These Shaolin monks impressively meditate while hanging from their ankles

Published Aug. 7, 2015 8:00 p.m. ET

Jonathan Bradley

Legend has it, that more than 1500 years ago, at the Shaolin Monastery in Henan province, China, a monk named Bodhidharm created what is considered today one of the oldest martial arts in existence, Shaolin Kung Fu (also known as Wushu, shout out to the Wu).

The temple has two main legacies, the practice of Buddhism and the practice of martial arts, which promotes flexibility, stamina, balance and meditation.

Fast forward almost two millenniums, and the monks of Shaolin are still at it. Photographer Steve McCurry got some sick photos of the enlightened ones in action during a recent trip to Shaolin that was recently featured on National Geographic's Instagram page.

A wall run over conversation.

Shaolin monks dedicate a large chunk of their day to martial arts. According to the Encyclopedia of Shaolin martial arts, the monks practice Kung Fu up to three times a day sandwiched around morning and afternoon Buddhist lessons. That is true dedication right there.