American Shaolin: Flying Kicks, Buddhist Monks, and the Legend of Iron Crotch: An Odyssey in the ...
Bill Bryson meets Bruce Lee in this raucously funny story of one scrawny Americans quest to become a kung fu master at Chinas legendary Shaoli...
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reviews
Jul 30, 2011
Wendy
rated it: 
There are five compelling reasons why I shouldn't have liked this book.
1) It's about martial arts, and Jack (my husband) and I are Quakers. As in pacifists.
2) It's about a sport. I was the smart kid who had her period every week throughout high school so she could avoid playing volleyball.
3) A man wrote it.
4) It's about China. Africa and the Middle East are my anthropological areas of expertise, and ergo what I read about more because I can tell More...
1) It's about martial arts, and Jack (my husband) and I are Quakers. As in pacifists.
2) It's about a sport. I was the smart kid who had her period every week throughout high school so she could avoid playing volleyball.
3) A man wrote it.
4) It's about China. Africa and the Middle East are my anthropological areas of expertise, and ergo what I read about more because I can tell More...
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Aug 16, 2011
Broche
rated it: 
I hated this book. Rather than being culturally sensitive, this asshole woke up 10 years after his experience and decided he wanted to make some money so he wrote this book. He's totally ignorant and doesn't even use the principles he SHOULD have learned from what SHOULD have been an incredible experience. He gives people who do follow this way of life a bad name. Asshole.
Jan 29, 2012
Sarah
rated it: 
This adult memoir wins the "Best Title of the Year Award!" And it lives up to its name. I couldn't put this one down, and I hate kungfu movies. So the author did something right. I think this one has wide appeal, especially for high school students, and it definitely shouldn't be purchased for "large psychology collections." Puh-leese. I can't believe I just read that in a review.[return][return]Matthew Polly is a wuss from Topeka, Kansas, who gets into Princeton. But things
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Sep 02, 2007
Matthew
rated it: 
Get past the awful cover of American Shaolin, because this travelogue-slash-memoir is a little gem. The decidedly cheesy artist’s impression doesn’t do the content justice.
Granted, the book calls occasionally for suspension of disbelief. A recollection by author Matthew Polly, at the time a self-confessed skinny nerd obsessed with kungfu who wants to be a bad ass madafacker, of two years spent training in Shaolin, it celebrates certain stereotypes, like that of ridiculously acrobatic monk More...
Granted, the book calls occasionally for suspension of disbelief. A recollection by author Matthew Polly, at the time a self-confessed skinny nerd obsessed with kungfu who wants to be a bad ass madafacker, of two years spent training in Shaolin, it celebrates certain stereotypes, like that of ridiculously acrobatic monk More...
Jan 07, 2008
Jennifer
rated it:
This book was so phenomenal that I wrote a thank-you note to the author. The way he wrote it makes him so likable and human that I didn't want it to end. He becomes a badass by force of sheer will and that's always one of those things I want to hear is possible. The big bonus was learning so much about the Chinese culture. I didn't realize it until I was listening to a story on NPR about 'The New China' and I thought, Yeah, I know all about those customs and traditions! Even if you don't love ma
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Apr 21, 2008
Jordan
rated it: 
This was a fun story. I wanted to give it 2.5 stars, but the cultural insensitivity lowered it for me. I liked the author's self-effacing and simultaneous self-promoting style. But I was never able to fully suspend disbelief about how successful and loved and accepted he was being the only non-Chinese in a town full of 10,000 Shaolin practitioners. It wasn't too gory and only glorified violence a little. It completely hooked me all the way through, but I hate that this is the kind of Americ
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(3 people liked it)
Jan 02, 2009
Barky
rated it:
When Matthew was a teen, he made a list of things about himself that he didn’t like – and then went about changing those things. His first accomplishment was educating himself and becoming an intellectual. From there he went on to tackle his cowardice – by going to China and studying kung fu in a Shaolin temple.
It was a lot harder than he’d expected. He met with resistance from his family – they wanted him to finish college, and difficulties finding the temple once he’d reached Ch More...
