Understand the history of Shaolin Kung Fu, and its 1500 years of development. Know that not all Shaolin monks are the greatest warriors. They are essentially Buddhist monks who have studied the technique of Shaolin. Understand the strict requirements that Shaolin Monks are held to today. Understand the philosophy and spiritual aspects of Shaolin Kung Fu. [1] X Research source

Shaolin Kung Fu is an outcropping of Buddhism. Shaolin Kung Fu requires intense training, self-control, and self-reflection. Shaolin Monks must possess a complete and utter dedication to their way of life. [2] X Research source

Suffering is a part of life. Desire for physical positions and pleasures is one of the greatest causes of suffering. We can escape suffering by rejecting desire. We can find happiness or “Nirvana” by following a specific path in our daily life (the 8-Fold Path). [4] X Research source

Reduce how much you eat. Avoid overeating at all costs. Eliminate meat completely from your diet. Cut out simple carbohydrates. Consume raw food. While some monks do this for every meal, you should begin with one meal.

The USA Shaolin Temple in New York City. Other regional Kung Fu Centers. If you don’t have a practitioner in your area, you might have to travel.

Training is full time. You won’t be able to work, socialize outside the Temple, or spend much time doing much else. Your life will be devoted to training. It could be costly to travel and train at a temple. There are a wide range of Shaolin Temples in China, varying on quality, so do your homework before you decide to make the trip.

Clerical monks. These are monks that perform the day to day religious rites. Scholarly monks. These are monks who commit themselves to knowledge and scholarship. Warrior monks. These are monks who focus on the martial arts aspect of Shaolin. [6] X Research source

Shaolin Monks commit to a life of celibacy. Shaolin Monks can’t consume animal meat. Shaolin Monks don’t drink or smoke cigarettes. Shaolin Monks reject a life based on material possessions, conspicuous consumption, and consumer culture.

Lay Monks can marry and hold down an outside job. Lay Monks may smoke or drink cigarettes sometimes. Lay Monks might even eat meat.