Shaolin kung fu, a fundamental traditional Chinese martial arts school rooted in Zen philosophy, also focuses on quickly delivering effective strikes in real combat while emphasizing peaceful mind and discipline, according to a Shaolin master. In China Global Television Network's documentary "The Spirit of Shaolin," Shi Yanxuan, a kung fu master at the Shaolin Temple in central China, shares his insight on the essences of the ancient martial arts. Located in central China's Henan Province, the Shaolin Temple is known as the cradle of the Chinese martial arts. In Shaolin kung fu, the pre-arranged forms, known as Taolu, refer to a sequence of movements that simulate fighting techniques with an imaginary opponent. These forms, usually completed within a minute or less, help martial artists develop strength, balance, internal energy and technique. Mastering these forms requires considerable time and practice, Shi noted. At the Shaolin Temple, these forms or Taolu have been meticulously documented and preserved in the Pagoda of the Holy Scriptures, just as the temple safeguards its sacred Buddhist scriptures. Shotlist: Henan Province, central China - Recent: 1. Shaolin Temple; 2. Monks practicing Kung Fu; 3. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Shi Yanxuan, Shaolin monk (starting with shot 2/ending with shot 4): "Shaolin boxing currently comprises more than 700 forms, emphasizing compact and powerful movements. Each form has its own name, such as 'Embracing the Moon Against the Chest' and 'White Clouds Over the Peak."; 4. Various of Shi practicing Kung Fu; 5. Various of Shi teaching Kung Fu, monks practicing UPSOUND (Chinese) Shi Yanxuan, Shaolin monk: "Practicing kung fu requires the true demeanor of practice. What is demeanor? It is essence, energy and spirit. That's what you train for."; 6. Various of Shi practicing Kung Fu; 7. Shi teaching Kung Fu; 8. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Shi Yanxuan, Shaolin monk (starting with shots 6-7/ending with shot 9): "Forms have evolved over time. In the earliest days, there were no fixed forms at all. For example, on the battlefield, when facing enemy, how could one possibly follow a set routine? In ancient times, it was about subduing the opponent with a single move -- striking so fast the hand could not be seen. Where was there any routine then? It was individual techniques accumulated one by one that gradually accumulated. Just like learning a language today: first a single character, then combining them, forming sentences, and eventually developing complete forms."; 9. Shi teaching Kung Fu; 10. Various of monks practicing Kung Fu; 11. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Shi Yanxuan, Shaolin monk (ending with shot 12): "It also embodies the Shaolin principles that 'a punch can be thrown even in the space where an ox lies down.' It means that Shaolin techniques can be fully demonstrated even in an area as small as the spot where a cow rests."; 12. Various of monks practicing Kung Fu; 13. Various of Pagoda of Holy Scriptures, documents. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]