It was a lot harder than he’d expected. He met with resistance from his family – they wanted him to finish college, and difficulties finding the temple once he’d reached Ch More...
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Jan 26, 2012
Nshslibrary
rated it:
American Shaolin by Matthew Polly is a strange and intriguing book. Matt struggles to find himself. Trying desperately, he decides to train in Chinese Shaolin Kungfu at the Shaolin Temple in China. Matt is a junior at Princeton University, a very prestigious school and decides to leave for 2 years to the Shaolin Temple, the place where kungfu was founded. Along the way, Matt starts to find himself and steadily starts to get rid of the things on the “Things That Are Wrong With Matt” list. It is
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Mar 05, 2011
Twilight
rated it:
Somewhere between 3.5 and 4 stars. Overall it's an excellent book about an American who went to find himself in China through Shaolin kung-fu. Thankfully he spends most of his time discussing the art and the changing China rather than focusing on himself and his experiences as an expat, although a lot of it comes into play.
A lot of the book is downright amusing with the author speaking in a relatable, easy-going tone that sometimes contrasts with the monks of the temple. There isn't More...
A lot of the book is downright amusing with the author speaking in a relatable, easy-going tone that sometimes contrasts with the monks of the temple. There isn't More...
Sep 20, 2010
MacK
rated it:
While reading Polly's account of life in rural China I couldn't stop reflecting on my own life in rural India. Polly arrived in China just before the nation transformed into a world power; I arrived in India just as reports of its burgeoning importance were hitting the states. Polly felt totally isolated in a country of a billion; I was snugly safe among a posse of ex-pats, but at any given moment I could feel absolutely alone in a sea of other people. And try as we might to accept our adopted h
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Apr 17, 2011
Soteris
rated it:
I had never heard of this book, so when forced upon me by my sensei, I took one look at the cheesy 1970's art work of a blond American fella in a Chinese shaolin outfit standing in some sort of crane or tiger pose(not the same cover as above) and thought, cheese.
I was suprised when I started reading it to find that it was actually a true story about a young American mans journey to China and his experience as an outsider training in the Shaolin community.
As a recently returned martia More...
I was suprised when I started reading it to find that it was actually a true story about a young American mans journey to China and his experience as an outsider training in the Shaolin community.
As a recently returned martia More...
Oct 15, 2009
Goran
rated it:
If alarm bells ring at a book title beginning ‘American’ rest assured, this is an unexpected gem. Matthew Polly writes with wonderfully self-depreciating humour that makes for a very enjoyable read. Better still, he delivers real insight into modern training at the Shaolin temple.
There is a sense of genuine warmth for the people he meets and every word rings true. Polly is not afraid to expose the less spiritual side of Shaolin, with its tourist traps, political intrigues and the unha More...
There is a sense of genuine warmth for the people he meets and every word rings true. Polly is not afraid to expose the less spiritual side of Shaolin, with its tourist traps, political intrigues and the unha More...
Jan 10, 2009
Linda
rated it:
I have an affinity for anything to do with oriental cultures but I do not have an affinity for martial arts. I chose to read this book because it showed up on the ALA Alex list. I was not disappointed, and I can think of a number of teen boys who would enjoy reading it.
The author had much to be proud of having spent the time to learn Chinese before embarking on his two year stay in China to improve his Kung Fu skills. By doing so, he was able to give us a personal look into the lives of More...
The author had much to be proud of having spent the time to learn Chinese before embarking on his two year stay in China to improve his Kung Fu skills. By doing so, he was able to give us a personal look into the lives of More...
