American Shaolin: Flying Kicks, Buddhist Monks, and the Legend of Iron Crotch: An Odyssey in theNew China Reviews

• A fascinating, one of a kind read...

  
  By A3KDBCPUTUFXSB on 2007-02-01
  A must-read for armchair travelers and martial arts buffs alike, in AMERICAN SHAOLIN readers are sure to enjoy a memoir as unconventional as its author, Matthew Polly. For the uninitiated, Polly-- fed up with his 98 lb. weakling existence and bored with Princeton-- chucked the Ivy League life in order to pursue his dream of studying kungfu at the fabled Shaolin Temple. His time in China coincided with the crumbling of the walls that had kept the nation isolated, making the environment one particularly friendly to having a tall and gangly Midwesterner genially (if awkwardly) attempting to insert himself into the often mystifying local culture.
  
  The result is a travelogue exploring the dawning of the "New China," combined with a memoir of a remarkable personal experience-- Polly's determination and sense of humor proved essential in his efforts to win over the skeptical Shaolin monks, who soon see the promise in their guest; the story evolves into a classic underdog story as Polly's martial skills develop, eventually taking him to national tournaments on the Shaolin team and earning him the honor of being invited to become a monk himself (reportedly the first and only time such an invitation has been made to an American).
  
  Along the way, Polly wryly observes the peculiarities of Chinese culture and the Shaolin path, elucidates the storied history of kungfu, and introduces the reader to unforgettable personalities ranging from disgruntled Chinese gangsters to a monk whose "Iron Crotch kungfu" demands a daily training discipline that must be seen to believe (Polly helpfully includes his own photos to make this possible).
  
  As entertaining and funny as it is educational and informative, AMERICAN SHAOLIN is a treat for fans of off-beat travelogues, anyone who loved "Crouching Tiger," Sinophiles in general, and just about anyone looking to take a trip off the beaten path. Don't miss it.
  
  

• A Funny and Insightful Look at the Chinese Mind

  
  By AVXGN90BU95P8 on 2007-03-16
  This book was a joy to read! No, it's not a book about martial arts, and it's not really about Buddhism either, although you will learn something about both. This book is about the author's personal journey on a physical, mental and spiritual level. Parts of it are almost hysterically funny, but what I found to be most interesting was the deep degree of insight that was developed with respect to the perspective of the Chinese mindset and culture in the early 1990's.
  Entertainment value aside, this book would be excellent for the world traveler or executive that wants a feel for the differences between our cultures.
  The portions of the book detailing "Iron Crotch Kungfu," were excruciatingly funny.
  
  

• Great read - regardless of your martial arts interests

  
  By AD0J43D42AGRS on 2007-02-20
  I read this on a whim, and was very glad I ended up doing so. I have very little interest in martial arts, and normally stick to fiction and science fiction, but found this book to be incredibly entertaining. There were at least a dozen times I laughed out loud while reading the book, and found myself on a couple occasions reading deep into the night as I couldn't put the book down. The book also has some great insight into what rural Chinese citizens think of their American counterparts on the other side of the planet.
  
  

• Six of one, half-dozen of the other

  
  By A27IELWEZY98LJ on 2007-09-06
  As a travel narrative, the book is excellent. It's easy to learn a lot about the Chinese culture from this period of time, and the local characters are likable, well-written, and complex. If read as a memoir, however, it's difficult for me to get over the fact that the author just isn't very likable. He begins as a self-centered college student, and never really evolves all that much. Sure, he gets stronger and more skilled at his art, but I was never able to sympathize with him. No matter why this is the case, the book is mildly recommended if read for what it is--a light travelogue for those interested in China or martial arts. Those looking for an example to follow or a character for which to root ought look elsewhere.
  
