LEARN ABOUT

OUR CODE

Overview

A Foundation of Character

At Maling Shaolin Kung Fu Academy, we believe that true strength is built on a foundation of character. This is why we uphold a code—one rooted in centuries of Shaolin wisdom, shaped by Buddhist philosophy, and refined by generations of warrior monks. This code is known as Wǔdé (武德), or martial virtue, and it forms the ethical and spiritual foundation of everything we do.

Our Headmaster, Master Shi Xing Jian, is a 32nd-generation Shaolin warrior monk. He trained for decades under strict temple discipline, and today he leads our academy not only with martial mastery but with deep moral clarity. The rules, routines, and expectations at Maling are modeled on the very principles taught inside the Shaolin Temple: humility, respect, righteousness, loyalty, trust, and self-control. These aren’t just ideas—they’re lived values, visible in the way students train, speak, move, and treat one another.

This page explores the core philosophies behind our school’s culture:

The meaning and importance of Wǔdé, and why moral strength must come before martial power.
The ethical code and conduct expected of students, drawn from traditional Shaolin discipline.
The role of Chan (Zen) Buddhism in shaping our mindset, helping students develop clarity, patience, and presence.
And finally, how these ancient values are not only practiced at the temple—but adapted to Maling Academy life and learning.

By learning these principles, you’ll better understand what it means to train Shaolin Kung Fu—not just as a fighting system, but as a path of lifelong character development.

These are not simply values we admire—they are the very foundation of the Shaolin Temple’s philosophy. Before we explain how these principles are applied through the daily rules and expectations at Maling, it’s important to understand where they come from. The following section explores the deeper ethical, spiritual, and philosophical teachings that have guided Shaolin warrior monks for generations. You can click the button below to:

Philosophies of the Temple

The Shaolin Temple is not only the birthplace of Chan (Zen) Buddhism but also the cradle of Chinese martial arts, especially Shaolin Kung Fu. What makes Shaolin unique is its seamless blend of spiritual doctrine, strict discipline, and moral conduct into a single way of life. The famed warrior monks (wǔsēng 武僧) of Shaolin exemplify this fusion: they are highly trained martial artists and devout cultivators of Buddhist virtues. In this section, we explore the core philosophies and precepts that guide Shaolin’s warrior monks – with a focus on Wǔdé (武德), the monastic ethical code, and the influence of Chan meditation – and consider how these teachings can inspire practitioners everywhere.

Wǔdé (武德): Martial Virtue as the Soul of Shaolin

At the heart of Shaolin Kung Fu lies Wǔdé, meaning “martial virtue” or “martial morality.” Far more than a concept, Wǔdé is a way of life – a moral framework that guides how and why one practices martial arts. In Shaolin philosophy, martial skill must always be tempered by moral virtue and compassion. A true warrior uses his skills only for self-defense and protecting the innocent, never for personal gain or aggression. Power gained through Kung Fu is thus tempered by a deep sense of responsibility and compassion. In other words, fighting prowess without righteousness is considered not only hollow, but dangerous.

Shaolin tradition has emphasized Wǔdé for centuries – long before a novice learns to kick or punch. The saying:

“未习武，先修德。未练拳，先正心。”
“Before learning martial arts, first cultivate virtue; before practicing punches, first learn morality”

is attributed to the temple’s teachings. This ethos of using martial prowess to uphold peace and justice became part of the Shaolin ethos. Generations of Shaolin masters have echoed the mantra “练武要修德” – “In practicing Kung Fu, you must cultivate virtue”. Without virtue, they warn, one who trains in deadly techniques could easily go astray and harm others, betraying the very purpose of the art. As a traditional Shaolin adage sternly puts it:

“有能无德，非少林弟子!”
“One who has skill but no virtue is no disciple of Shaolin!”

