Kung Fu is one of the most effective and devastating systems of self-preservation known to man. This art form requires a very high degree of physical as well as mental discipline, and only a very few can achieve it.

There are more than a thousand styles of Kung Fu that are presently recognized. There are several off shoots as well, the most popular being Karate and Escrima. But whatever the style, the common thread that runs across all the styles is the ability of the practitioner to defend himself against all odds and get out of any situation by using his mind as well as his physical prowess. Alertness and strength of character is all important for a Kung Fu disciple.

Mastering Kung Fu is a pursuit, which often lasts a lifetime and is usually at the cost of everything else. Normally, children join at the age of five. In the beginning they are made to do the most menial of jobs related to the upkeep of the temple. During these years they are the novices and have access to basic forms of kung fu. They spend long hours training their mind and body to work in tandem.

After this they graduate to the level of disciples. This is only after they have earned the trust of their masters. At this stage the deeper secrets of arts and philosophies are revealed to them. They are also taught the use of weapons.

During this phase, a practitioner is seen as someone who has some mastery over his art but is yet to become a master. To become a true master one has to absorb chi, which according to the Chinese sages is the vast reservoir energy that governs this universe.

The practitioners of Kung Fu believe that to tap into this energy is to multiply one's power manifold. And this is not the power of a brute. Chi is about fluidity. The more chi you absorb, the more fluid and calm you become. Think of a large, deep clear pool of water; it is gentle and calm. Throw a stone at it and at the most you'll create a ripple. You cannot raise angry waves.

Now think of the tsunami. There is no power on earth that can stand the fury of Tsunami.
That is a Kung Fu Master for you. Trained to be a deep, gentle pool but equipped to be a Tsunami should the need ever arise.

In the past, few disciples ever made it to the level of a Master. The test of the Master was one of the most dangerous ones. After the routine oral and written tests there came the test of the tunnel, which was mined by unpredictable and lethal booby traps. The only way out was forward or not at all. Few made it to the end, and those who did came to be known as Sil Lum monks.

Once out, these masters roamed the countryside as the keepers of the law or the guardians of the poor. Some returned to the temple as priests, thus keeping alive the great tradition of the temples of Shaolin.