American Shaolin

1. Embarking on a Journey of Self-Discovery at Shaolin

"I wanted to go to the most isolated, cutoff, far-flung, off-the-map place in the Mandarin-speaking world."

Seeking transformation. Matthew Polly, a 21-year-old college student, embarks on a two-year journey to the Shaolin Temple in China. His goal is to transform himself from a cowardly boy into a courageous man through the study of kungfu and Buddhism. This decision stems from a deep-seated desire to overcome his fears and insecurities, particularly those rooted in childhood bullying experiences.

Challenging the status quo. Polly's choice to leave Princeton University and travel to a remote part of China in the early 1990s is met with skepticism from family and friends. Despite their concerns about safety and the potential impact on his future, Polly remains determined to pursue this unconventional path to self-improvement. His journey reflects a willingness to step out of his comfort zone and embrace the unknown in pursuit of personal growth.

2. Overcoming Fear and Finding Courage Through Martial Arts

"I knew with absolute certainty that I wasn't merely going to win this fight. I was going to crush him."

Facing fears head-on. Throughout his time at Shaolin, Polly confronts numerous physical and mental challenges that test his courage. From intense training sessions to sparring matches and ultimately competing in a sanda (Chinese kickboxing) tournament, he gradually learns to manage his fear and anxiety.

Transformative experiences. Key moments in Polly's journey include:

• His first challenge match against a visiting martial artist
• Participating in the Zhengzhou International Wushu Festival
• Fighting against the national sanda champion

These experiences push him beyond his perceived limits and help him discover inner strength he didn't know he possessed. The process of overcoming fear becomes a central theme in his personal growth, ultimately leading to a newfound sense of confidence and self-assurance.

3. Cultural Immersion and Language Barriers in Rural China

"It was a shock to discover that after three years of studying Mandarin in college I could not actually speak Chinese."

Language struggles. Despite years of Mandarin study, Polly initially struggles to communicate effectively in China. He experiences frequent misunderstandings and comedic situations due to language barriers. However, his determination to improve leads to rapid progress in his language skills.

Cultural adaptation. Polly's immersion in rural Chinese life presents numerous challenges:

• Adjusting to local customs and social norms
• Navigating complex social hierarchies
• Understanding and participating in cultural practices

Through persistence and humility, he gradually adapts to his new environment, gaining a deeper appreciation for Chinese culture and developing lasting friendships with locals and fellow martial arts practitioners.

4. The Reality of Shaolin: Tradition Meets Modernization

"Kungfu World, a low-rent version of an Epcot Center pavilion."

Expectations vs. reality. Polly arrives at Shaolin with romanticized notions of an isolated monastery filled with mystical kungfu masters. Instead, he finds a commercialized tourist attraction with a mix of traditional practices and modern influences.

Adapting to change. The Shaolin Temple he encounters is a complex blend of:

• Ancient traditions and spiritual practices
• Modern training methods and performance-oriented martial arts
• Commercial interests and government involvement

Polly must reconcile his idealized vision with the reality of contemporary Shaolin, learning to appreciate the authentic aspects of the tradition while navigating the complexities of its modern incarnation. This experience teaches him valuable lessons about adaptability and the evolving nature of cultural institutions.

5. Building Relationships and Understanding Guanxi in Chinese Culture

"Guanxi was the most important social lubricant in Chinese society."

The power of connections. Polly quickly learns the importance of guanxi (relationships and social networks) in Chinese culture. He observes how personal connections influence every aspect of life, from business dealings to social interactions.

Navigating social dynamics. Throughout his stay, Polly works to build his own network of relationships:

• Forming friendships with fellow students and monks
• Cultivating relationships with teachers and mentors
• Learning to navigate complex social hierarchies

He discovers that understanding and leveraging guanxi is crucial for success in China, whether in martial arts training or daily life. This experience provides valuable insights into Chinese social dynamics and the importance of relationship-building in cross-cultural contexts.

6. The Physical and Mental Challenges of Kungfu Training

"Studying kungfu is very bitter."

Intense physical demands. Polly's kungfu training at Shaolin is grueling and relentless. He experiences:

• Extreme muscle soreness and fatigue
• Injuries and physical setbacks
• Pushing his body beyond perceived limits

Mental fortitude. The training challenges Polly mentally as well as physically:

• Overcoming self-doubt and fear
• Developing discipline and perseverance
• Learning to focus and control his mind

Through this intense regimen, Polly develops not only physical strength and skill but also mental resilience and emotional control. The process of "eating bitter" (enduring hardship) becomes a fundamental part of his personal growth and martial arts journey.

7. Competing in Sanda: Testing Skills and Character

"I'd won by losing and in so doing accomplished the goal I'd set out to achieve at Shaolin."

Ultimate challenge. Polly's participation in the Zhengzhou International Wushu Festival sanda tournament represents the culmination of his training. He faces formidable opponents, including the national champion in his weight class.

Character-building experience. The tournament tests more than just Polly's fighting skills:

• Managing pre-fight anxiety and nerves
• Demonstrating sportsmanship and respect for opponents
• Persevering through physical and mental exhaustion

Although Polly doesn't win the championship, he gains a profound sense of accomplishment and self-respect. The experience reinforces the lesson that true victory lies in overcoming one's own limitations and fears rather than simply defeating an opponent.

8. Balancing Spiritual Growth with Martial Arts Mastery

"For a Buddhist monastery, there wasn't much Buddhism happening at the Shaolin Temple."

Unexpected spiritual journey. Polly arrives at Shaolin with expectations of deep spiritual practice alongside martial arts training. He discovers that the reality is more complex:

• Limited focus on traditional Buddhist practices
• Emphasis on physical training and performance
• Commercialization of spiritual aspects

Personal exploration. Despite the lack of formal spiritual instruction, Polly finds opportunities for inner growth:

• Practicing meditation and mindfulness during training
• Reflecting on Buddhist principles in daily life
• Experiencing moments of profound insight and peace

Through this process, Polly learns to integrate spiritual concepts with his martial arts practice, finding a personal balance between physical mastery and inner development.

9. Navigating Cultural Differences and Stereotypes as a Foreigner

"Being the only laowai within a thousand miles was never easy."

Constant outsider status. As the only foreigner in Shaolin for much of his stay, Polly faces numerous challenges:

• Being a constant object of curiosity and attention
• Dealing with stereotypes and misconceptions about Westerners
• Navigating complex cultural norms and expectations

Breaking barriers. Through persistence and cultural sensitivity, Polly works to overcome these challenges:

• Learning to communicate effectively in Mandarin
• Adapting to local customs and social norms
• Building genuine friendships with Chinese peers and mentors

His experiences highlight the complexities of cross-cultural immersion and the importance of patience, humility, and open-mindedness in bridging cultural divides.

10. Personal Transformation: From College Dropout to Shaolin Disciple

"I had found the monks, and I had trained with them. All was right with my world."

Radical change. Polly's journey from Princeton student to Shaolin disciple represents a profound personal transformation:

• Overcoming physical and mental limitations
• Developing discipline, resilience, and self-confidence
• Gaining a deep appreciation for Chinese culture and martial arts

Lasting impact. The experience at Shaolin shapes Polly's future in significant ways:

• Providing a new perspective on life and personal potential
• Offering valuable cross-cultural skills and insights
• Inspiring a career as a writer and martial arts expert

His transformation demonstrates the power of stepping out of one's comfort zone and fully committing to a challenging path of self-discovery and growth.

Last updated: January 24, 2025