Is Shaolin Kung Fu on the decline in China?

An ancient art that takes years to perfect. This group of about a dozen young monks are working on their Kung Fu. Their every move watched closely by their Shi Fu- or master- Yan Chen.

The Shaolin Temple in China's centrally located Henan Province is seen by many as the home of Kung Fu. It's both a physical and spiritual workout and the Temple's Director of Foreign Affairs Wang Yumin says it was born on the principle of self-defense. 

"Because of a long time practice of meditation, the monks merged the Kung fu into meditation and the style of Shaolin Kung fu came into being." 

The Shaolin Temple in China's Henan Province was founded in 495 AD and is the home of Shaolin Kung Fu. A practice that combines martial arts with Zen Buddhism.

It's this history that has attracted pupils the world over. Leonard Huetten has travelled from Germany and is one of 10 foreign students currently training at the temple. He's over six foot tall with blonde hair pulled back into a bun. 

He's just a few weeks into his three month program. He says a reason for joining is to get away from today's gadgets. 

"Mobile devices are too important in our lives and if you're here you concentrate on your training and you have to rest and you're away from all the technology stuff."

Considered the birthplace of Chinese Zen Buddhism, thousands of people visit the Shaolin Temple every day to see the ancient temples and catch a glimpse of the monks practicing Kung fu. Tourism remains robust but some worry that Kung fu's longstanding grip on Chinese culture is starting to loosen. 

"Persistence and concentration are vital skills needed to become a Kung fu master. But some fear younger generations don't have the patience or attention spans needed to dedicate themselves to this art."

The Tagou Martial Art School has sought to keep the tradition of Shaolin Kung fu alive. 


The 40-year-old school claims to be the largest martial arts institute in China, with 39,000 students currently enrolled. In the main courtyard over a hundred students have split into groups practicing specific Kung fu skills- ranging from work on their set routines to mastering flips. 


School coach Jiang Honghu says its principles can still play an important role in today's society."The parents send their kids to this school hoping that martial arts would change their kid's destiny, improve their physical condition, character and temperament."

For those who lack the patience there's Mixed Martial Arts- or MMA. 

Market research firm Technavio estimate that the global MMA equiptment market alone will grow 7% annually over the next four years. 

Secretary General of the Martial Arts Industry Alliance Li Qiang says many people are choosing it as it better suits their busy lifestyles.

"People nowadays lived at a fast pace, so they want an effective relaxation. Just like the videos trending on Wechat, nice and short, MMA is good in the same way."

Today's fast-paced way of life provides stiff competition for this ancient style of Kung fu. 

But the teachers believe it's worth investing the time to keep a tradition alive.