Shaolin monks train in martial arts for several hours every day, perfecting the art of hand-to-hand and weapons combat.

Each monk is required to achieve an extraordinarily high level of proficiency in each of the temple's 18 traditional weapons and become a master of one. However, it is the daily practice of seated meditation, which enables each monk to sustain a demanding physical regimen.

Through a practice known as Chan (Chinese for Zen), the monks calm the body and focus the mind to a single collected point in order to attain a mental state known as Samadhi, or complete mental absorption.

It is in this quiet yet highly focused state of mind that the monks are able to sustain extreme physical discomfort and pain which enables them to undergo the intense daily training required to achieve and maintain the level of adeptness for which they are so highly praised.

There are more than 20 weapons used by the Shaolin monks today, including the common axe, cudgel, spear, halberd, sword and broadsword, 3-section staff, dart, dagger, black tiger hammer, plumblossom broadsword, Bodhidharma staff and tiger hooks.

These weapons are equally divided between short and long. The cudgel, spear, sword and broadsword, are known as the four major weapons of Shaolin.

Traditionally, Shaolin monks were not just armed with the major four. They had many short weapons hidden on the body such as the dart, iron fan and flute. The Bhodhidharma staff and many others are unique to Shaolin practices. The use of these hidden weapons gave the Shaolin monks additional power over their enemies.

In addition to the use of these weapons virtually any common, everyday object can be used by a Shaolin monk.

A note about the Shaolin Monks and Buddhism:

It is a commonly held understanding that Buddhism and certainly Buddhist monks espouse a philosophy of non-violence and non-aggression.

This philosophy is certainly in accordance with the modern-day practices of the Shaolin monks and it would be incorrect to associate demonstrations of Shaolin fighting techniques with acts of aggression.

Shaolins fight mostly in silence, exhibiting what can be described as "stillness in movement." This "stillness" is a direct result of a serene mind, cultivated through the practice of meditation.

(China Daily May 25, 2004)