The Shaolin Temple is to hold a world martial arts competition, said abbot Shi Yongxin during the closing ceremony of a Zen activity, Chinanews.com reported.

Shi Yongxin announces plans for the Shaolin Temple to host a world martial arts competition. [Photo/chinanews.com]

Shi said masters of martial arts and meditation of different styles and schools can use the event, on a date to be set, to compete against and learn from one another.

They will compete in set patterns, stunts and sanshou (free-hand fighting). A martial arts forum will also be included.