How to Become a Shaolin Monk: Steps, Training, and Requirements

The allure of Shaolin kung fu, with its rich history, discipline, and philosophical depth, draws many from around the world who dream of becoming a Shaolin monk. However, this dream is often shaped by Western media portrayals, which don’t always reflect the realities of life as a monk at the Shaolin Temple. In this article, we’ll explore the process of becoming a Shaolin monk, clarify misconceptions, and explain how foreigners might pursue this path.

Western Perception vs. Reality: The Myth of the Shaolin Monk

Many Westerners have a romanticized idea of Shaolin monks, largely influenced by kung fu movies, documentaries, and legends. In this view, Shaolin monks are often seen as mystical warriors capable of superhuman feats, living a life of asceticism and martial prowess. While elements of this are true, the actual life of a Shaolin monk is more nuanced and involves a combination of spiritual, cultural, and physical practices.

Western Misconception:

• Shaolin monks are primarily fighters or warriors.
• They live in isolation, practicing only martial arts.
• Their lives are like those portrayed in kung fu films, with a heavy emphasis on combat and mysticism.
• As long as they are willing or skilled enough, anyone can live at the temple and train to be a warrior monk. 

Reality:

• Shaolin monks practice both Buddhist spirituality and martial arts, with many focusing more on their religious duties than fighting.
• Their lives revolve around a balance of physical training, spiritual development, and temple duties.
• There are different types of monks at the Shaolin Temple, with some focusing on martial arts (wúsēng) and others on religious practices (wénsēng).
• Training is not free and admittance to live at the temple and become a warrior monk is very limited.

Types of Shaolin Monks: Wúsēng and Wénsēng

In modern times, there are two main types of Shaolin monks:

• Wúsēng (武僧): Martial Monks
  These monks are the ones most often associated with Shaolin kung fu. They focus on the practice, preservation, and teaching of Shaolin martial arts. However, their training is not just about kung fu; it incorporates philosophy, meditation, and physical discipline.
• Wénsēng (文僧): Scholar Monks
  These monks devote themselves to the study of Buddhist scriptures, meditation, and temple duties. While they may also learn some kung fu as part of their temple upbringing, their primary focus is spiritual practice, Buddhist philosophy, and maintaining the religious aspects of Shaolin culture.

Both types of monks are crucial to the Shaolin tradition. The temple is not only a place for martial excellence but also for spiritual cultivation and the preservation of Buddhist teachings.

*The “sēng” in wúsēng and wénsēng means ‘monk,’ specifically, a Buddhist monk (僧).
The “wú” in wúsēng is the same as that in wushu (武), which literally means ‘martial arts’–thus ‘marital monk.’
The “wén” in wénsēng derives from the Chinese character 文, which means “literature” or “culture”– thus ‘literary/scholar monk.’

How One Becomes a Shaolin Monk Today

In modern times, becoming a Shaolin monk follows a structured process that incorporates both ancient traditions and contemporary adaptations.

Training and Dedication:
Most monks begin their journey as young children, often sent by their families to a school near the temple. It usually takes several years before a student is able to request to be a disciple of a  master of the temple and allowed to train under them. Shaolin kung fu, as practiced by monks, requires immense physical discipline and mental dedication. Young students engage in rigorous daily training, studying Buddhist teachings alongside martial arts.

