole combined with other styles, including Tai Chi and Qigong. Most of their training isn’t related to fighting in a sense. Instead, they’re a form of meditation they use to enhance their capabilities. Thus Shaolin monks are peaceful individuals. 

Overall, if you were to meditate as much as they do, you would begin to comprehend what level of discipline it takes. The Shaolin monks are used to it. Still, I cannot specify the number of hours a monk meditates per day. But, I assure you that number is high. 

Their fighting style is honestly an art. They perform for the crowds that visit the Shaolin temple. Once you watch that, you’ll understand why they’re incredibly skilled and qualified. Not only are they capable of using that martial art to fight, but they also know to perform with their skills. 

Next, I’ll include a video so you can understand why Shaolin Kung Fu is such a beautiful fighting style. 

Real Shaolin Kung Fu

Should you learn Shaolin Kung Fu?

There are many reasons to learn martial art. Not only will it teach you self-defense, but it’s also a form of self-help. Consequently, training in one will be a wise choice. I wrote an article on the reasons to learn martial arts. I recommend you follow the link to read it as it has some critical insights. 

As a general rule, you should learn Shaolin Kung fu as it’s a form of self-development and a suitable fighting style. As a result, you’ll gain many benefits from learning this martial art, for instance, increased confidence, lower aggression, and anger levels, inner peace, and learning to fight fiercely!

You must understand that it’s not solely a fighting style. It’s more than that. You’ll be able to find peace and reduce stress using the methods you’ll apply in training. You won’t only hit bricks with your head. Instead, you’ll also be developing your inner Qi, which is crucial. 

Shaolin Kung Fu Basic Moves

The Shaolin monks live a different lifestyle than most of us. The primary concept is they avoid all stimulants in life. As a result, they can use their time more efficiently and thus focus more on what matters. 

Today, I would still encourage everyone to learn Kung fu, as it can serve as one of the most practical fighting styles. You’ll be able to learn self-defense techniques while reducing stress and aggression levels. Consequently, there’s no losing.

Yet, if your focus is to learn self-defense, and that’s it, you may want to choose another martial art, such as Krav Maga or MMA. Follow the link to figure out which martial arts are best for self-defense. Additionally, which one you should learn?

Eventually, learning Shaolin Kung fu will provide many benefits. For me, they have changed my mindset and lifestyle. I judge myself less and am more ambitious. All that is done by meditating every single day using Kung Fu Qi training. If I can do it at home, you can too. 

Why do Shaolin monks train in martial arts?

Training in martial arts isn’t solely for fighting. In addition, you’ll also participate in meditation forms such as Tai chi or Qigong. That allows the trainee to develop not only his outer body, but also the inner Qi, or the soul. 

Shaolin monks train in martial arts because it provides them with a self-development tool while learning the art of fighting. As a result, they’re able to both develop their physical and spiritual bodies. For instance, in Shaolin Kung Fu, you’ll go through many meditation techniques and movements.

If you’ve ever watched Karate Kid, it’s somewhat like that, yet realistic. In the movie, the sensei gave cleaning tasks to the trainee, such as mopping the floor or cleaning the car. Eventually, he got tired of that, and he thought the sensei was using him as a maid. 

Eventually, he was able to master Karate techniques through these same cleaning tasks. 

Karate Kid Scene


Okay, so back to reality. In Shaolin Kung fu, one can learn to fight without ever sparring. Although it’s vital, you can still practice the techniques by meditating.

Because of that, both the spiritual and the physical worlds are essential for progress. Because of that, the Shaolin monks meditate as often as they do. Consequently, they perform to their best capabilities and reach incredible feats in their martial arts career. 

Conclusion

Throughout the years, Shaolin Kung Fu has developed and has become what it is currently. If you watch a video of the beautiful demonstration of the fighting style, you’ll soon realize how practical it really is. There isn’t a single part in my body that’ll tell you not to learn Shaolin Kung fu.

From personal experience, I’ve witnessed every benefit the pieces of research had proved to trainees’ experience. So, increased self-confidence, better self-esteem, lower stress, and lower anger and aggression levels. 

As such, I encourage you to practice Shaolin Kung Fu as it’ll change your mindset and lifestyle quickly. 

Here are other articles you’d enjoy reading:

12 Essential Kung Fu Kicks You Must Know (Guide)

Karate VS Kung Fu | Which Is the Better Martial Art?

Boxing vs Kung Fu – Differences | Which One Is Better

Which Is Better Taekwondo or Kung Fu? Main Differences

Kung Fu VS MMA | Which One Should You Learn?

Is Kung Fu Difficult to Learn? Should You Learn It?

Shaolin Monk vs UFC Fighter | Who Would Win?

Levi

I've served in the military as a special forces operator for 4-years. In that period, I've trained in many martial arts, including karate, MMA, BJJ, boxing, and even Krav Maga. I want to share my passion with you, so here it is!

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