IFSK is the international non-profit organization which includes members more that from 40 national and local branches all over the world in Europe, America, Asia and Africa.
IFSK is non-religious, non-political organization.
IFSK acts under the auspices of the International Institute of kungfu of Shaolin temple which is situated in the China, Denfeng County, Henan province near the Shaolin temple.
IFSK adopt and support the development of any style, branch of schools of kungfu.

Although it’s expressed in different ways and set in different contexts, one phrase can describe the mission of the IFSK: keep the best tradition and improve the present.
Shaolin temple is the heart and soul of Shaolin kungfu and spiritual tradition. Today’s Shaolin kungfu is much larger that the Shaolin monastery. The famous Shaolinsi gave birth to the one of the biggest spiritual and martial tradition to the world. But today this tradition already made a step outside the monastic walls and already doesn’t belong just to the Shaolin monastery. It belongs to the humanity. And Federation represents and promotes these best traditions all over the world.
Unfortunately quack Shaolin kungfu masters open its classes more often than not. You can attend training classes for years, spend a lot of money and not to learn anything from the real Shaolin tradition. It’s neither bad nor good, deception and illusions are in the human nature. However Federation aims at keeping the best traditions in its purity. Every one who wants to know the true, authentic Shaolin tradition can join the Federation and not to be entrapped by charlatans.
To promote the genuine Shaolin traditions IFSK has the strict system of training quality control, system of certification, program of support of local branches of IFSK, etc.

IFSK is not just a Federation, it’s a whole world. It a brotherhood that embraces hundreds all people all around the world. Ana the core of this union is striving for harmonious live.
Traditionally Shaolin followers have two main interconnected tasks:
1. To improve yourself, purify you mind and improve you body.
2. To help and support other people.

Traditionally from the 13 c. Shaolin monastery promoted four main subject for training its fellow: martial arts, Buddhism, traditional medicine and civil arts (e.g. calligraphy, philosophy, etc.). The world has changed since that time but IFSK adheres closely to this system. The contemporary system of training and self-nourishing includes four main disciplines:

spiritual training;

martial arts;

traditional medicine, systems of health-keeping based on the best methods of Chinese therapy;

civil sciences that means the mystical history of East Asia, calligraphy, tea ceremony, Chinese philosophy, Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism.

IFSK has three-level structure:
1. Local branch. The local or the basic level includes clubs, groups, enterprises and its division and sub-divisions.
2. Regional branch. Regional level usually includes one big organization, or the group of clubs, or the regional federation which is in charge to develop Shaolin kungfu in this region (e.g. city, county, region, etc.) Regional branch can include several local branches.
3. National branch. National branch is established in the country level and includes no less that three regional branches.
IFSK adhere to the principle: only one official representative from one region.

IFSK supervise the training programs of its national and local branches all over the word, patronizes and renders assistance in the developing of education and training. All programs undergo an examination by experts that guarantee that the training satisfy the requirements of authentic Shaolin training.
Besides of certificate of membership in IFSK every national and local branch receives the Certificate of Shaolin authenticity. After the examination national and local branches can issue its own certification for local kungfu clubs and groups.

Anyone who is 16 years old;
Organization or club that is interested in cooperation with IFSK;
Organization who work or cooperate with our local branches.

To join the Federation you can contact the nearest branch of the IFSK or directly to the head-quaters by post, Internet, e-mail, fax.
You have to apply for the membership by filing in the application form for corporate or individual membership.

A crucial element of IFSK success is it philosophy of brotherhood. IFSK affiliate clubs and branches are led by masters who understand the importance not only martial art training but first of all spiritual development and personal responsibility.
All members of IFSK can have its independent policy, way of development, styles, training schedule, etc. However IFSK decide which of these activities are appropriate for harmonious human development. For example, IFSK considers philosophy of violence, propaganda of the using of cruel force, etc as inappropriate behavior. We usually cancel the membership of such person or organization in our Federation.
Organizational strength, personal attention, highest level of training is a powerful combination for IFSK affiliates members Certainly, the greatest strength of IFSK is people This text is provided solely to members of the National Association of College Stores for their individual use and the use of their wholly owned subsidiaries.

To receive a certificate of regional branch the organization must meet the following regulations:

follow rules, regulations and basic programs of the IFSK. Besides it the organization can develop any other programs, styles, training methods on its own;

have no less than three officially certified instructors;

to be in charge to develop Shaolin kungfu in certain region (e.g. city, the quarter in the big city, etc.)
To receive a certificate of National branch the organization must meet the following regulations:

all requirements for the regional branches;

include no less than three regional branches;

be in charge to develop Shaolin kungfu in the country level;
Applications must be posted or send by fax. E-mail applications for the regional and national level are not valid although we can answer all you questions by e-mail. All applications will be considered and all applicants will be informed no later than in three weeks.

Is IFSK is a religious organization? Shall I become the Buddhist to study Federation’s programs?
No. First of all IFSK is non-religious organization. It means that the member of the Federation or anyone who attends classes of the Federation can confess any religious views or don’t confess any.
The training in IFSK doesn’t include religious education although we study a lot from Chinese spiritual treasury, like history and practice of Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism, local beliefs, etc.
We are staunch supporters of the approach to religious confession as to the strictly personal business. Among our members there are a lot of Christians, Catholics, Orthodox believers, Buddhists, Taoists, Muslims and even several wodoo followers!

How to become a Shaolin monk?
Do you really need it? If you just want to deeply perceive the Shaolin traditions, kungfu, health-keeping, meditations there is no need to taking of monastic vows.
Moreover the today’s Shaolin gradually turns to the museum and the commercial tourist site. Do you want to live in museum and be one of the exhibits for visitors? Or you want to study the live Shaolin tradition? If it the case you can do it not becoming a monk.

If you really need it you can connect directly to the Shaolin temple. Please, keep in mind that you have to speak Chinese (unfortunately almost no one can speak English) and get accustomed to lead the Chinese way of life.