What exactly does Wǔdé entail? In Shaolin and Chinese martial arts generally, Wǔdé is often described in terms of two dimensions: morality of deed and morality of mind. The morality of deed covers virtues that govern one’s interactions with others – essentially one’s social and ethical conduct. The morality of mind refers to internal virtues of self-mastery – traits that govern one’s inner state, willpower, and discipline. In Shaolin Kung Fu, the morality of deed is given primacy, since students who lack integrity and respect cannot be trusted with combat skills. Only once a student consistently shows proper conduct will the master allow them to advance to serious training.

Core Tenets of Wǔdé

Morality of Deed

Shaolin teachings commonly highlight five key virtues as the foundation of Wǔdé. These principles are drilled into students from the outset and expected to be upheld in and out of training:

Humility (qiān xū 谦虚) – Recognizing one’s limitations and remaining modest, not arrogant. A Shaolin saying cautions that when one becomes self-satisfied and proud, learning stops; but with humility, one will always strive to better oneself. Warriors are taught to control their pride and keep a beginner’s mind so they can continuously improve.
Respect (zūn zhòng 尊重) – Showing care, honor, and deference to others. Shaolin monks bow to their masters and treat seniors and juniors like family. Filial piety and courtesy are emphasized – one must respect parents, teachers, elders, fellow students, and even oneself. As the tradition notes, “If you cannot respect yourself, how can you respect others?”
Righteousness (zhèng yì 正义) – Upholding justice and moral correctness. This means always striving to do what is right and justifiable. A Shaolin practitioner is expected to have a strong sense of fairness and duty, to take responsibility for their actions, and to protect the vulnerable. In fact, classical Shaolin lore is full of tales of warrior monks riding out to defend villages from bandits – living out the ideal of punishing evil and aiding the weak, being loyal to the country and serving the people.
Trust (xìn rèn 信任) – Being trustworthy and honest, and building mutual trust with others. In the Shaolin community, a person’s word is their bond. Students are taught that integrity breeds trust – if you make a promise or oath, you must uphold it. Trust is the basis of the master-disciple relationship: a master may test a student for years to ensure he is trustworthy before imparting secret techniques.
Loyalty (zhōng chéng 忠诚) – Demonstrating devotion and faithfulness to one’s principles, teachers, and peers. This virtue develops over time through tested commitment. Shaolin disciples are expected to be loyal to the temple and their lineage, and to stand by their Shaolin brothers and sisters. Historically, Shaolin monks even showed loyalty to the nation – records tell of monks who defended their country in times of war, embodying the ideal of patriotic loyalty alongside Buddhist compassion.

Core Tenets of Wǔdé

Morality of Mind

In addition to the way we treat others, Shaolin also emphasizes the cultivation of one’s internal world. Known as morality of mind, this aspect of Wǔdé focuses on the self-discipline, resilience, and mental clarity that allow a martial artist to act with wisdom and control—especially under pressure. These traits are not developed overnight, but forged through daily practice, challenge, and introspection:

Willpower (yì zhì 意志) – The strength to stay committed, even when training is difficult or progress feels slow. Shaolin monks build willpower by enduring long sessions of repetitive drills, harsh conditions, and strict schedules. Students are taught to finish what they begin and to stay rooted in purpose, no matter the obstacle.
Endurance (rěn nài 忍耐) – The ability to bear hardship without complaint. Whether standing in low stances for long periods or meditating in silence, Shaolin cultivates physical and mental tolerance. Practitioners learn that enduring temporary discomfort builds lasting strength—not just in the body, but in character.
Perseverance (yìlì 毅力) – Continuing with effort and heart, even in the face of failure. Shaolin philosophy teaches that mastery comes not from talent but from never giving up. Students who stumble are encouraged to stand up again and again, embodying the mindset that persistence overcomes resistance.
Patience (nài xīn 耐心) – Allowing growth to unfold over time. Martial skill, like moral development, takes years to mature. Through meditation and training, students develop patience not only with their bodies but with their minds—learning to quiet frustration and embrace the process.
Courage (yǒng qì 勇气) – Facing fear and adversity with calm resolve. Courage in Shaolin is not just about stepping into combat, but also about confronting inner fears, taking responsibility for mistakes, and standing up for what is right. It is the quiet bravery to keep going and to act with integrity, even when no one is watching.

