Shaolin monks emphasize Chi - the intrinsic energy which can be cultivated with breathing exercises and meditation - as the key to life and health.

"The Force is what gives a Jedi his power. It's an energy
field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us. It binds the galaxy together."

The Shaolin monks became renown for their martial arts prowess and fighting ability. It is to be noted that not all Shaolin Monks were warrior monks but that monks choose to specialise in areas of expertise, much like university professors. Although at this time all practiced kung fu, not all were totally focused on the practical aspect of the art, only the Warrior Monks. It is also interesting to note that Shaolin preferred not to hurt their assailants as this would have ramifications for their spirituality.

Barriss/Clighal/Tekli - Jedi Healers
Jocasta Nu/Tionne - Scholars
Obi-Wan/Leia - Negotiators

Shaolin adepts would also undergo a rigorous test before they were considered ready to leave the temple on their journey years. In order to graduate from the temple, they would have to exhibit phenomenal skills and pass through 18 testing chambers in the temple . Although it is dramatised in movies, Shaolin would actually be brought to the brink of exhaustion through a serious of 18 tests, 6 each physical, mental and spiritual.

"I'm sorry for my behavior, Master. It is not my place to disagree with you about the boy. I am grateful you think I am ready for the trials."

"Ready, are you? What know you of ready? For eight hundred years have I trained Jedi. My own counsel will I keep on who is to be trained! A Jedi must have the deepest commitment, the most serious mind. This one a long time have I watched. Never his mind on where he was. Hmm? What he was doing. Hmph. Adventure. Heh! Excitement. Heh! A Jedi craves not these things. You are reckless!"

Shaolin was strong, their reputation great and their support from commoners even stronger. Through the betrayal of an insider and large amounts of Ching loyal troops, armed with cannons, the original Shaolin temple in Henan was destroyed. The monks who remained to defend were slaughtered, many fled to another Temple and for 30 years continued their resistance and their support of resistance fighters. This in turn led to the destruction of the remaining major temples and most of the lesser temples as well as the destruction of Shaolin texts.

"The Jedi are relentless; if they are not all destroyed, it will be civil war without end. First, I want you to go to the Jedi Temple. We will catch them off balance. Do what must be done, Lord Vader. Do not hesitate. Show no mercy."
"What about the other Jedi spread across the galaxy?"
"Their betrayal will be dealt with."