unfortunately its not uncommon since ancient times and its only because of internet/telecoms as well as increasing multiculturalism we get to know about what is happening in this part of the world..

from the Wikipedia entry on shaolin temple monks..

These exercises (wuqinxi, literally “five pure rivers”) were later adapted into a combat discipline when, as the temple grew, it became subject to attacks from brigands against whom the monks needed to protect themselves. [2]