Shaolin Temple in Henan Province

Ancient Fight by Shaolin Monks

This is a Chinese postage stamp commemorating the Shaolin Monastery. Legend says that 13 Shaolin Monks used their defensive martial arts to rescue a Tang Emperor from rebel troops; 40 others routed a band of Japanese pirates. Today, Shaolin boxing claims a million adherents worldwide -- but the monastery houses fewer than a dozen monks, all over 50 years old.