Steps to Becoming a Shaolin Monk

1. Study at a Kung Fu School: Most students start kung fu between the ages of 4-7 years old. They will usually train in a school local to them first and if they show promise, transfer to a school in Dengfeng, of which there are many, near the Shaolin Temple. 
2. Becoming a Disciple: After a few years, if a student shows skill, humility, and compassion, a master from the temple may accept them to be a disciple. Hopeful students initiate this request and process and it is up to the master to judge whether they possess the necessary attributes for discipleship and up to the student to show their zeal and devotion. The vast majority of aspiring students never get this opportunity as it is highly selective and limited to a small amount of individuals. Once the lucky few are accepted, they may live at the temple or an off-site school related to their master, training in kung fu, and learning Buddhist philosophy. Most students do not live at the temple full-time. They may visit the temple to train for a few weeks or months at a time, but due to the limited capacity, temple living is usually reserved for full-fledged monks and masters.
3. Life of a Martial Monk: Once a sworn disciple, students are considered martial monks (wúsēng), or as more commonly known in the West, warrior monks.* While still living under strict rules and practices, their lifestyles are much more lenient than those of the scholar monks (wénsēng). They can still eat meat off of temple grounds, listen to music and dance, and live lives of relative comfort.** 
4. Becoming a Master: While there is no set rules on the required taolu (forms) or weapons a disciple must perfect to become a master, years of training themselves and others is required. There is no obvious advancement when a disciple, no belt signifiers or titles, just those classified as old and new students and a noticeable honing of one’s skills. To officially become a master is up to the evaluation of the disciple’s master. It is not only necessary to have good skills, but also good character, becoming someone that embodies the principles of Martial Virtue (武德, Wǔdé).
5. Conversion to Wénsēng & Ordinated Wúsēng: After years of rigorous practice and dedication, a practitioner may choose to take monastic vows and become a wénsēng. This process may take place when one wishes to “retire” from martial practice or pursue spiritual advancement, but most wúsēng do not become wénsēng. To officially become a wénsēng, one must take the precepts of monkhood, committing to a life of simplicity, discipline, and spiritual practice. Alternatively, wúsēng may undergo the ordination ceremony (shòujiè) to live their lives out at the temple, training disciples, providing guidance, and assisting the temple (different from the wénsēng who focus on enlightenment). Wénsēng and wúsēng who undergo shòujiè never marry or have families. However, if a wúsēng left the temple and later came back to be an ordinated wúsēng, this is acceptable as long as the rest of their life is dedicated to the temple. 
6. Ongoing Development: Even after becoming a wénsēng or wúsēng (ordinated or not), the journey continues. Shaolin monks commit themselves to lifelong learning, martial training, and spiritual growth.

*In the past, the title of wúsēng was dedicated to martial monks who pledged themselves to live at the temple for life, undergoing the same shòujiè (受戒- ordination) ceremony as the wénsēng. Martial monks of today’s world are not held to the same restrictions but they do have the choice to undergo the ordination ceremony if they choose too, as mentioned in point 5, though it is not very statistically common. 

**While on temple grounds, rules for wúsēng are more strict. There is no meat consumption and life is very austere with minimal comforts, just as with the wénsēng. However, wúsēng often live, train, and travel off-site where they are able to indulge in these privileges. 

Role of a Modern Warrior Monk

The role of a wúsēng (武僧), or martial monk, has transformed dramatically over the centuries. In the past, martial monks primarily served as protectors of the Shaolin Temple, defending it from external threats. These warrior monks played critical roles in safeguarding not only the physical structure of the temple but also the integrity of the Shaolin tradition itself. Over time, their responsibilities expanded beyond mere defense, taking on more spiritual and cultural significance, as they began serving as spiritual guides and even performing arts practitioners.

But what does this mean in the modern world?

In today’s society, the function of a martial monk is quite different. While the Shaolin Temple is no longer under constant physical threat, the institution still requires protection—now in the form of financial sustainability and cultural preservation. Modern wúsēng are tasked with upholding the Shaolin legacy, not through battle, but through their public performances and outreach. In an era where society operates on currency and visibility, the martial prowess of these monks is showcased worldwide to generate support and awareness of Shaolin’s rich heritage.

The Evolution into Performers

Many of the top martial monks are selected to join performance teams, where they showcase the incredible discipline, skill, and physical capabilities honed over years of training. These public displays—often seen in documentaries, viral social media clips, and major film productions—serve a dual purpose. Not only do they inspire awe by pushing the limits of human ability, but they also act as ambassadors of the temple’s history and culture. These performances allow the temple to connect with a global audience, generating both interest and financial support for its continued existence.