  

• NOT a martial arts book

  
  By A2FL2DPT26RJCU on 2007-02-12
  More of a travelogue so if you're expecting lots of deep martial arts writing, stick with Dave Lowry. The author writes well and makes a good story. He also manages to get his negative political digs in at U.S. foreign policy and American culture, not surprising considering he writes for Slate. Kind of backfires on him though because reading this book just reinforces how advanced we are compared to China (more than 50 years). A good book if you want to read about modern China. Also a good book to burst your bubble about Chinese martial arts. As an asise I couldn't help wondering how a Shaolin monk would do in the UFC. Not very well I suspect.
  
  
• Funny, informative, entertaining, insightful, personal, moving......
  By A3JCGNO8UGAQK on 2007-03-12
  I'm 63 and I really enjoyed this book which for some reason reminded me of the pleasure I got from reading "Catcher In The Rye" many years ago. Seldom do I burst out laughing while reading but this occured many times. By writing this narrative, Lao Bao has served his master well. I can think of no higher praise.
  
  
• Fantastic Read
  By A3UEJ1T3V07XLV on 2007-12-18
  As someone who as a teenager took martial arts classes and dreamed of being Kwai Chan Kaine or Bruce Lee I related right away to this book. Yet it contains so much more. I also gave up up the martial art dream and spent a few years as a Zen Buddhist monk and later lived in other cultures. Polly shows incredible insight into the adapting to another culture very opposite our own. He also shows the realities of living within monastic conditions, which vary from place to place, but unfortunately never lives up to the fantasies we have of them. A great book on so many levels. extremely funny stories, great cultural insights into the chinese mind. A must read if your going to do business with Chinese. Great insights into the reality and history of the Shaolin and its degeneration process. One of the best books ive read this year!
  
  
• Thoroughly enjoyable
  By A7ATOE2UZY4CK on 2007-03-23
  I am the last person who'd buy and devour a kungfu book! I bought it for my husband who needed some reading for an upcoming trip. But, desperate for something to read one day, I thought I'd suffer the first chapter. I could barely put it down! I found myself wondering how a particular story would end on those days when my 14 month old wasn't allowing any mommy-reading time. Don't get me wrong: it is definately more for the macho reader! Polly's humor and his description of Chinese personality makes up for the "guy stuff." Other than making me think a little about how different cultures are, (I am a rather nationalistic American afterall), it was simply a fun read.
  
  
• Funny, Fascinating and a GREAT Read!
  By A1B1QMGK8VYG80 on 2007-04-17
  There just aren't enough books written like this; an unusual topic and a true story about a boy who takes it upon himself to make his Kung Fu dream (and every other kids') a reality!
  
  If you want a story so unique and unexpected, you've got to pick up Matthew Polly's American Shaolin.
  
  From the contrast in fighting styles to the diversity of cultures, this book provides a captivating story. The personalities were wild and the conflicts, both physical and mental were too real. I wanted to call Polly and ask him to take me back to China with him! I wanted to experience the Shaolin Monks as he did.
  
  I read 4-5 books a week; business, humor, spiritual. This is probably the best thing I've picked up in 10 years.
  
  
• Fun and validates my thoughts on Shaolin
  By A1L6VBY4XCZAH6 on 2007-03-09
  Polly wrote a great book and obviously had a wonderful experience in China, dysentery aside... The book is factual and shows what life in the Shaolin temple with the "monks" is like.
  
  I am a teacher of Tai Chiu and Shaolin KF. For years I keep telling people that the Shaolin temple died a long time ago and that most of what the pseudo-monks teach is nothing but modified modern WuShu. They are great athletes, but they're not monks and the spiritual aspects of the training, as Polly explains, are basically nill.
  
  A fun book and Polly is a very humorous writer who is down to earth. A valuable insight into the Chinese mind-set back in the '90s and probably today as well...
  
  
• Monk fish out of water.
  By A14LV1F57LH1LH on 2007-04-03
  As a martial artist I bought this book as a new source of info on the arts and also an interest in Buddism made it seem a good choise. Neither avenue was really satisfied in full. What I did get was one of the most humorous reads I've ever had which touched on the above subjects plus it added, travel log, relationship building, people watching and a sarcasm how to. I've read a few American out of his element books before, but never so close to the way I see things as this. Having said that I think these things I'll have to admit that I would never be able to get those thoughts onto paper in any readable way. Polly makes it intellectually interesting, funny and an escape at the same time. If forced to describe his style, I would say it's kind of like if Dave Lowry and Will Farrel morphed. Read this book if you have any of the above interests. The rest of you read this book.
  
