
The Wu Shi Academy (武師) is a location in Earthrealm within the Mortal Kombat video games. The lei tai center platform is suspended by five massive statues of great masters that founded the academy. The center practice area is used to evaluate tests as the teachers watch from the tower.
Theme songs[]
Wu Shi Academy (Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance)
Wu Shi Academy (Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks)
Wu Shi Academy (Mortal Kombat vs. DC)
Ikran's theme song(s): Kadic 1 (Code Lyoko)
Overview[]
The Wu Shi Academy first appeared in Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance. Here, Liu Kang and the other Shaolin monks, like Kung Lao and Kai, were trained by Bo' Rai Cho. Disguised as Kung Lao, Shang Tsung infiltrated the academy and, with assistance from Quan Chi, murdered Liu Kang.
In Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks, Liu Kang, Kung Lao, Johnny Cage, and Sonya Blade escape to the Wu Shi Academy through a portal on Shang Tsung's Island. It is also used by the heroes as a haven. There they were honored by Raiden and the Shaolin monks before the academy is attacked by Tarkatan warriors. The Warrior Shrine from the original Mortal Kombat game is on the grounds of the Wu Shi Academy, and the mysterious warrior Ermac can also be fought here. The Wu Shi's Academy's lei tai platform also appeared as an arena within the versus mode, under the name of Wu Shi Arena.
The Wu Shi Academy also made an appearance in Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe and Mortal Kombat (2011), after Liu Kang defeats Shang Tsung. However, the latter game does not have a playable version.
In Mortal Kombat 11, it is revealed that the Wu Shi Academy has a Dragon Grotto underneath the Academy grounds that houses Earthrealm's Jinsei energy within its bubble springs.
The Wu Shi Academy returns in the New Era of Mortal Kombat 1. For centuries, the Shaolin have trained at the Wu Shi. It's quiet, contemplative atmosphere nurtures thoughtful minds and open hearts. Students of the Wu Shi Academy train all day, and well into the evening, always eager for more opportunities to hone their skills.
Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks, Part II[]
The Academy was the starting point in Earthrealm, and the main home for the legendary Shaolin Monks as well as the most prestigious warriors, Liu Kang, Kung Lao, Raiden, and the kid, Kung Jin. With Outworld no longer a threat to Earthrealm, the heroes returned and celebrated their victory. Excepting for Lao who reunited with his long, lost nephew. A random monk ranted to him that he and Liu were suffering from the eternal curse on being MK Champions. Lao soon left the Academy after he had a pep talk with Raiden and hadn't returned for three months.
Liu Kang grew worried on Kung Lao's absence, even the monks, till he went to the secret base with the other Kombatants as Kahn was corrupting Earth's dimensional fabric. Lao eventually returned as he was introducing the older Aiko to the Academy grounds; she was so awestruck by that beautiful place, and it was established as the heart to the Order of Light.
It was soon invaded by Kahn's extermination squads, and the monks, Aiko, and Kung Jin evacuated into the Dragon Grotto. She was then involved in the war with the fellow Kombatants, and by the time Liu Kang emerged victorious over the Konquerer, the Academy had very little deaths and destruction. Soon enough, Nightwolf and Aiko became newer members of the Shaolin, even when the shaman volunteered to be the technical assistant!
A Date and a Destiny[]
The Wu Shi Academy was one warrior less as Liu Kang decided to leave the academic grounds and live a more peaceful, democratic life in America in order to look for more promising Shaolin Monks and beef up its numbers. He entrusted his second, Kung Lao, to look after the place in his stead, along with Aiko who shall look after him. It still remained tranquil, excepting from all the bustling activity as each monk noticed that Lao has prepared a date for Aiko; the monks couldn't stop teasing her over that! The maids got straight to work as they prepped Aiko from applying makeup, to fancy clothes shopping, to a manicure/pedicure, and trimming and stylizing her hair. Aiko couldn't wait to escape from all the stiff air and constant shifting, so she headed for the gentle koi pond. Raiden summarized on the past relationship with the Great Kung Lao and Jen Reyland, before they met their tragic fates at the Temple of Light, from Lao failing to protect her from Scorpion, to having his soul taken by Shang 50 years later.
Raiden wished for Aiko to make it a good date with destiny! By the time the couple returned, the Arena had the monks under an intense scrimmage with a mysterious fighter that seemed to win over them seamlessly. Lao came to their aid but was unsuccessful. He didn't wish to kill him but test his skills as the second Champion. Fujin made an ultimatum that if Kung Lao wished to know more, he must meet back with him at the Arena.
