American Shaolin

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In this hilariously entertaining narrative, one scrawny American embarks on a quest to become a kung fu master at the renowned Shaolin Temple in China. Growing up as a ninety-pound weakling bullied in Kansas, Matthew Polly longed to emulate Caine from the 1970s TV series, Kung Fu. During college, he took the plunge, dropping out of Princeton to pursue his dream of training with the legendary monks who created kung fu and Zen Buddhism, much to his parents' dismay. Expecting an isolated sanctuary of mystical ascetics, Matthew instead encountered a tourist trap run by Communist party officials. However, the dedicated monks still practiced rigorous, age-old fighting forms, including the formidable "iron kung fu" discipline, which could make body parts nearly indestructible. As he honed his kung fu skills and deepened his understanding of Chinese culture, Matthew began representing the Temple in challenge matches and international competitions. Over time, the monks embraced him as one of their own, marking a significant acceptance of a Westerner into their ranks. With humor and cultural insights, this coming-of-age tale captures Matthew's transformation and offers a poignant glimpse into a rapidly changing China, making for an unforgettable journey into the ancient art of kung fu.