  
• This book is absolutely fantastic.
  By A27NJ9QVZCMPRC on 2007-04-14
  This book is great fun to read, and I HIGHLY recommend it. Everyone will find something to enjoy in American Shaolin, whether you are into martial arts, chinese culture, travel writing or coming of age stories.
  
  Matt is a brilliant, funny, adventurous guy, and he brings us along on his sometimes heroic, sometimes dejected, and occasionally confused quest to become something more than he once was.
  
  The author gives us an unabashed and often hilarious look into a fascinating time in both Chinese history and his life.
  
  
• An entrancing tale of growing up and the struggle to overcome.
  By A2FDZFTBFOGNJ7 on 2007-05-11
  As a student of Shaolin gung fu, I have a vested interested in anything Shaolin that makes it to our shores. My oldest friend picked up this novel for me on my birthday this year, and suffice it to say, I absolutely couldn't put it down.
  
  The author's journey is an anecdotal tale of growing up in the Midwest, and giving up everything to pursue his dream in China. Mr. Polly manages to keep the narrative fresh and interesting throughout the text and never forgets to stay accurate. His stories of the monks and their lives at once demystify and re-mystify the thousand year legend that is Shaolin.
  
  I hope greatly that he makes it to Texas on a tour so I can get my copy signed. A fantastic read, and I cannot recommend it highly enough for any martial artist, Chinese cultural enthusiast, or even just a random reader.
  
  Zhai jian!
  
  
• A special book - warm, funny and thoroughly enjoyable
  By A1Q8X3U1WLXYUN on 2007-08-20
  This book will appeal to anyone who likes a good story and a good laugh. On the surface, the book seemingly appeals more naturally to men, but it is great book for anyone who welcomes adventure, likes rooting for the underdog, and loves great writing ala PJ O'Rourke and Christopher Buckley. Matt Polly is a great new writer -- I'm hooked.
  
  
• Wonderful!!
  By A3E3GD3TABXKU1 on 2008-01-23
  As a full time writer, I'm a hardcore reader who devours books like a fat guy does chocolate. American Shaolin is one of the most enjoyable I've read in the last couple of years. It's informative, entertaining, intriguing, and often laugh out loud funny.
  
  I've been a student of everything Asian for most of my life but I learned more about China - it's culture, it's people, Shaolin and kung fu - than I have in a dozen other books, documentaries and trips.
  
  One reviewer said that American Shaolin was "so much more than a book...a journey of life." That's it exactly.
  
  Highly recommended.
  
  Loren W. Christensen author of RIOT and a bunch more.
  
  
  
• not really kung fu, buddhism or burger king, but funny funny funny
  By A19QMIPM4XYYBE on 2008-02-19
  Although this is a nonfiction memoir, it reads like a very funny novel. Beware of reading this in public, unless you don't mind laughing really hard and having people staring at you. (ie iron crotch monks, coke dealing, midnight mistresses, etc). Interestingly there were moments that were also very touching and could really bring a tear to person.
  
  Despite this, the book gave some very fascinating, presumably accurate, first person account about China in the 90's, kungfu, and the most importantly the people there.
  
  the writing was extraordinary and fluid. The author has a way of making you understand and feel emotions for the characters he describes, monks, vendor, evil administrators and yes the author himself, without boring you with deep analysis.
  
  summary: funny read, sometimes sad, but mostly funny and informative and did I mentioned funny.
  
  
• Unconventional pilgrimage
  By A1KL56FLQE31MW on 2007-03-26
  As a Chinese woman uninterested in kung fu, I was pleasantly surprised by American Shaolin. Mr. Polly's candidly droll account of his unconventional pilgrimage endears him to anyone who has experienced the pain of growing up, or those who have survived the cultural shock of living abroad. His interesting descriptions of kung fu matches illuminate the more cerebral dimension of martial arts and why some men are so devoted to its practice.
  
