The Most Famous Shaolin Monk, Ranked

Choose the Shaolin Monk you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 26, 2024 07:13
In the serene stretches of the Shaolin Temple, where monks have honed their martial arts skills and spiritual depth for centuries, knowing which monk stands out across history adds a layer of appreciation for enthusiasts. Each monk's journey reflects a unique blend of dedication, skill, and wisdom, shaping a tradition that has intrigued the world. By casting a vote for the most notable Shaolin Monk, enthusiasts contribute to a collective recognition of exceptional lives devoted to mastering kung fu and Zen teachings. This active participation not only helps in acknowledging their achievements but also inspires a deeper engagement with the rich history and profound teachings of the Shaolin monks.

Who Is the Most Famous Shaolin Monk?

  1. 1
    69
    votes
    He is the abbot of the Shaolin Temple and has been instrumental in the temple's growth and development. He is also a martial arts master and has written several books on Shaolin Kung Fu.
  2. 2
    54
    votes
    He is considered the founder of Zen Buddhism and is credited with bringing Buddhist teachings to China. He is also said to have taught the monks at the Shaolin Temple a series of exercises that later became the basis for Shaolin Kung Fu.
  3. 3
    24
    votes
    He is a famous martial artist and actor who began his training at the Shaolin Temple at the age of eight. He has since become a global icon for his roles in movies like "Lethal Weapon 4" and "Romeo Must Die."
    Jet Li in other rankings
  4. 4
    18
    votes
    Wong Fei-hung
    Kwong Kei-tim (鄺祺添) · Public domain
    He was a legendary martial artist and physician who lived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is one of the most famous practitioners of Hung Gar Kung Fu and is the subject of numerous movies and TV shows.
  5. 5
    13
    votes
    He is a martial arts master who trained at the Shaolin Temple and is known for his expertise in the use of the staff. He has also written several books on Shaolin Kung Fu and has taught students around the world.
  6. 6
    17
    votes
    He is a martial arts master who was born in the Shaolin Temple and is known for his expertise in the use of the whip chain. He has also taught students around the world and has written several books on Shaolin Kung Fu.
  7. 7
    10
    votes
    He is a martial arts master who trained at the Shaolin Temple and is known for his expertise in the use of the spear. He has also written several books on Shaolin Kung Fu and has taught students around the world.
  8. 8
    11
    votes
    He was a famous martial artist who lived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and is the subject of the movie "Fearless" starring Jet Li. He is known for his expertise in the use of the spear and his founding of the Jingwu Sports Federation.
  9. 9
    10
    votes
    He is a martial arts master who trained at the Shaolin Temple and is known for his expertise in the use of the staff. He has also written several books on Shaolin Kung Fu and has taught students around the world.
  10. 10
    5
    votes
    Shi Yan Ming
    Nightscream · CC BY 3.0
    He is a martial arts master who trained at the Shaolin Temple and is known for his expertise in the use of the staff. He has also written several books on Shaolin Kung Fu and has taught students around the world. He is also the founder of the USA Shaolin Temple.

Missing your favorite Shaolin Monk?

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Ranking factors for famous Shaolin Monk

  1. Historical Significance
    The monk's impact and contributions to Shaolin Temple and its martial arts legacy. 2. Martial Arts Skills: The monk's mastery and expertise in various styles of martial arts. 3. Cultural Influence: The extent to which the monk has influenced popular culture, both within China and globally. 4. Media Presence: The monk's appearances in books, films, documentaries, or other media that have helped popularize their name. 5. Public Recognition: The monk's level of recognition and fame among the general public, both within and outside of the Shaolin community. 6. Teaching and Lineage: The monk's role as a teacher and their ability to pass on their knowledge to future generations. 7. Spiritual and Philosophical Contributions: The monk's impact on Shaolin Buddhism, philosophy, and spiritual practices.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous Shaolin Monk. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Monk is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 3731 views
  • 229 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Monk once every 24 hours. The rank of each Monk is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous shaolin monk

The Shaolin Monastery, located in China's Henan province, is renowned for its association with martial arts and Zen Buddhism. The monastery has a long history of producing skilled martial artists, including a group known as the Shaolin Monks. These monks are famous for their physical prowess, as well as their spiritual discipline and dedication to the practice of martial arts. Over the centuries, many Shaolin Monks have become legends in their own right, with their names and stories passed down through the generations. Today, the question of who is the most famous Shaolin Monk remains a topic of debate and discussion among martial arts enthusiasts and historians alike. From the legendary Bodhidharma, who is said to have founded the monastery in the 5th century, to modern-day masters like Shi Yan Ming, there are many contenders for the title of the most famous Shaolin Monk.

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