New discussion with grandmaster Jiang Yu Shan about the modern state of Shaolin Kung Fu and what is lacking in it.

Traditional Shaolin Kung Fu and Qigong have long been revered as pathways to not only physical mastery but also internal development, spiritual cultivation and philosophical insight. 

The today's focus on athleticism and acrobatics, while impressive, overshadow many other internal and external aspects of the art that make Shaolin a true martial art.

The modern Shaolin barely has the original essence anymore. It does exist but outside of the Shaolin Temple.

True Shaolin Kung Fu goes beyond acrobatics and fancy jumps. It’s a practice that integrates mind, body and spirit. It has depth beyond what anyone here can fathom.

It's a true warrior art - not a circus show made for tourists.

True Shaolin is rooted in principles like energy flow, combat effectiveness, mental mastery and spiritual ascendance. 
 

The Lost Layers of Shaolin

One of the core issues in modern Shaolin is the neglect of foundational skills. A lot of the skills you can read about in the classic "The 72 Arts of Shaolin" have been lost. 

Many claim they can teach them but having seen many of the real skills, they barely resemble what people teach today.

You definitely cannot learn complex methods from a written word alone — they have to be learned from a person who has acquired them from a real lineage and has mastered them.

Grandmaster Jiang Yu Shan for example mentioned Lohan Gong. It's a method that builds the body’s structural integrity, vitality and internal energy and is an essential for advancing in martial arts. 

Yet, many new practitioners focus on flashy moves and circus tricks, missing these critical building blocks. They miss the true aspect of internal Shaolin mastery.

This shift has led to a generation of practitioners who lack the old-school skills that once defined the art and that actually create a true Warrior Monk.

The Internal Aspect of True Shaolin Kung Fu & Qigong

To further illustrate the gap, consider the comparison between Shaolin Kung Fu and breakdancing (B-boying) that Jiang Yu Shan mentioned during the talk. Breakdancers exhibit extraordinary physical artistry, executing complex moves with agility and flair. 

If you take a pro level gymnast or a competitive breakdancer, they will be able to learn the Shaolin forms very fast and very convincingly.  

You even saw the world famous influencer "iShowSpeed" visit China and learn the modern Shaolin forms in one visit with a pretty good success. 

But this is only possible because they are not the true Shaolin. They are superficial forms and not the methods that develop the internal mastery.

For example, in our private group for Warrior Neigong students, we have hundreds of people practicing the Lohan Gong. Even after years of practice, not many can do it as well as Eero or Jiang Yu Shan. This is because the real thing takes years and even decades for full mastery.

This highlights what modern Shaolin often lacks—depth.

The truly authentic Shaolin forms focus on strengthening the body from within, using energy flow to support both martial and health outcomes. They are not just superficial acrobatics.

And the funny thing? The real Shaolin literally anyone can practice.

Eero accurately stated that as long as you can breathe, you can practice it. Meanwhile the acrobatic Wushu and modern Shaolin forms are only for the gifted athletes.

The real methods of Shaolin are accessible to all, regardless of age or fitness level. Breathing exercises and gentle movements allow beginners to start easily, while advanced practitioners can refine their skills for combat or spiritual growth. 

The Original Art Has To Be Preserved

Unfortunately, the drift towards acrobatics in modern Shaolin has diluted a centuries-old legacy. This is largely due to the commercialization of the Shaolin temple and of course the cultural revolution that was started by Mao in the 1960s. 

Grandmaster Jiang Yu Shan’s criticism is a call to action: to preserve the art’s integrity and return to the original principles.

This means studying under masters who uphold traditional methods and who come from the real lineages — who actually have mastered the knowledge and have access to it.

For those seeking true mastery, the path lies in reconnecting with these roots. Shaolin Kung Fu is not just a martial art, it’s a way of life for growth, wisdom and vitality.

By moving beyond the superficial and reconnecting with the roots, we can reclaim its powerful essence and unlock its transformative potential. 

By reviving the foundations such as internal development, spiritual purpose and authentic knowledge, we can honor the legacy of Shaolin. 

In doing so, they don't just train the body—they awaken the whole body system as the grandmaster likes to call it.

You can learn authentic Shaolin Kung Fu & Qigong at WarriorNeigong.com - many of these methods featured in these courses such as Lohan Gong, Monkey Fist Door 24 Warrior Set and many hardening methods originate from ancient Shaolin.

Monkey Kung Fu itself has strong roots in old Shaolin traditions although a lot of it was developed outside of it due to the outcast nature of the art.

Stay strong.