How do I find more information about training with sholin monks?

Question

This has interest me for some time now. Ever since I heard the possiblity of dishing out a few grand to train along side the monks in the monestaries. Still unsure if I want to embark on this endevour (I love my beef and warm bed too much) but it would be an interesting experiance.

Anyone with any information would be greatly appericiated. As always the one with the most in depth response and sited sources wins the points.

Answer 1

Have a look at these:

Answer 2

Black belt magazine had an article on this several years ago and how there was a trip that you could book to go and train in China there with them for three weeks. I don't know if this is still available but I would think that it is since they now have a group that tours all over the world and gives demonstrations every other year I believe. From what I remember about the article their attitude and philosophy has changed and they now are willing to open their doors and share some of their training techniques and regiment with serious martial artists that have an interest in those aspects.

Answer 3

Grandmaster Sin Kwang The is a shaolin practitioner who studied under Grandmaster I Ching Minh (think it's spelled). He owns a line of very good martial arts school called shaolin-do. They offer very good lessons on shaolin and he travels around the country giving seminars along with fellow practitioners of his.

Of course, you wont find some of the things that the traditional monks will do in his dojos (sand burning, etc.), but he is willing to divulge any secrets you'd like under careful tutelage, and if you're deemed ready. You can look at more information on the shaolin-do website (shaolin-do.com) for more info and a list of locations (in case interested). Tuition is only about 100$ monthly for unlimited access to all weekly shaolin kung fu and tai chi classes (at least 12 a week).

I believe you may also be able to contact some people from the same website for information on what you seek. The shaolin-do school also hosts trips to shaolin temples in china for training and touring.

Answer 4

I had the honor of meeting one of the monks here in the US just a few weeks ago. He was a really down to earth guy, very friendly and an amazing athlete. He came in and taught a three hour seminar at my school, all traditional Shaolin Wushu. Afterward he chased my five year old son around the mat and played with the kids from the kids class.

He tells me they train for about five hours a day just in wushu, and spend another two hours a day in prayer and meditation. It sounds like a life of complete discipline.

I have a contact here in California. I don't know where you're at, but if you email I'll put you in touch with the guy I know (a booking agent for their stage performances.)

Answer 5

If you can find a local school that teaches Shaolin style kung fu (monk fist, etc...) that's a good start. There are many vacation packages to the Hunan Shaolin Temple with practice programs involved. Those seem pretty cool. I don't know if there's any to the Southern Shaolin temple in Fuzhou.

Answer 6

Here is the rather un-glamorous though official website of training at the Northern Shaolin Temple in Hennan province.

http://www.shaolins.com/

The cost was around $3000 US a month for training, room and lodging last time I checked. Transportation to and from the temple is up to you as are your travel papers. It is encouraged that you learn at least some Chinese before going as all classes are held in Chinese, they have no translators on hand for everyday classes.

Answer 7

you cant take shaolin training. They even train theyr groin so it wont hurt