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Jun 25, 2010
Lisa
rated it:
I had a lot of fun reading this memoir about Bao Mosi and his mad kungfu skills!!! It's cool how he speaks Chinese so well. I like his honesty. He's not afraid to look kind of ignorant or silly when he describes events in the book. Love that. I read a review that said something like: a good book but I'm sad that this is the kind of person who represents Americans abroad. I have to respectfully disagree with that. I thought Matt was exactly the type of person I'd want representing America a
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May 23, 2008
Julie
rated it:
This account of the culture clash between Buddhist martial arts monks in modern China and geeky American kungfu wannabe is fascinating, but also laugh-out-loud funny. Don't read it in a restaurant if you don't want Coke coming out your nose. It's really a guy book (considering language I'd say 15 & up), and I would give it to a reluctant reader in a heartbeat.
Dec 11, 2011
Marc
rated it:
This book entertainingly recounts the author's unique and fascinating experience as the only American (and for most of the time, the only Westerner) studying kung fu martial arts at Shaolin Temple Wushu Center, in China, from September 1992 to September 1993. In addition to being a devoted martial arts student, the author speaks Chinese, so he's really able to understand, communicate with, and befriend the locals. The book is full of cultural insights, written with keen cultural understanding, a
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Dec 17, 2008
Heather
rated it:
As a young adult, Polly leaves his studies at Princeton University during the 1990s to travel to China in search of the Shaolin monks. His goal is to live with the monks, learn kung fu, and improve himself. Polly relates his experiences with humor and a tone of self-deprecation as he stumbles through cultural barriers and misunderstandings. As readers, we gain an understanding of the people of rural China and their struggle from the repressive area of Communist policies that sought to wipe out m
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Apr 21, 2010
Unwisely
rated it:
Ok, so, at first I was a little hesitant. This guy is another trustifarian kid who travels to somewhere exotic. But, then I remembered "My Super Sweet 16" (is that even still on?) and got over it - he does everything I would hope he would to - learns the language, respects the culture, and, oh yeah, studies kungfu 7 hours a day.
So...yeah. While I've never been to Asia at all and am basically a wimp, I love the concept. And that he made a life list and checked things of More...
So...yeah. While I've never been to Asia at all and am basically a wimp, I love the concept. And that he made a life list and checked things of More...
Apr 22, 2009
Michael
rated it:
I remember seeing this on the shelf at Barnes and Noble and it looked really interesting what with an orange robed, shaved head monk holding a Burger King bag. What can I say? I do judge books by their covers. I knew it was going to be a funny memoir when I read the Note on Spelling and Pronunciation. It was entertaining. I must say that it served as an inspiration to push me into finding that something spiritual I have been looking for. I must say I'm now going to be taking up kungfu to en
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Jan 29, 2009
Eh?Eh!
rated it:
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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19 comments
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Mar 18, 2011
"American Shaolin: Flying Kicks, Buddhist Monks, and the Legend of Iron Crotch: An Odyssey in the New China" by Matthew Polly
(Gotham)
OK, so maybe I have a thing for "weakling memoirs" but this tale about a Midwesterner who ventures to the East to test his mettle and debunk Chinese cultural myths along the way is hilarious. A bound gift for every child of the '80s who grew up watching Kung Fu theater and secretly wished they could be Bruce Lee AND David Carradine whe More...
(Gotham)
OK, so maybe I have a thing for "weakling memoirs" but this tale about a Midwesterner who ventures to the East to test his mettle and debunk Chinese cultural myths along the way is hilarious. A bound gift for every child of the '80s who grew up watching Kung Fu theater and secretly wished they could be Bruce Lee AND David Carradine whe More...
Sep 24, 2009
Kirk
rated it:
If you've ever harbored a secret desire to become a ninja you might want to read this book.
The true story of a scrawny Princeton student (from Topeka, KS!) who takes a two-year leave of absence to study kung-fu at a legendary temple deep within China.
The author admits at the end he made himself out to be more clever and cool than he really is, but I wish he had said that in the beginning as a warning and notice of self-awareness.
Still, lots of interesting tidb More...
The true story of a scrawny Princeton student (from Topeka, KS!) who takes a two-year leave of absence to study kung-fu at a legendary temple deep within China.
The author admits at the end he made himself out to be more clever and cool than he really is, but I wish he had said that in the beginning as a warning and notice of self-awareness.
