"Shaolin kung fu", the symbol of Chinese martial arts, and variants of the name have been registered as trademarks by many overseas enterprises, arousing concerns from martial arts practitioners at the renowned Shaolin Temple, the Beijing-based Star Daily reported Tuesday.

In the past, when we toured other countries performing Shaolin kung fu, many companies asked our permission to use the name commercially. But the situation is totally different now,?�� said Shi Yongxin, a Buddhist abbot from the Shaolin Temple who is currently staging an marital arts performance in Beijing. The temple is generally regarded as the cradle of Chinese martial arts.

Buddhist monks versed in martial arts from Shaolin Temple perform Shaolin Kung Fu (martial Arts) during a performance held in Beijing May 27, 2004. China has applied to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to list China's Shaolin Kung Fu in the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. (Xinhua Photo)

Buddhist monks versed in martial arts from Shaolin Temple perform Shaolin Kung Fu (martial Arts) during a performance held in Beijing May 27, 2004. (Xinhua Photo)

Buddhist monks versed in martial arts from Shaolin Temple perform Shaolin Kung Fu (martial Arts) during a performance held in Beijing May 27, 2004. (Xinhua Photo)

A Buddhist monk versed in martial arts from Shaolin Temple performs Shaolin Kung Fu (martial Arts) during a performance held in Beijing May 27, 2004.(Xinhua Photo)