Discipline is one word which keeps coming to mind when watching the Shaolin masters on stage.

When a slab of concrete is smashed on the back of one master and a swift kick to the “iron pants” of another are on display, “pain” is another appropriate word.

With kinetic motions, hard percussive strikes and sweeping kicks, the Seattle Shaolin Kung Fu Academy brought the ruckus and celebrated five years in business in a big way with a performance on stage at Newport High School in Bellevue.

More than 200 students and a group of Shaolin masters took to the stage to demonstrate their skill with the ancient martial art. Shaolin Kung Fu was founded more than 1,500 years ago in the Henan province of China.

Some of the masters on stage showcased various animal styles, drunken form and the “power skills” known as qigong.

City and area leaders such as King County Councilwoman Claudia Balducci and Bellevue Mayor John Stokes spoke about the importance of cultural events like the performance. It was held bilingually in English and Mandarin.

City Manager Brad Miyake spoke as well, making reference to doing martial arts in his childhood and the discipline it taught him.

Sparring with weapons, demonstrating mental fortitude as they do painful acts and performing the animal forms (tiger, praying mantis, monkey, leopard and eagle), the Shaolin masters made a performance that dazzled the crowd.