Olympic Kung Fu competition is on but shaolin monks are not to be in it

Shaolin Wu-Shu Warriors perform with swords during a Chinese State Circus rehearsal in London, April 4, 2007. The circus will run from April 5-15. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Despite the announcement that Wushu, known in the West as kung fu, would be showcased alongside the Beijing Olympics, Shaolin Temple, China's most renowned home of martial arts, has said its monks will not be taking part.

Shaolin Temple itself would not send people to take part in the2008 Beijing Olympic Wushu competition because Chinese wushu belong to competitive sports, whereas Shaolin wushu belongs to traditional martial arts. The two have different natures, standards and connotations. In ancient times, people practiced Shaolin wushu to resist outsiders, not for competitive purposes.

Shaolin Wu-Shu Warriors perform with swords during a Chinese State Circus rehearsal in London, April 4, 2007. The circus will run from April 5-15. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

But still Shaolin will send representatives for the opening ceremony if they have received an invitation letter. Shaolin monks kung fu skills are really impressive as depicted not only in the movies but displayed at the stage in grand concert halls when they show the power of breaking cements and agility in using weapons.