These internal virtues are cultivated on the training floor and in meditation hall alike. Shaolin monks tirelessly drill forms and exercises to forge indomitable endurance and perseverance; they meditate to develop patience and mental fortitude; they face physical ordeals (like conditioning drills or sparring) to refine courage and will. In practical terms,

How do Shaolin warrior monks embody and teach Wǔdé in daily life?

Click below to continue reading about Wǔdé and the Shaolin Temple on our blog.

The Warrior Monks’ Code

Ethics & Precepts

Becoming a Shaolin warrior monk means embracing a strict code of ethics and discipline. Far from the freedom of a layperson’s life, a monk’s days are governed by monastic rules (jiè lǜ 戒律) and rigorous routines that shape both character and body. The Shaolin Temple is a Buddhist monastery first and foremost – thus its inhabitants, even the warrior monks, must uphold Buddhist precepts and monastic conduct. However, Shaolin’s warrior monks occupy a unique status in Buddhism. Unlike the “scholar monks” (wénsēng 文僧) who are fully ordained and observe hundreds of Vinaya precepts, Shaolin’s warrior monks typically take a simpler set of vows. In the Shaolin tradition, a warrior monk is often a “secular” monk – one who has left home to live and train at the temple, but is not fully ordained.

They usually take the basic Five Precepts (wǔ jiè 五戒) of Buddhism, rather than the full monastic vows. These five fundamental precepts are: no killing, no stealing, no sexual misconduct, no false speech, and no intoxicants. On temple grounds, Shaolin warrior monks extend this to a Ten Precept rule – effectively adding stricter interpretations such as complete celibacy (upgrading “no sexual misconduct” to no sexual activity at all) and additional guidelines for conduct. In essence, a warrior monk abides by the core moral prohibitions that define a Buddhist life, even if he hasn’t taken the full ordination. This unique compromise allows Shaolin to have monks who train in martial arts (a practice historically frowned upon for fully ordained clergy) while still living a principled monastic life.

The Five Precepts are the bedrock of Shaolin ethics.

A monk must vow to respect all life and not kill – which in practice means a commitment to non-violence and protecting life whenever possible. This may seem paradoxical for a martial artist, but Shaolin martial training is understood as a means of protection, never aggression.
A monk must vow not to steal – which teaches contentment, honesty, and respect for the property and boundaries of others. Shaolin students are expected to live simply and take only what is freely given.
A monk must vow to remain chaste – which, for warrior monks, means practicing celibacy. They do not marry or engage in sexual activity, choosing instead to direct their energy toward spiritual development and physical discipline.
A monk must vow to speak truthfully – which means always using honest, kind, and thoughtful speech. Lying, gossip, and harmful words are considered violations of both personal integrity and communal trust.
A monk must vow to avoid intoxicants – which includes abstaining from alcohol and drugs, as these cloud the mind, dull awareness, and interfere with both meditation and martial training. Maintaining a clear and sober mind is essential to cultivating mindfulness, discipline, and self-mastery.

On top of the basic five, the monks-in-training (novices) at the Shaolin Temple may follow additional novice precepts (ten rules for novices) that further enforce discipline. Traditional novice precepts include rules like not eating after midday, not indulging in entertainment, not sleeping on luxurious beds, not handling money, etc. These rules intentionally impose a life of simplicity and self-denial – training young monks to be humble, austere, and free from distractions. By eating only moderate, simple meals and fasting each evening, Shaolin disciples learn to endure hunger and avoid greed. By avoiding music, dancing, or shows, they keep their minds focused inward. By shunning finery or comfort, they harden themselves against hardship. All of this builds the unshakable discipline required of a warrior monk.

