American Shaolin: Flying Kicks, Buddhist Monks, and the Legend of Iron Crotch summary

Eastern Traditions Meet Western Upbringing

In American Shaolin: Flying Kicks, Buddhist Monks, and the Legend of Iron Crotch by Matthew Polly, we are introduced to the author's journey from being a bullied, scrawny kid in the American Midwest to becoming a Kung Fu expert at the Shaolin Temple in China. Matthew, a Princeton University graduate, decides to take a two-year sabbatical to fulfill his childhood dream of mastering Kung Fu at the legendary Shaolin Temple, the birthplace of martial arts.

Matthew's initial experience at the temple is far from what he had expected. The grueling training regimen, the harsh living conditions, and the cultural shock of living in a communist country, all take a toll on him. But he is determined to tough it out and prove himself, both to the monks and to himself.

Learning the Art of Kung Fu

As Matthew continues his journey, he trains under the tutelage of the strict and often eccentric Shaolin masters. He learns the significance of discipline, endurance, and patience in mastering the art of Kung Fu. He also discovers the spiritual side of Kung Fu, as the monks use meditation and Buddhist philosophy to complement their physical training.

Throughout his time at the temple, Matthew undergoes a radical physical transformation, evolving from a scrawny, uncoordinated American to a lean, muscular, and agile martial artist. His growing prowess in Kung Fu earns him the respect of his peers and the monks, and he becomes the first Westerner to be accepted into the inner circle of the Shaolin Temple.

Challenges and Triumphs

In American Shaolin, Matthew shares the adversities he faces, both physical and mental, during his time at the temple. He details the painful Iron Crotch training, a practice where students condition their groin muscles by taking blows to the private area. He also narrates the racial discrimination he faces as a Westerner in a traditionally Chinese institution.

Despite these challenges, Matthew perseveres and achieves remarkable milestones. He competes in and wins several Kung Fu tournaments in China, earning the nickname 'The White Demon' from his opponents. He also becomes the first American to be ordained as a Shaolin monk, a title he holds with honor and pride.

The Transformation and Reflection

As the end of his two-year stint approaches, Matthew reflects on the profound impact the Shaolin experience has had on him. He acknowledges that his time at the temple has not only transformed him physically into a Kung Fu expert but also spiritually into a more disciplined, focused, and resilient individual.

Matthew's journey in American Shaolin is a testament to the power of perseverance and self-discovery. He leaves the Shaolin Temple a changed man, armed with the invaluable life lessons he learned during his time with the monks. The book concludes with Matthew returning to the United States, where he continues to practice and teach Kung Fu, inspired by his transformative experience at the legendary Shaolin Temple.