{"product_id":"american-shaolin-flying-kicks-buddhist-monks-and-the-legend-of-iron-crotch-an-odyssey-in-the-new-china","title":"American Shaolin: Flying Kicks, Buddhist Monks, and the Legend of Iron Crotch: An Odyssey in the New China","description":"The raucously funny story of one young American's quest to become the baddest dude on the planet (and possibly find inner peace along the way)\n\nGrowing up a ninety-eight-pound weakling tormented by bullies in the schoolyards of Kansas, Matthew Polly dreamed of one day journeying to the Shaolin Temple in China to become the toughest fighter in the world, like Caine in his favorite 1970s TV series Kung Fu.\n\nAmerican Shaolin is the story of the two years Matthew spent in China living, studying, and performing with the Shaolin monks. The Chinese term for tough training is chi ku (\"eating bitter\"), and Matthew quickly learned to appreciate the phrase.\n\nThis is both the gripping story of Matthew's journey and an intimate portrait of the real lives of the Shaolin monks, who struggle to overcome rampant corruption and the restrictions of an authoritarian government. Laced with humor and illuminated by cultural insight, American Shaolin is an unforgettable coming-of- age story of one man's journey into the ancient art of kungfu—and a poignant portrait of a rapidly changing China.\u003cbr\u003eASIN: 1592403379\u003cbr\u003eVSKU: DBV.1592403379.A\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Acceptable\u003cbr\u003eAuthor\/Artist:Polly, Matthew\u003cbr\u003eBinding: Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eNote:\u003c\/b\u003e Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition Notes\u003c\/b\u003e: This copy has clearly been enjoyed—expect noticeable shelf wear and some minor creases to the cover. Binding is strong, and all pages are legible. May contain previous library markings or stamps.  \u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Dream Books Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41516147343418,"sku":"DBV.1592403379.A","price":6.29,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/6011\/0138\/files\/1592403379-0.jpg?v=1783718963","url":"https:\/\/shop.dreambooksco.com\/products\/american-shaolin-flying-kicks-buddhist-monks-and-the-legend-of-iron-crotch-an-odyssey-in-the-new-china","provider":"Dream Books Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}