Shaolin Kung Fu is the complete system of combat, which begins with general fitness, flexibility training and focusing of the mind and body, then after some time introduces the varying methods of fighting skills based on the mimicking of animal movement. As the student progresses, the training becomes more and more intense, with training in excruciating demonstrations of willpower that toughen the mind and bodies resolve to work through pain in order to become a powerful warrior of armed and unarmed combat alike. Buddhism plays a major part in the life of a practitioner, as does meditation and scholarly work. The demonstrations that the modern day travelling troupes of monks perform are simply breathtaking, with the practitioners moving with a grace and power that any onlooker appreciates, comes with great personal sacrifice and perserverence.