About Shaolin Games

​Shaolin Games: A Global Celebration of Chan Wu Heritage​

​1. The Tradition of Shaolin Games (考功)​

The ​​Shaolin Games​​ (Kao Gong) is a centuries-old tradition that evaluates practitioners’ mastery of ​​seven core disciplines​​:

  • ​Chan Wu (禅武)​​ – Martial arts as moving meditation
  • ​Chan Yi (禅医)​​ – Shaolin healing arts
  • ​Chan Qin (禅琴)​​ – Zen music and instruments
  • ​Chan Cha (禅茶)​​ – Tea ceremony as mindfulness practice
  • ​Chan Hua (禅画)​​ – Zen painting and calligraphy
  • ​Chan Xiu (禅修)​​ – Meditation and mindfulness
  • ​Chan Shi (禅食)​​ – Vegetarian cuisine as spiritual practice

This system encourages ​​diligence (virya)​​ among Shaolin’s ​​Fourfold Community​​ (monastics, lay disciples, martial artists, and global followers).

“The axe sharpens the blade;
The Games temper the spirit.”


​2. A Bridge for Global Cultural Exchange​

Since 2022, the ​​Shaolin Temple​​ has partnered with ​​continental Shaolin associations​​ (Europe, North America, Africa, Latin America, Oceania) to host annual ​​Shaolin Cultural Festivals​​, with the Games as a centerpiece.

​Key Achievements:​

  • ​2022:​​ First ​​Online Shaolin Games​​ during Lunar New Year
    • ​5,230 competitors​​ from ​​94 nations​
    • ​2.6 billion global viewers​​ via media coverage in ​​11 languages​
    • ​19 million live viewers​​ on Huya streaming platform in one day
  • ​2023:​​ ​​Continental Shaolin Games​​ in ​​6 host cities​
    • ​3,000+ participants​​ from ​​101 countries​
    • ​Historic firsts:​​ Africa, Latin America, and Oceania hosted their inaugural Games
    • ​”Shaolin Family” ethos​​ strengthened through cross-cultural bonds
  • ​2024:​​ ​​World Shaolin Games Finals​​ at ​​Shaolin Temple, Songshan​​ (July 2024)
    • Champions from continental qualifiers will compete for the title ​​”Kung Fu Star of the Year”​
    • Hybrid format: ​​Online preliminaries + On-site finals​

​3. The Deeper Mission: Dharma Beyond Borders​

The Games align with China’s ​​”Global Promotion of Chinese Culture”​​ strategy, showcasing:
✅ ​​Peace​​ – Martial arts as non-violent self-cultivation
✅ ​​Health​​ – Shaolin Medicine and Qi Gong for wellness
✅ ​​Joy​​ – Shared cultural celebration
✅ ​​Legacy​​ – Preserving intangible cultural heritage

​Notable Supporters:​

  • ​Government dignitaries​​ from host nations
  • ​Prominent overseas Chinese leaders​
  • ​Global media​​ (Xinhua, AFP, BBC, etc.)

“A fist bows before the Buddha;
A warrior’s strength serves compassion.”


​4. 2024 World Finals: A Gathering of Champions​

​Event Highlights:​

  • ​Live finals​​ at Shaolin Temple’s ​​Ancient Martial Arts Hall​
  • ​Six continental teams​​ competing in:
    • ​Traditional forms​​ (e.g., Xiao Hong QuanDa Mo Sword)
    • ​Weapon mastery​​ (staff, whip-chain, etc.)
    • ​Zen arts demonstrations​​ (calligraphy, tea ceremony)
  • ​Judges:​​ Shaolin’s ​​hereditary inheritors​​ (Master Shi YanziMaster Shi Yanran)

​Legacy Impact:​

  • Strengthens ​​”One Shaolin, One World”​​ unity
  • Expands ​​UNESCO-recognized​​ Shaolin Kung Fu’s global reach

​Conclusion: The Games as a Path of Awakening​

More than a competition, the ​​Shaolin Games​​ are a ​​living Dharma​​—inviting all to experience:

“The harmony of body and mind,
The wisdom beyond victory or defeat.”

May this tradition illuminate minds across the Earth. Amitabha.