Shaolin is the birthplace of what the Chinese call GongFu and most westerners call Kung Fu.  Anyone that has watched Bruce Lee, Jacky Chan or Jet Li movies will recognise this ancient martial art, which is hugely popular within China.

Buddhist Monks in the Shaolin Temple developed GongFu in to the art form it is today. The temple monks now run a GongFu training academy within the grounds, however the main campous is in the nearby town of Dengfeng and has over 7000 students enrolled in their vigorous training program. As well as the Shaolin Temple academy, there are now around 80 different gongfu schools in the area.

There are tens of thousands of students enrolled in gongfu schools, most with the aim of becoming professional martial art professionals and performers, or reaching the ultimate goal of being a movie star in the future. Students as young as 3 yrs old can enrol in course for 1 year at a time. Depending on the school, tution can cost around 6800 RMB for tuition, accommodation, board and uniform. Students complete 4 hrs of gongfu training per day, with an additional 4 hrs of regular schooling. Lessons normally commence at 5.30am each day, with the day finishing at 9pm, with meals and rest times throughout the day. Older students receive only ½ a day off per week, with some of the younger students 1 ½ days off. The schools do not follow regular school holiday periods, with students only returning home for the Chinese New Year holiday period.

Foreign students are welcome to enrol in gongfu courses at selected academies. Most students come fer a period of 1 month and this can cost between 3000 ? 6000RMB depending on the school, which includes 4 ? 8 hrs training per day, Chinese lessons, room and board. Course for 1 day can also be conducted for tourists for as little as 200RMB

My gongfu ?master? from initial inspection looked like your average middle aged local, but as soon as the lesson commenced, it became apparent that this was far from the truth and he could easily kick my arse if I got out of line. The strength required to perform all the specific movements and patterns took a great deal of concentration and effort ? both physical and mental.

This is a very unique experience and well worth the time when in Shaolin.