  Given that Mr. Polly only spent two years in China at a young age, his depth and knowledge of Chinese culture earn him my respect, though I take issue with his labeling of some southern Chinese as "la la people".
  
  At times Mr. Polly's vivid accounts of the challenges of living in China evoke ambivalent feelings. Should I continue reading his grotesque scatological episodes to find out what happened, or should I skip to the next page? Also, do I wish to know whether he has succeeded in bedding yet another fellow Chinese sister? In the end my curiosity prevailed and I was rewarded with many good laughs.
  
  
  
• What A Fun Read
  By A1G646L8IQINZR on 2007-05-26
  What a great story of a young man wanting to change the things he felt was wrong with him (the same things all young man want to change). He endures some hardships and with great sacrifices comes out a better person. It was also an insight into Chinese culture and taught me how very different we are here in USA, but also a lot alike. It was also comforting to learn that even Shaolin Monks are human...and not perfect.
  
  
• Say yes to Shaolin
  By AUTTH9S9I09AE on 2007-05-28
  Excellent book. Very well written. Matthew Polly does a superb job of describing his time spent at the Shaolin Temple. I found it very interesting, especially the part about the iron crotch, and learned a lot about Buddhist monks and China, more than I ever would have imagined or even expected.
  
  
• I couldn't put it down....
  By A3B8ZI9MJNRHW6 on 2007-06-17
  I read a lot, and while it is cliche to say "I couldn't put it down," this book is one of the rare recent books I've read where this was true. If you have an interest in martial arts, China, and Buddhism (or, rather, in self-discovery), then buy this book. It will be perfect for you. Also, I recently returned from China as an ex-pat (though my stay in China was short by ex-pat standards), and this book was a nostalgic, emotional return to a remarkable and interesting country.
  
  
  
  
• Felt compelled to post a review
  By A1GS7PGP0VG5BS on 2007-06-30
  This is the book I enjoyed the most of all the hundreds books I've read. I've recommended the book to my sister and friends and everyone liked it as much as I do. Read itand you'll find yourself laughing and smiling by yourself.
  
  
• Already a Favorite
  By A1F2TWF2NW308R on 2007-07-27
  A friend of mine who practices Kung Fu told me I should pick this up. He is a good friend. I practice Chon-tu Kwan Hapkido myself, an Americanized Korean art, so I was immediately intrigued. I'm only a few chapters in now but I am already sold. This is one of those books that combines personal anecdotes with delectable morsels of historical trivia. Matthew Polly weaves easily through both, stitching together an instant classic. His writing style is humorous and informative. Its sort of like combining the History channel with Comedy Central, then peppering the stew with some A & E biography. In just 3 chapters, I already feel like I've been schooled in Chinese culture, Chinese martial arts, Eastern philosophy, English writing, World history, and comedy. A fantastic read. Five stars.
  
  
  
  
• Better than a kick in the face
  By A3RAEQTBHUJHMC on 2007-12-21
  I don't typically read books about sports related subjects.....but I enjoy a memoir and am an avid martial arts fan. I wasn't expecting too much from this book, but found myself not wanting it to end. One of the best memoirs I have ever read. So good, I bought my father a copy. 2 weeks latter he joined an Aikido school....with a sense of humor.
  
  
• American Shaolin: Flying Kicks, Buddhist Monks and the Legend of Iron Crotch
  By AVZIZ7QRW55HS on 2008-02-16
  This is a delightful book. I laughed out loud in a few spots. I loved the cultural information shared throughout the book. Can't wait to see the movie!
  
  
• What You Could Not Know About New China
  By A3S1QDTCTJ9J2C on 2008-02-19
  The tale is a very interesting one. A student midway through his studies at Princeton University captures some wanderlust and heads off essentially to parts unknown. This is a story of his journey. The author, Matthew Polly, heads to China in the mid-90s without any sense of exactly where he is headed; neither geographically nor personally.
  
