The name Shaolin Kung Fu Chuan, as referred to here, is the ancient wisdom passed down by Shaolin Priests. It is not the Kung Fu passed down by modern-day lay people. Shaolin Kung Fu could be considered the martial component within the Shaolin Tradition. The Shaolin Tradition is a body of knowledge, methods and techniques used by its practitioners to gain and maintain high levels of health, wisdom and insight into the Ultimate Reality. The physical exercises taught within this discipline use a martial medium to enhance the efficiency of the energization methods. These energization methods are the foundation of the healing and health benefits: physical, mental and spiritual. The Shaolin tradition was established by the Buddhist priest Bodhidharma.
According to legend, the Shaolin Master Priests perpetuated, developed and improved the Shaolin martial system. This is the martial system that is practiced and taught at the Shaolin Temple US. The martial forms practiced and taught here exemplify the martial system perpetuated by the Shaolin Master Priests.
Today, Shaolin Kung Fu Chuan is most widely practiced as a martial art and self-defense. It is also used to maintain health and longevity. It is credited with the relief, in many cases permanent remission of a list of illnesses much too long to elaborate here. The practice of Shaolin Kung Fu Chuan can keep one’s body youthful well into advanced years.