Still, lots of interesting tidb More...
Aug 09, 2011
Daniel
rated it:
I love being surprised by books, and the quality of this kung fu memoir really did surprise me. It was recommended to me by a friend of a friend, and it took me a few months to pick it up. Though I've always liked the cover, I didn't know if I'd enjoy a 300+ memoir about a lanky white dude learning Shaolin kung fu in the forests of China. Well, all I had to do was pick it up.
This book is well written, real funny, and offers some great insights into Chinese culture.
Recommended to anyone. More...
This book is well written, real funny, and offers some great insights into Chinese culture.
Recommended to anyone. More...
Nov 16, 2011
Lindsay
rated it:
Matthew Polly was always a tall, gangly, wimpy kid, picked on by the playground bullies. By the time he got to college, he had left the playground, but the insecurities continued to nag him. What is a boy to do? Well, if he's into martial arts and Chinese language and culture, he takes a sabbatical during his junior year at Princeton and searches for the Shaolin Temple, of course! In 1992, China was on the cusp of beginning an international force, teetering between its Communist past and cap
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Dec 07, 2009
David
rated it:
An American college boy drops out of school and goes to China to find the Shaolin monks and train with them. He does this without any idea of where the Shaolin temple is, or how to go about it. He basically just goes to China with a few thousand dollars and starts asking around. He finds it, becomes a kung fu badass, makes friends and learns life lessons along the way. While it was not nearly this simple, this is the very brief true story of the author, Matthew Polly.
This was a very More...
This was a very More...
Sep 29, 2009
John
rated it:
This book tells the story of Matthew Polly's journey to China to find the Shaolin monks and train with them (taking a leave of absence from college to do so).
This isn't quite as amazing a feat as you might expect - the monks regularly take in foreigners who pay handsomely for a week or a month of training. What makes this story different is that Polly stays for over 2 years and really makes an attempt to bond with his hosts.
The story follows Polly from the beginning, wh More...
This isn't quite as amazing a feat as you might expect - the monks regularly take in foreigners who pay handsomely for a week or a month of training. What makes this story different is that Polly stays for over 2 years and really makes an attempt to bond with his hosts.
The story follows Polly from the beginning, wh More...
Jul 07, 2009
Austin
rated it:
This book, which was recommended to me by a friend recently, gets a very solid 4 stars (more like 4.5). The author is truly entertaining and funny, keeping me interested in his journey from start to finish. I'm not a huge martial arts fanatic, but the author's writing captured my imagination with the details of Shaolin and his time there. Having spent a little time in China, I remain fascinated at the culture and the author's insight into many aspects of China was quite interesting. Apparent
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May 06, 2009
Megan
rated it:
American Shaolin is super easy to read, and has really great cultural sensitivity -- surprised so many people felt otherwise. It's refreshing to read a book by someone who goes on a quest but enjoys the journey -- I don't find that those two things often accompany one another.
It's rather inspirational in that regard too -- Polly really just throws himself across the world because he thinks he is missing an element in his personality and proceeds to head off to find it.
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It's rather inspirational in that regard too -- Polly really just throws himself across the world because he thinks he is missing an element in his personality and proceeds to head off to find it.
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Nov 05, 2008
Andrew
rated it:
America prides itself in creating a near-ideal society; a society where people succeed and accomplish great things through sheer determination and taken initiative when opportunities present themselves. In American Shaolin by Matthew Polly, it is seen that for one such boy growing up in Kansas, that philosophy was really taken to heart. America blessed him with a supportive family and a great education at Princeton University. Time and time again, his determination saw through obstacles, but h
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Mar 16, 2009
Sandra
rated it:
As a librarian, its been a while since I read a book I couldn't put down. This book is one of them. I've read several books about China but never have I read one that touches on the interesting culture, economy,religion, society and history of China and packages it all with an equally fascinating story as this one does. Polly is hilariously honest about some of his exploits & failures. Polly's observation of poverty stricken central China as they transition to capitalism in the early 90's is
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