Shaolin kung fu enjoys massive popularity in China and around the world as one of the most prominent form of Chinese martial arts. It demands speed, strength, and dexterity. Weapons are an extension of the body, and it is extremely common to see Shaolin monks training or fighting with Shaolin staff. Shaolin staff is revered as "Chief of Weapons."

Shi Yanyan, 17 years old, is a monk of Shaolin Temple. He started learning martial arts at age ten, and was recommended as a warrior monk due to his outstanding performance in the martial arts school. The staff is the most common weapon for him in daily practice. 

The Shaolin staff boasts a wide range of techniques and distinctive features. The staff is a weapon that moves in all directions, while a spear goes in a straight line. Shaolin staff involves the practitioner's movement from head to toe, allowing the practitioner to dominate a wider range and make stronger blows. It can be used for attack, defense, training and body conditioning, and play a crucial role for Shaolin monks in defending against enemies. However, on the other hand, unlike sharp swords or pointy spears, Shaolin staff is a kind of blunt weapon that allows the practitioner to defeat the opponent without killing them. This feature also echoes the Buddhist tenet of mercy.

Shaolin monks usually begin with practicing Shaolin staff when learning to use weapons. There are a variety of moves, and the practitioner can hack, strike the ground, block, strike upward or sweep. Shaolin staff consists of more than 80 forms, such as Six Harmony Staff, Stove Staff, Mountain-shaking Staff, Two-section Staff and Yin Hand Staff. Six Harmony Staff, made up of six unique skills, representing the essence of Shaolin kung fu: fighting at close quarters, requiring concise techniques and a single movement can claim victory.

Stove Staff, also called Ape Monkey Staff, is representative of the weapon's practicality. It is said the Stove Staff move was created by a monk in charge of tending fire and cooking. The monk protected the temple from attacks of bandits with this set of moves and was later revered as Kinnara deity. Over the centuries, the warrior monks have acquired a profound wisdom and perfected their staff fighting skills.

In addition to its breathtaking feats of kung fu agility and skill, Shaolin kung fu also carries the essence of Buddhism belief and Zen wisdom. Shaolin staff kung fu incorporates martial arts and Zen philosophy. "Zen helps me build a more stable and peaceful mind, and learn about myself with a moderate and delighted attitude," said Shi.