The sight of a group of Kung Fu Nuns, aged from 17 to 30, performing hand chops, high kicks, and sword-wielding martial arts in the serene hills of Nepal is a remarkable story that blends strength, spirituality, and empowerment.
These nuns belong to the Druk Amitabha Monastery, a place of peace, spirituality, and profound history. Their performance at the reopening of the nunnery after a five-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic captivated hundreds of onlookers, showcasing not only their martial arts expertise but also their journey toward gender equality in a traditionally patriarchal religious system.
The kung fu nuns of Druk Amitabha are breaking barriers that have long existed in Buddhist monastic communities. The nuns’ martial arts skills are not just a physical discipline but also a symbol of their strength, self-sufficiency, and a new vision for women in Buddhism.
The Druk Amitabha Monastery: A Place of Empowerment and Tradition
Druk Amitabha Monastery, situated on a hilltop in Nepal, has been a beacon of change and empowerment since its founding in 2009.
Unlike most Buddhist institutions, which have long restricted women to domestic roles within their communities, Druk Amitabha’s founder, His Holiness Gyalwang Drukpa, broke the mold by promoting gender equality and offering women the opportunity to train in kung fu.
His goal was not only to improve the physical health of the nuns but to provide them with the confidence and strength to help foster greater empowerment and equality.
The monastery, which currently houses around 300 nuns, represents a unique blend of Tibetan Buddhism and martial arts. The nuns, who come from Nepal, Bhutan, and India, are trained in kung fu as part of their spiritual development.
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While most Buddhist women are expected to take on more traditional, passive roles, such as cooking and cleaning, the nuns of Druk Amitabha are defying these conventions and showing the world that spiritual growth can go hand in hand with physical prowess.
About a dozen nuns performed hand chops and high kicks, some of them wielding swords, as they showed off their martial art skills to hundreds of cheering well-wishers at the long-awaited reopening of their nunnery in Nepal https://t.co/C6xW67GtK8 pic.twitter.com/i86RC0XNIT
— Reuters (@Reuters) January 1, 2025
Training in kung fu at the nunnery is an integral part of the daily routine. The martial art, which originated in China and is known for its fluid movements and self-defense techniques, is taught to all the nuns, regardless of their background or experience.
This discipline is not only a way for them to keep physically fit but also to cultivate inner peace and discipline, enhancing their spiritual growth. The nuns’ participation in martial arts training is a striking testament to the nunnery’s ethos of gender equality, self-reliance, and empowerment.
The Nunnery’s Reopening Performance:
The reopening of the Druk Amitabha Monastery after its COVID-induced closure was a momentous occasion for the community, marking a return to normalcy and an opportunity for the nuns to showcase their hard-earned skills.
As part of the festivities, about a dozen of the nuns performed an intricate display of kung fu, demonstrating their hand chops, high kicks, and sword-fighting techniques. The performance captivated hundreds of well-wishers, who cheered and applauded the nuns for their display of strength, discipline, and grace.
The kung fu demonstration was not just a physical showcase, however; it was a representation of the nuns’ spiritual journey. Every strike, every kick, every move on the mat was a reflection of their inner strength, determination, and the empowerment they have gained through their training.
It was a powerful visual statement that women, even in traditional Buddhist communities, can be strong, assertive, and independent. It was an opportunity for the nuns to show the world how their martial arts training has given them the confidence to defy gender stereotypes and take control of their destinies.
The nuns’ kung fu training and performance also serve to inspire young girls and women, particularly in patriarchal societies, where gender inequality is deeply rooted. Jigme Jangchub Chosdon, 23, a nun from Ladakh, India, explained the nuns’ broader aim: “We do kung fu to keep ourselves mentally and physically fit, and our aim is to promote women’s empowerment and gender equality.”
This statement encapsulates the mission of the nunnery and its martial arts program—to challenge the gender norms that often confine women to passive roles, providing them with the tools to stand up for themselves and the community.
The event was a moment of celebration not only for the nuns but for all women who have been historically marginalized in various cultural and religious systems. The nuns’ performance was a reminder that empowerment comes in many forms: physical strength, mental fortitude, and the unwavering belief in one’s ability to break free from societal constraints.
Kung Fu as a Tool for Spiritual Growth and Community Service
For the kung fu nuns, martial arts are not just about personal empowerment; they are also about serving the community and helping others build their own strength. The discipline of kung fu fosters resilience, patience, and clarity of mind, qualities that are essential for personal growth and spiritual development.
But it also equips the nuns with the skills to help those around them. The nuns of Druk Amitabha Monastery have made it their mission to use their training to teach other women, especially young girls, how to build their physical and emotional strength.
Jigme Yangchen Gamo, 24, a nun from Ramechhap in Nepal, explained how kung fu had helped her build self-confidence, which she now hopes to pass on to the next generation: “With the confidence from kung fu, I really want to help the community, young girls to build their own strength.”
Through their martial arts training, the nuns have not only become strong but also become role models and mentors, showing the world that women can be warriors—not just in battle but in life.
The focus on women’s empowerment through kung fu training also reflects the nuns’ belief in the importance of balancing physical strength with spiritual wisdom. While martial arts are typically associated with combat, the nuns approach kung fu as a form of meditation and self-reflection.
The fluidity of the movements, the discipline involved, and the emphasis on inner peace and control align with the spiritual tenets of Buddhism. Through kung fu, the nuns are able to cultivate a sense of calm, balance, and clarity, which in turn enhances their spiritual practice.
The nuns’ emphasis on women’s empowerment also extends beyond their training. Druk Amitabha Monastery encourages its members to contribute to their communities by promoting respect for all living things and fostering a deeper understanding of interconnectedness.
Their training in kung fu is an outward expression of their inner strength, but it also reflects their commitment to building a more inclusive, compassionate, and just society for all.
The Legacy of the Kung Fu Nuns
The kung fu nuns of Druk Amitabha Monastery represent a powerful shift in the way women are perceived within the Buddhist monastic tradition. Through their martial arts training, they are not only challenging gender norms but are also laying the foundation for a more inclusive and equal future.
Their performances, such as the one held to mark the reopening of the nunnery, are a testament to their strength, resilience, and unwavering commitment to their spiritual and personal growth.
For the nuns, kung fu is much more than a martial art; it is a tool for self-discovery, empowerment, and community service. As the nuns continue to train and inspire others, they hope to encourage young women and girls around the world to stand up for themselves, embrace their inner strength, and break free from the constraints imposed by traditional gender roles.
The legacy of the kung fu nuns will undoubtedly inspire generations to come, proving that women can be as powerful, brave, and capable as anyone else.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