Shinnok's Uprising[]
It was briefly seen as Nightwolf was testing out his advanced gadgets in its own techy den which spotted a meteor falling near the Bayan Har Mountains. A funnel created by Fujin touched down and escorted Lao and Aiko from the Wind World as Shinnok started his invasion in the heavens.
Days later, Kung Lao and Aiko were escorting prisoners from the Edenian Palace to here. The monks were startled to witness those from other realms so suddenly! Lao assured they'll be safe for the time being, and the Edenians waited eagerly for the fall of Shinnok while the couple returned to accomplish the mission.
Soon enough, the war was won, and by the time Kung Lao and Aiko had enough strength to head back to China from the Jinsei Chamber, they headed back with Liu, Kitana, Sonya, Johnny and Kai. Liu shown Kai the rounds before the Edenians returned home; Kung Lao reunited with his nephew then snuck through the large portal into Edenia, specifically the Shokan city of Kuatan, to settle the score between him and Goro.
Mortal Kombat: Vengeance[]
The Academy was silent as ever when dawn arose, even at the technical den Nightwolf and Kiba emerged from. They admired the early morning, even Kung Lao who made a briefing, wishing to finally best his rival, Liu Kang, in kombat. Sure enough, Liu was performing his katas at the Arena when Lao spotted him outside the ring. He treaded closer slowly, until the monk noticed the towering shadow which didn't seem like Lao at all! Instead, it was his old nemesis, Shang Tsung!! He was soon assisted by Quan Chi whom Liu saw for a few seconds, and although he put up a fight, the sudden assault greatly weakened the monk, and he was at the shapeshifter's mercy until his neck was snapped!! Liu Kang was dead...
Meanwhile, Kung Lao noticed the sporadic, violent lightning storm and theorized it was only Raiden attacking the heart of the Academy! He and Aiko chased after it, while Kiba and Nightwolf ran to it first! The shaman and wolf merged once more after Kiba spotted Quan, and he and Raiden unleashed their electricity onto the Deadly Alliance before they dissipated! Lao and Aiko were the last to witness Liu's fallen body...
However, Raiden assured his soul's safe inside the dragon head he created; as an Elder God, he was inspired by Shinnok and his Amulet, thus creating his own in case the unthinkable should happen to his most promising disciple! Liu's voice emitted from it, and Raiden declared the heroes must regather and put an end to the Deadly Alliance, while also avenging Liu Kang and put his soul to rest.
About a week later, the Kombatants were successful as the Nethership returned to the Academy. Aiko woke up Kung Lao after it landed near it. The monks cheered for their victory and cried for Liu's ascension. Although, when Lao, Aiko and others had a prolonged moment of silence in Liu's new Tomb, Nightwolf broke the news that Onaga has been reincarnated!
Return of the Dragon King[]
Along with the Temple of Light, it was invaded by Dark Raiden and his enforcer, Zombie Liu Kang!
Kenshi and Aiko were the first to encounter the calamity, although the swordsman dealt with both threats while he urged Aiko to evacuate the refugees to the Dragon Grotto. Kung Lao, Liu's spirit, Ermac and Hanzo chased after the ominous force and the monks assisted the injured warrior. They bested the undead while Fujin was overmatched by his evil brother! The heroes were at their mercy until the benevolent Raiden, courtesy of Nightwolf's EMP and conjuring of a pure rainstorm, incinerated him! He assured the monks they're in good hands and reminded the heroes to gather the Champions and stop Onaga.
Final Kombat[]
The Wu Shi Academy, at least the entrance to the Dragon Grotto, was the rendezvous point for Raiden's summons. He sent Aiko, Kung Lao, Liu Kang, Kenshi, Hanzo, and Kitana and Frederick whom the latter assisted the former out of the Botan Jungle. Raiden conjured a rip to the Grotto before he offered to espionage in the Netherrealm. Moments later, the same rip reopened via Caro's skills before he collapsed from exertion. Raiden escorted him, Aiko and Kung Lao to the sacred fountain for recovery. Before Caro entered, he confessed to Taven on Daegon's treachery, which made him more determined to put an end to him before he went to Orin's cave.
Fujin arrived late and apologized for his tardiness since he felt as if he was frozen in time as he followed Taven, before he witnessed the Red Dragon base ablaze. He figured it'd be Blaze, although Raiden theorized it could be a distant incarnate of Liu Kang, since Aiko has two versions at the same time; Fujin doubted it unless they'd see that elemental personally. Nightwolf was showing Frederick the rounds while Kenshi listened in on the conversation. Even Kai took a little peek as they'd been discussing about his sensei.