Learn more about the Precepts of the Shaolin Temple

Click below to continue reading about the philosophies, precepts, and more of both warrior and ordained monks of the Shaolin Temple on our blog.

The Warrior Monks’ Code

Daily Life

Daily life in the Shaolin Temple is famously rigorous. A typical day for a Shaolin monk starts before dawn. Many accounts describe a 5:00 AM wake-up, followed by morning chanting or meditation, then a long session of Kung Fu practice at sunrise. They train intensively in basics – horse stances, stretching, forms, weapon drills – often for hours. After breakfast, there are chores and temple duties: monks might sweep the grounds, work in the fields or gardens (Shaolin has a tradition of labor alongside practice, “farming Chan” and “working Zen”). There are also scripture classes or Buddhist teachings for part of the day – as “all in Shaolin must first study Buddhism” even if they are primarily. In the afternoon, another block of training is common, focusing on combat applications, sanda (sparring), acrobatics, or Qigong. Evenings often include meditation sessions, qigong breathing exercises, and the final prayers. By 9 or 10 PM, lights go out in the monastery.

This structured routine of meditation–training–study–work repeats day after day, forging both a strong body and a strong moral character. As one observer noted:

“Their life was one of purity and hardship, practicing every morning, meditating in the middle of the day, and meditating again in the afternoon… They never complained a word.”

The sheer consistency of this lifestyle ingrains habits of diligence, resilience, and humility. The evidence of their hard work can even be seen physically – the legendary “thousand Buddha Hall” at Shaolin had indentations in the floor where countless monks stood in stance training over centuries, a testament to “spring, summer, autumn, winter – training without rest”. Such is the ethic of perseverance that Shaolin inculcates as part of its code.

Discipleship requires strong character and morals.

When someone seeks to become a disciple at the Shaolin Temple, there is a formal process of discipleship that also reflects the ethical code. Traditionally, a candidate might stay at the temple as a lay student for a time, undergoing initial training and observation. To be accepted as an indoor disciple (to officially “enter the gate”), the student undergoes a ceremony (bài shī 拜师) bowing to the master and the Buddhas, and pledging to uphold the temple’s rules and honor.

Character requirements for disciples are high: they must demonstrate respect for elders, obedience to teachers, honesty, and a spirit of compassion. Any hint of arrogance, cruelty, or indiscipline can be grounds for rejection. Masters sometimes deliberately assign menial tasks (like washing floors or serving in the kitchen) to test a student’s humility and patience. Only those who show a virtuous attitude under pressure prove themselves worthy of the Shaolin lineage.

The monastic code governing Shaolin monks covers not just morals but behavior, etiquette, and hierarchy. Junior monks must salute seniors with the proper address (e.g. calling someone “师兄 shīxiōng” – elder brother disciple). There are rules about wearing the monastic robes properly, attending the morning and evening chanting sessions, eating meals in silence and gratitude, etc. The Shaolin Temple also has an ancestral code (sìguī 寺规) that lays out the “Shaolin spirit” – emphasizing patriotism, protecting the temple and the nation, harmonizing with others, being filial to parents and teachers, observing the law and the Buddhist precepts, helping the poor and needy, and spreading the Dharma. This traditional code, often recited as verses, reinforces that a Shaolin monk must be a model citizen and compassionate helper in addition to being a good fighter.

The rules are not meant as draconian edicts, but as guiding principles one chooses to live by to become an upright “scholar-warrior”.

In Chinese culture, the ideal of balancing civil (文) and martial (武) virtues is ancient and well-respected.
This balance is often summarized in the saying:
“文武双全” – “Wén wǔ shuāng quán.”

If a disciple consistently violates these precepts – for instance, if someone were to use their Kung Fu to hurt innocents or engage in crime – Shaolin elders would first reprimand them, and if incorrigible, expel them from the temple. The ultimate disgrace for a Shaolin practitioner is to have skill but no virtue, as they would be cast out and condemned by the community

How one becomes a Shaolin Monk

Click below to continue reading about process of becoming a Shaolin monk and the differences in monks at the Shaolin Temple on our blog.