  He is intrigued by David Carradine's character of Caine in the TV series Kung Fu and decides to go and study at the legendary Shaolin Temple. After arriving, like so many things in life, the reality is much different than his idealized vision of what it would be like to study under the Shaolin monks.
  
  If you have read Tom Friedman's The World Is Flat and felt that there was a lot more to learn about what was going on in the rest of the world, then I strongly suggest that you add this book to your reading list. The reality of China in the mid-90s is probably much different than what many Americans understand. American Shaolin, while telling the story of the author's physical and spiritual transformation, additionally serves as a very interesting period piece of China and its development or lack thereof at that time.
  
  Particularly enlightening to me was the progression of the spiritual aspect of the monk's life. In the early stages of the monk's life in training, kung fu becomes the spiritual practice. Meditation seems like it is a practice of the older monks principally as they are unable to practice the martial arts.
  
  The story does have moments where the story seems to be stretching the truth a bit. The single-mindedness and the focus on the goal serves as an excellent metaphor for so many different achievements one may seek in their life. Even if the author does take some literary freedoms, this book is one that you will remember and talk to your friends about.
  
  
  
• funny, insightful...great read
  By A2WAP3D72BH75C on 2008-03-25
  Matthew Polly's adventures in China make for a very fascinating book. I couldn't put this book down. He provides great insight on China in the early 90s, while at the same time weaving a humorous tale of a Westerner trying to survive in Asia. Anyone who has spent time in Asia can relate to Polly's observations...however, he does so with great wit and the keen insight only someone fluent in the language could provide.
  
  
• A whole lot of fun!
  By A5YPN17UC11Z3 on 2007-03-28
  A great read!!! Matt Polly is right up there with both Salzman and Twigger. Enjoy!
  
  
• Everybody loves kung fu fighting
  By A1LC54R9BZBU1U on 2007-04-04
  Entertaining and well-written coming of age story of an American studying kung fu at the famed Shaolin temple. With a witty writing style and with China in the early 90's as the backdrop Matthew Polly gives us a front row seat on his kung fu adventure. You will learn how his childhood vulnerability lead him to learn how to fight and study in China while on leave from Princeton. It is easy to relate to his excellent writing style and how he uniquely and amusingly relates his thoughts and cultural anecdotes during his journey.
  
  Note: don't expect a Zen-like philosophical diatribe with meditating monks and bits of Chinese wisdom fit for David Carradine. This is a modern day tale with all the quirks of a 20-something American trying to bridge the cultural gap with 20-something kung fu students in the China of 1992. If you recognize that and are interested in knowing more about Shaolin kung fu along with amusing travel tales you will love this book.
  
  
  
  
• A fine and lively survey of cultural exploration
  By A14OJS0VWMOSWO on 2007-04-19
  AMERICAN SHAOLIN: FLYING KICKS, BUDDHIST MONKS, AND THE LEGEND OF IRON CROTCH: AN ODYSSEY IN THE NEW CHINA blends a coming-of-age memoir with a survey of kung fu in modern China. Matthew Polly always dreamed of journeying to the Shaolin Temple in China to become a tough fighter like his TV show mentor Caine in Kung Fu, but unlike most, he decided to pursue his dream while in college, dropping out of Princeton to journey to the monks who invented Kung fu and Zen Buddhism. His two years training and performing with the monks are detailed here, in a fine and lively survey of cultural exploration and discovery perfect for not just spiritual collections, but any public lending library.
  
  Diane C. Donovan
  California Bookwatch
  
  
• Not what you think
  By A2I0HM02VAYVTF on 2007-05-04
  If you think this book simply is about kung fu, you are wrong. It is a great expose of Chinese culture in its transitional period from agricultural to capitalistism (not the government). I learned so much from this book, including Chinese tradition, medicine, and society. I won't pretend to be a book snob and do an in-depth analysis. My rating is purely based on the fact I truly enjoyed reading this book.
  
  

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