Kenshi picked up on Aiko's trance as her mind slipped by a... familiar tone. She wasn't sure who it was, but he transmitted a message to her stating he must win, and their hearts must be one and together. He soon left for Takeda and Hanzo and Raiden became anxious on Liu's whereabouts. Luckily, he shown up in time for the tests he and Fujin orchestrated, similar to the trials before the first tournament. Nightwolf, Aiko, Kai and Frederick were informed they must pass as many trials as possible in order to be chosen for the tournament, and in this case for Armageddon. The godly brothers organized the Tests of Might, Sight and Balance, and Liu emerged victorious! Lao was tied overall, Nightwolf went third, Kai fourth, and Aiko last. Raiden then invited the Kombatants for the Edenian soiree, although Aiko was disqualified so Lao and Frederick stayed. Raiden and Fujin wondered how they'd state Armageddon to the lesser folk.
Luckily, courtesy of Aiko's heart gems kept by the Shaolin, they never had to be informed... They prayed for their heroes' safety. Although Aiko was at a loss of sanity after Lao followed Fujin thru the portal to Edenia... There was suddenly a rip, and out of curiosity thinking it was from Lao, Aiko touched it and the rip grew leading to the Grotto! She soon informed the monks of the Battle of Armageddon, even though the monks noticed a solar flare aloft, symbolizing Blaze's demise. Everyone mourned for the sacrifices of Liu and Raiden while they anticipated for Kai, Nightwolf, Fujin and Lao to return...
Soon enough they did, and Lao was seen meditating at the le tei of the Arena. Kai attempted to sneak on him, but Lao sensed his chi, a technique made by Liu. Aiko and Jin met up with them, thrilled that her fics shall be adapted by Johnny and showing off her diamond engagement ring of hers and Lao's relationship as fiancés! Lao soon embraced his destiny as the new Chosen One and protector of Earth with Fujin, and Jin shall be adopted and trained once he should turn 18!
Kontentment[]
The Wu Shi Academy was shown during one of Caro's flashbacks as he addressed to Aiko that Liu began his New Era by recruiting the Great Kung Lao. The academy itself was pristine, and the monks were well-fit way prior to the Tarkatan invasion. The jade jaguar was also crafted there at that time.
Koherence[]
At times Fujin, Kai, and Aiko along with Kenshi visit and attend with the White Lotus Society; during her first personal coherence training, she was with Kenshi for a few days before she returned with the ronin. It was stated by the Wind God that some of the Shaolin left due to the dark night of the soul, as meditation took a toll on their hearts. He figured that with the Matokan heat dance coming, it'd not only be a way to defend Aiko's sensitivities but hopefully restore the Shaolin's hearts before they'd expect the worst. There were some sessions Fujin led, including that the Makeba were rumored to be Earthream's Native American ancestors.
Side Mortal Kombat Stories[]
During one of her first days in China, Aiko followed Liu and Lao who were sparring on a grassy knoll; she was having trouble locating places on her map, although she wasn't ready to be a member of the White Lotus yet. One time she lost her way and wandered outside its protective walls which was where she wound up in an ambush by a group of warmongering boys! She fought off the hostiles with her shocking cardiokinesis, and by the time they retreated while pulling away an incapacitated kid, a lone monk found and led her back, despite getting a backhand from the stress and burnout from that battle.
It was also shown the Academy had its own dining hall, and it was during breakfast when Aiko took a glance at the menu consisting of a buffet at the epicenter with a variety of exotic dishes including breaded sushi and whiting, an assortment of tea and oatmeal, baozi, Jian Bing crepes, scallion pancakes, accompanied with soy and chili sauce. There was also an assortment of tea, but no coffee since the diet was strict on cutting back on starch and sugar.
Then it was a few days before Christmas and Aiko, with a thawing heart, visited the Yellow River during her new job by assisting the Shaolin on fishing. However, the bank was deserted, then she soon realized that they embraced Buddhist customs much to her upset! She sulked back to her dorm and sobbed until Raiden clarified she can still bring them gifts, despite them having no materialistic desires, as long as it's out from the kindness of her heart. She gathered her gifts beneath the Christmas and Bodhi tree at main room, and everyone exchanged gifts! There was actually a coffee maker and a lava lamp emitting different color noises within Aiko's dorm! There were some Christmases celebrated here until after the fall of Onaga when Lao moved into the Kung Kottage with Aiko.
Throughout the winter, Aiko was met by her new physician, Dr. Esuna Kavita, and the cardiokinetic's been at rest in between her shots; her hospital was nearby to the Academy. By March, Aiko was preparing herself for a footrace, a test of speed with the Shaolin on a dirt road beside the compound. Aiko was falling behind until a brewing thundercloud flashed and crackled, and with her astraphobia, she ran like her soul depended on it and won the race moments before the few leading Shaolin warriors! Several minutes later, there was a ceremony involving the White Lotus as Aiko, Kiba and Nightwolf were enlisted in it!