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

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