Hello,

I am a martial artist and I'm also a buddhist. If you're interested in the Shaolin monks, temple history and buddhism, here's a good site to visit:

www.russbo.com

Or, you can go straight to:
www.russbo.com/religious_beginnings.htm

I've been fortunate to train with the monks as well as see them practice and perform several times. They are amazing :) Buddhism and Qi Gong are fundamental aspects of Shaolin kung fu practice. Of course, you can be a kung fu practioner and be any religion you wish!