This modern role still aligns with the core principles of the martial monk: dedication, discipline, and the preservation of the Shaolin tradition. Though the context has changed from a world of war and defense to one of cultural exchange and performance, the essence of the wúsēng’s mission remains the same—to protect and continue the legacy of Shaolin.

Can Foreigners Become Shaolin Monks?

Yes, it is possible for foreigners to become Shaolin monks, but the process is highly selective and requires long-term commitment.

What You Should Know:

Training Programs for Foreigners: Many temples and academies offer training programs specifically designed for foreigners, where students can live, train in kung fu, and, in some cases, study Buddhism. These programs typically do not lead to monkhood but provide a deep cultural immersion.

Monastic Vows: While training at the temple is open to foreigners, becoming a monk is a different matter. Few foreigners have taken the full monastic vows to become Shaolin monks, as it requires a long-term commitment to live and practice at the temple.*

Wúsēng vs Wénsēng:

• Becoming a wúsēng (martial/warrior monk) requires intense physical prowess and skill. As mentioned above, most wúsēng begin their training between the ages of 4-7. This is one of the many reasons it is so difficult for foreigners to attain the level needed to become an official disciple at the temple, others being language and cultural barriers. 

• Becoming a wénsēng as a foreigner is unlikely through the route mentioned in the section above but another avenue is available. However, this monkhood is not for the faint of heart. Most who join the temple to specifically become wénsēng are those individuals seeking a new purpose in life. They relinquish all worldly possessions, including money, material goods, and even their families. The donation of their belongings and wealth supports their accommodations, food, and temple upkeep. Becoming a wénsēng is a lifelong commitment to the ways of self-sacrifice, scriptures, and service within the temple. 

Dedication and Cultural Integration: The path to monkhood for foreigners involves more than just mastering kung fu—it requires a deep understanding of and dedication to Buddhist principles, Shaolin traditions, and the Chinese language and culture. Foreign students must show significant progress in these areas before being considered for monkhood.

The Cost of Monkhood: Outside of the physical, mental, and time demands required to become a monk, there is also the financial cost. Many years ago, those who dedicated their lives to the Shaolin Temple lived there for free thanks to generous donations and communal work. In modern times, however, this is not the case. Students must pay for their time living at the temple to support their food, utilities, and resources used. 

Foreign Monkhood Success:
While exceedingly rare, there have been a few foreigners who have taken the full monastic vows at the Shaolin Temple. These individuals typically train at the temple for many years and immerse themselves fully in Shaolin life. As of the publishing of this article, to date, there has only been one foreigner to undergo the ordination ceremony for traditional monkhood- Franco Testini (Buddhist name Shi Yan Fan).

*There are alternative methods. In the modern world, temple is an institution in need of resources and finances like any other. If there is someone who wants to be a disciple without the time, skill, or dedication required, they can pay for a certificate of discipleship (or offer some other service or benefit to the temple). They will be granted discipleship, however, the familial bond that accompanies traditional discipleship will, of course, not be present. This discipleship does not grant access to live on the temple grounds. However, you can pay for classes from your master or through various temple services.

Final Thoughts: The Path to Shaolin Monkhood

Becoming a Shaolin monk is a deeply spiritual and personal journey, requiring immense dedication, discipline, and time. For those who are passionate about the Shaolin way of life, it is not just about mastering kung fu but about embodying the balance between martial prowess and spiritual wisdom. Foreigners are welcome to train in Shaolin kung fu and, in some cases, even pursue the path to monkhood. However, this path is not easy and requires complete immersion into the Shaolin lifestyle. For many, the journey toward becoming a Shaolin monk is one of lifelong learning, spiritual development, and martial excellence.

For those looking to experience Shaolin training without becoming monks, there are many schools and programs that offer a taste of this rich tradition, blending kung fu training with cultural and spiritual insights. The Shaolin Temple continues to inspire martial artists and spiritual seekers worldwide, proving that the essence of Shaolin is alive and evolving.