The "Hole-Striking" (or "Striking Head Technique") is a unique Chinese martial art originating from the Southern Shaolin Temple, utilizing weapons originally used in agriculture.
Tan Zong was the most famous martial monk in the history of Shaolin Temple, known for his heroic deeds in assisting King Li Shimin of Qin, and was ranked among the Top 8 martial arts masters of the Tang Dynasty.
Having been expelled from the Shaolin Temple by its former abbot, Venerable Thich Dien Lu has built a martial arts empire that generates trillions of dong annually.
Liu Xiangyang, the 31st-generation successor of the Shaolin Temple, has become the "father of American Sanda," directly training masters such as Cung Le and Patrick Barry.
This summer, Victor Wembanyama, the 2.21-meter-tall basketball star for the San Antonio Spurs, caused a sensation by shaving his head to participate in a meditation retreat at the Shaolin Temple.
More than 30 monks are said to have left Shaolin Temple after the new abbot imposed austere living conditions, strict meal and living rules, and high working hours that netizens likened to the "996 culture".
The most famous disciple of Shaolin Temple abbot Shi Yongxin – who is currently under investigation for a series of scandals – is martial arts star Shi Xiaolong.
Abbot Shi Yongxin of Shaolin Temple is under investigation for suspected embezzlement and misappropriation of temple funds, as well as having a child out of wedlock.