I am not a martial artist. I have never been and never will be one. But if there's one thing I enjoy, it's a good martial arts film. The choreography and skill required is phenomenal, and the history is fascinating, though I know little about it. I may never have time to investigate the subject in detail, but I respect the spiritual roots and nonviolent nature of those who practice Shaolin kung-fu.

Martial arts is much more than a way to fight. The journey to learn martial arts in the traditional manner will also test your connection with your spirit, bringing you closer to nature. Shaolin Legend brings twenty Shaolin monks to the stage to demonstrate their skills in the art of kung-fu, and the control of the mind that enables them to overcome pain as they push their physical skills to their limits.

Shaolin Legend is a stage show recorded February 8, 2006 at the Olympia Hall in Paris, France. The monks put on a spectacular show of physical ability and mental endurance. The 90-minute show features younger students going through a variety of forms and styles (including "drunken boxing"), and older monks performing with a variety of weapons, from blades to whips to spears. There are mock fights showing the practitioners' skills, precision, and speed. It is all rather exhilarating.

The audience is also treated to feats of physical endurance. Monks break metal bars over their heads, pound nails with their bare hands, balance on the tip of a rotating spear, and break bricks with a hammer while sandwiched between sword blades and a bed of nails. These are not magic tricks or illusions. Everything these monks do is real.

This is not a disk for everybody, but those studying or interested in martial arts, or simply interested in live stage performances, will want to check it out. There is no dialogue, no subtitles, no language barrier. It is a silent performance accompanied by traditional and modern music. The performers' focus is phenomenal. You cannot help but respect what they are able to do.