The Spiritual Core of the Warrior Monk

Chan Buddhism and Meditation

Buddhism in China: A Journey of Spiritual Integration

Shaolin Kung Fu cannot be separated from Chan Buddhism (禅) – the spiritual tradition that underpins the Shaolin worldview. In fact, the oft-quoted phrase “Chan Wu He Yi” (禅武合一) captures this unity: “Chan and martial arts are one.” The Shaolin Temple was the very birthplace of Chan (Zen) Buddhism in China, and meditation is at the core of a Shaolin monk’s training. Chan emphasizes direct insight into one’s true nature through meditation, mindfulness, and living in the present moment. For Shaolin’s warrior monks, this Zen practice is what transforms mere fighting techniques into a path of self-realization.

In daily life, Shaolin monks spend many hours in meditation (xiū chán 修禅). Typically, mornings or evenings include meditation sessions where monks sit in the lotus posture, observing their breath and clearing the mind. They also practice mindfulness in action – whether they are performing a form, doing chores, or sparring, they strive to maintain awareness and composure. One Shaolin master described this as:

“using Zen to enter martial arts and using martial arts to cultivate Zen.”

For example, when executing a punch, a monk does so with total concentration, free from distracting thoughts – this focused state is essentially moving meditation. Conversely, the physical hardship of training (sweating through horse stances or enduring pain) becomes a test of one’s Zen mind – an opportunity to practice equanimity and non-attachment to discomfort. In this way, every training hall is also a meditation hall. The famous Shaolin saying “武术禅” (“martial arts Zen”) reflects that performing martial arts with a calm, egoless mind is itself a form of Zen practice.

In addition,

Chan Buddhism teaches the impermanence of all things – helping monks understand that everything is in constant change, and that clinging leads to suffering. This encourages adaptability and non-attachment in training and life.
Chan emphasizes the illusion of the ego – reminding practitioners that the “self” is not fixed or separate. Shaolin monks apply this by training without vanity or competitiveness; a technique is practiced for refinement, not for praise.
Chan promotes calmness and mental clarity – especially in high-stress situations like combat. A Shaolin monk strives to maintain a still mind, responding fluidly like a mirror instead of reacting with fear or anger.
Chan meditation develops “no-mindedness” (wúxīn 无我) – a mental state of presence, awareness, and effortless action. In this state, the monk is fully focused, emotionally balanced, and instinctively effective.
Chan instills compassion as a core principle – teaching that all beings share Buddha-nature and are interconnected. This insight deepens a monk’s commitment to non-harm and guides them to use martial skill only with restraint and moral intention.

Many Shaolin warrior monks report that meditation softens their hearts – after a session of deep stillness, one feels less inclination to harm even an insect, let alone a person. This compassionate outlook aligns perfectly with the Wǔdé principle of not misusing martial arts. In practice, a Chan-minded fighter might subdue an enemy and then spare them, hoping they reform – rather than seeking vengeance or glory.

A clear example of Chan influence is the training of mindfulness and breathing in conjunction with movement. Shaolin forms often coordinate breath with motion, teaching the practitioner to remain centered. Some exercises like Qìgōng (气功) are explicitly meditative, involving standing postures and visualization to cultivate inner energy and tranquility. The famous Shaolin Yijinjing exercise is both a strength training and a Qigong set – symbolizing how internal cultivation and external training go hand in hand. Over time, the monk learns that a true fight is won as much in the mind as with the body. As one modern Shaolin teacher noted,

“strength comes only from the mind, there are almost no limits to what can be done with the body during training”

– a statement born of Chan confidence and mental focus.

Choosing the Shaolin Temple as a Buddhist Monk

Click below to continue reading about Buddhist monks, their lives, and why they might choose the Shaolin Temple over other temples on our blog.

