Abbot Hai Teng of Shaolin (1985) User Reviews

A documentary which tells the life story and showcases the stunning martial arts skills of 86 year old Abbot Hai Teng of the Shaolin Temple.

[cypau · 9/10 · 30 June 2000]

For all those interested in Kung Fu, this is one film that shouldn't be left off the list. Shaolin Abbot Hai Teng's power and skill is unparalleled and one must see it to believe it. At 86 years old, Abbot Hai Teng is as agile, flexible, and strong as a 26 year old. Using the secret Shaolin "one-finger form" of Kung Fu, Abbot Hai Teng can stand on the index finger of one hand--even as an octagenarian.

Although this documentary includes only 11 minutes of Jet Li footage (and if you've seen "Dragons of the Orient," you've already seen all of it), the rare look into the life of so fascinating a man as Abbot Hai Teng is worth your time.

Spoiler Alert... reading this may shatter any preconceived notions about Shaolin monks..

[clubhonda · 27 May 2020]

Hate to break it to the fans.. but the so-called one finger form was eventually exposed to be a fake which was shot as part of the China propaganda at the time, which was designed to enhance China's prestige. It was eventually leaked.

Also... most of the forms that you see on display are mostly "taolu" (forms), which are for aesthetics... and maybe helps with one's flexibility and fitness. None of the stuff you see are actually useful for fighting. China as a whole is very backwards in fighting and you certainly won't be a good fighter learning any of these forms. There's a good reason why you've never seen a Chinese wushu fighter enter the UFC.