Greek Shaolin Cultural Organization
少林希腊文化組织

少林文化藝術的搶救
The rescue of the Shaolin arts

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The Preservation of Shaolin Arts after the Cultural Revolution (1966–1976) in China was a process full of challenges, but also of perseverance, secrecy, and eventually, state recognition. The Shaolin arts include both martial arts (Shaolin Kung Fu) and the Buddhist spiritual tradition. Here's how they were preserved:

1. Secret Preservation by Monks and Lay Practitioners

During the Cultural Revolution, the Shaolin Temple was heavily damaged, monks were dispersed or persecuted, and the practice of martial arts was deemed “counter-revolutionary” or “feudal.” Despite this:

Some older masters and monks continued to practice or pass on the arts in secret to trusted students.
Many former Shaolin masters were no longer in the temple but had already founded martial arts schools in rural areas or worked as ordinary citizens, quietly continuing to teach within private circles.

2. Revival After 1976

After the death of Mao Zedong and the end of the Cultural Revolution, the political climate shifted:

The new Chinese government, especially during the 1980s, began to promote traditional Chinese culture for tourism and cultural pride.
The Shaolin Temple was restored, and surviving monks returned.
Martial arts schools began to be established, and Shaolin Kung Fu demonstrations were organized — first in China and later internationally.

3. The Role of Film and Media

The film "Shaolin Temple" (1982) starring Jet Li played a huge role in reviving public interest in the temple and its martial traditions.
From the 1990s onward, Shaolin monks began international tours, demonstrating their techniques to audiences worldwide.

4. Current Status

Today, Shaolin Kung Fu is a global cultural phenomenon and is recognized as part of China's intangible cultural heritage.
The Shaolin Temple is once again an active monastic center, as well as a major destination for thousands of students and tourists.

Some important figures who played a decisive role in the rescue and revival of the Shaolin arts after the Cultural Revolution:

Shi Su Xi (释素喜, 1924–2006)

The last great warrior monk of the old generation

He was one of the few monks who remained secretly in the Shaolin Temple or in the wider area during the Cultural Revolution.

He preserved the martial and spiritual arts by secretly teaching students, even when the practice of Kung Fu was banned.

He was the spiritual guide of many younger monks, such as Shi Yongxin.

He had a great reputation for his moral and spiritual purity.

Shi De Chan (释德禅, 1907–1993)

Teacher and bearer of the traditional lineage

He was an important teacher before the Cultural Revolution, and managed to rescue many secret forms (taolu) and techniques that would have been lost otherwise.

He taught in areas outside the temple when it closed, preserving the oral and physical tradition.

Shi Yong Po (释永坡, 1926–2018)

One of the last teachers who actively contributed to the spread of the authentic Shaolin teachings

He was known for his deep understanding of both the physical and spiritual dimensions of Shaolin Kung Fu, heir to the Orthodox Shaolin School.

He taught with respect for tradition, preserving the roots of Buddhist philosophy and classical techniques.

He has influenced students in China and abroad, bringing authentic knowledge beyond the temple.

Shi Yong Xin (释永信, 1965–present)

The current abbot of the Shaolin Temple

He took over the temple in 1999.

He worked to globalize Shaolin, organizing demonstrations, tournaments, and establishing temple branches abroad.

Although controversial due to his commercial orientation, he contributed to the international promotion of Shaolin arts.

Jet Li (Li Lianjie, 李连杰)

Actor and former Wushu champion

Although not a monk, he played a pivotal role in the film "The Shaolin Temple" (1982), which was the first film after the Cultural Revolution to be shot inside the temple.

The film inspired a whole generation of young people to take up the Shaolin arts.

Timeline of the Preservation of Shaolin Arts

1966–1976: Cultural Revolution

The Shaolin Temple was vandalized and burned by the Red Guards.
Monks were persecuted; martial arts practice was banned as a feudal relic.
Monks like Shi Suxi and Shi Dechan preserved the arts in secret, often outside the temple.

1976–1980: End of the Cultural Revolution

The death of Mao Zedong in 1976 marked a political shift.
The Chinese government began gradually restoring traditional cultural elements.
The Shaolin Temple remained in ruins, but some monks returned.

1982: The Movie "Shaolin Temple" starring Jet Li

The film sparked global interest in Shaolin martial arts.
Many young Chinese flocked to the temple to train.
The government saw the touristic and cultural value of promoting Shaolin.

1980s: Reconstruction and Reorganization

The temple was officially rebuilt and resumed functioning as a Buddhist center.
Numerous martial arts schools were founded around the temple.
Shaolin arts were transmitted in a more structured way.

1990s: International Expansion

Shaolin monks began global tours (shows, demonstrations, seminars).
Shaolin centers were established in Europe, the U.S., and Asia.
Abbot Shi Yongxin promoted modernization and global outreach.

2000s – Present: Preservation and Recognition

Shaolin Kung Fu has been recognized as part of China's intangible cultural heritage.
The temple has become a major tourist and cultural destination, attracting thousands annually.
At the same time, there is criticism over commercialization and straying from spiritual roots.