Explainer: How to train at a Shaolin kung fu centre, like Victor Wembanyama

Celebrities like NBA stars Victor Wembanyama and Jaylen Brown, and multimillionaire streamer IShowSpeed, have one thing in common – they all underwent professional training in one of China’s Shaolin centres. With the “Chinamaxxing” trend on the rise, many are drawn to martial arts such as kung fu, chasing physical and mental strength by living and training with monks in temples tucked away in high mountains.But how does one join the programme, and what should one expect from life in Shaolin? Here is what you need to know.What is a Shaolin Temple?Interest in and visits to China’s Shaolin Temples have been on the rise in recent years amid the “Chinamaxxing” trend. Photo: BaiduThe original Shaolin Temple is a Buddhist monastery at the foot Mount Song, founded in 495 AD in Henan, China. It is considered the birthplace of Zen (Chan) Buddhism and is world‑renowned as the cradle of Shaolin kung fu, where monks developed martial arts as both a spiritual practice and physical discipline. Today there are multiple regional and overseas temples operating under the Shaolin name.Where are the Shaolin training camps?The original Shaolin Temple is located at the foot of Mount Song in China’s Henan province. Photo: BaiduThere are dozens of Shaolin-affiliated schools globally. China Daily reported in 2018 that the Shaolin Temple founded more than 40 cultural institutions abroad, with more than 300 Shaolin practitioners based overseas teaching martial arts to locals.For international students looking to experience authentic Chinese monk life and martial arts training, there are Shaolin Zhong Wu, Shaolin Youngzhi and Shaolin Tagou, with the last one situated right at the foot of Mount Song, close to the original temple.While European schools offer programmes as short as three days, the institutions in China usually start at one week and can last up to one year. During your time in the camp, you eat, sleep and train inside the temple, following a strict schedule – because it takes discipline to live like a monk and be in tune with your body and mind.Who can get into a Shaolin Temple school?There are dozens of Shaolin-affiliated schools globally. Photo: Baidu