Our Rules

Living the Code at Maling Academy

While the Shaolin Temple is a monastic institution shaped by Buddhism, Maling Shaolin Kung Fu Academy welcomes students from all walks of life. We are not a religious organization, and we do not require students to follow Buddhist practices or adopt any specific belief system. Instead, our school draws from the moral and ethical foundations of Shaolin tradition—especially the values of wǔdé (martial virtue), self-discipline, compassion, and personal responsibility.

Our goal is to provide a training environment where these timeless principles come alive not just in words, but in action. The rules we follow at Maling are rooted in the same philosophies that guide the warrior monks of Shaolin: humility, respect, self-control, and care for community. They are not meant to be restrictive, but to create a space where growth, discipline, and harmony can thrive.

Our students come from many cultures, faiths, and backgrounds. We encourage a spirit of open-mindedness and mutual respect among everyone in our community. While religious study is not a part of our curriculum, students who are curious about Buddhism, Chan philosophy, or the deeper traditions of Shaolin are always welcome to ask questions—our masters are happy to discuss and share insights when invited.

The following rules and guidelines reflect our commitment to preserving the spirit of Shaolin Kung Fu while creating a safe, focused, and respectful space for everyone.

Academy Rules

Show respect to masters, translators, staff, and fellow students. Do not insult, provoke, spread rumors, or engage in behavior that harms others or the reputation of the academy.

Do not break Chinese laws or local regulations. Always respect the customs, traditions, and culture of the country and community in which we live.

Use all academy facilities with care. If you damage or break anything, you are expected to replace it or pay its equivalent value.

Conduct yourself responsibly both inside and outside the academy. You are fully accountable for your actions and any trouble you cause.

Follow the daily timetable strictly. Avoid being late to training or staying up late at night unless authorized.

Smoking, drinking, fighting, and drug use are not permitted on school grounds. Political or religious debates among students are discouraged to maintain a respectful, neutral space.

Weapons must be used with care. Do not attempt dangerous techniques or sparring without a master’s supervision.

Do not bring guests or strangers into the academy without prior permission from staff.

Always inform a master or staff member if you plan to leave the school grounds. Overnight stays off-campus should be minimized unless necessary and approved.

Only mobile phones, computers, and fans are allowed in dorms. High-power appliances are not permitted for safety reasons.

Daily Conduct & Shared Community Life

Beyond formal rules, our daily conduct expectations are shaped by Shaolin values of consideration, harmony, and responsibility. These habits build the inner discipline and awareness that all martial artists must cultivate:

Show kindness and patience to fellow students. Bullying, insults, or hostile behavior are not tolerated.

Wait until all students are present before beginning meals. This ensures everyone receives their fair share and reinforces communal awareness.

Mixed-gender room sharing is not allowed unless you are an established couple who joined the school together.

Check if a shower is occupied before entering, and avoid taking excessively long showers out of consideration for others. Dress appropriately when going between your room and the showers. No co-ed showers allowed.

Help save energy by turning off lights and electronics when not in use.

Keep your personal space tidy. Shared areas such as training halls, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and sinks must be kept clean and respected by all.

Be considerate of noise levels during quiet times and rest periods.

Knock before entering any closed room, and always respect others’ belongings and space.

Accept the consequences of your actions. Learn from mistakes, make amends when needed, and strive to grow through challenges.

No shorts, revealing, or ‘loud’ clothing. On non-uniform days, wear loose-fitting pants and shirts with simple designs and colors.

By upholding these rules, students help maintain an atmosphere of trust, safety, and mutual respect. These are not just guidelines for behavior—they are daily expressions of the Shaolin spirit, adapted to modern life. Whether you are here for a month or a year, you are part of a living tradition that values not just physical power, but ethical strength and personal growth.

Training at Maling is an opportunity to walk the same path of self-discipline, humility, and excellence that has guided Shaolin practitioners for generations—and to carry those lessons with you, wherever your journey takes you.