In 17th century China, a young man named San Te, played by the charismatic Gordon Liu, is an apprentice to a humble tailor in the city of Foshan, who finds himself caught in the chaos of clan fights and the oppression of the Manchus. When his village is attacked and several of his loved ones fall victim to the violence, San Te decides to join the cause and fights to protect his people. However, he quickly realizes that he lacks the skills necessary to face his enemies.
Driven by his desire for revenge and the need to learn Kung Fu, his only hope lies in the famous Shaolin Temple. San Te embarks on a journey full of challenges, confronting his own lack of ability and the severity of the training imposed on him. Through trials and perseverance, San Te faces ancient masters, comrades, and his own fears, while learning the secrets of the 36 chambers of the temple, each teaching him different styles and forms of combat.
The film is an epic celebration of personal growth, with a touch of humor and plenty of action. In the end, San Te transforms into a master himself, ready to restore justice to his people and confront the tyrants who have oppressed them, becoming a symbol of hope for all who suffer.