History Main / WarriorMonk

* The nuns of Trinity's Sisterhood and the Justina Council of Saints from ''VideoGame/BlueArchive'' always wield guns.
* The hammer-wielding, heavily armored Omniknight from ''{{VideoGame/Dota 2}}'' fights for the service of "the Omniscience".
* The Templar Order from ''Franchise/{{Dragon Age}}'' are basically warrior monks of the chantry.

* In ''VideoGame/{{Sonny}}'', near the end of the first game, Sonny and Veradux run into a [[KnightErrant Palladin on a mission]], and in the second game meet a [[ReligionOfEvil cult]] that has these as soldiers.
* Sci-fi variant: the Aeon military in ''VideoGame/SupremeCommander'', complete with three known ranks being Knight, Templar, and Crusader. Their leader is called the Avatar of War.
* King I from ''VideoGame/{{Tekken}}'' is actually a kind-hearted priest in the guise of a pro wrestler.
* Paladins in the ''VideoGame/{{Warcraft}}'' universe.
** In ''VideoGame/WorldOfWarcraft'' some variations apply:

** [[ExpansionPack Cataclysm]] adds [[OurMinotaursAreDifferent tauren]] paladins into the mix, who, in line with their NatureHero tendencies, get their powers from the Sun.

* The Order of Biron in ''VideoGame/LegendOfLegaia'' is a monastic order of Eastern-style Warrior Monks, combining spiritual teachings with martial arts training. Gala, one of your party members, is a member of the order at the beginning of the game. Unlike many examples of this trope, he wields axes, clubs, and maces.

* The Monk role in ''VideoGame/NetHack'' is a mystic martial arts expert who maintains rigorous spiritual conduct (ideally, though not always in practice.)

* Sohei warrior monks are recruitable in both ''VideoGame/ShogunTotalWar'' and ''VideoGame/TotalWarShogun2''. In the second game, they are the specialty of the Uesugi clan. The Ikko-Ikki also use the Sohei as a special unit.
* Juroung from ''VideoGame/Strider2014'' is a spiritual shaman warrior with [[MakingASplash water-based powers]] and a blind, complete belief in [[BigBad Grandmaster Meio]]'s godhood and the right of his "vision" for Earth. As his closest subordinate, he rules the Underground in his name and fights fully convinced that "his will guides" him to victory.

* ''TabletopGame/{{Warhammer 40000}}'' has several. Although the Ecclesiarchy is a ChurchMilitant that mostly restricts itself to preaching and keeping the whole Imperium fanatical, some priests and drill-abbots actually go into the field and handle some military duties alongside the [[BadassArmy Imperial Guard]], some [[StateSec Inquisitorial cells]], and most notably the [[AmazonBrigade Sisters of Battle]], who are technically a group of client institutions of the Ecclesiarchy.

** [[HereWeGoAgain And finally]], Space Marine Chaplains and Dark Apostles are the spiritual leaders within Space Marine Chapters and Traitor Legions. These guys are fanatical and charismatic to the point that they become spiritual leaders of good and evil orders of Warrior Monks, which is impressive in itself.
* ''TabletopGame/{{Warhammer}}'' also gives us the Warrior-Priests of Sigmar who like to bash stuff with big hammers and wear heavy plate armor (though they usually [[HelmetsAreHardlyHeroic conspicuously leave their heads unprotected]], which are frequently shaved as a sign of devotion like actual religious practice). Followers of Ulric are similar, but favor axes and instead display their faith with a variety of wolf totems (usually furs). There are also Bretonnian Questing and Grail Knights, and some Chaos warlords qualify as evil versions of this trope.

* In ''VideoGame/DungeonKeeper II'', monks are potent {{Magic Knight}}s with HealingHands, defensive powers, and [[ImprobableWeaponUser weaponized crucifixes]] that can bypass vampires' resurrection abilities and make them DeaderThanDead. One mission sends the Keeper to wipe out one of their strongholds in the underworld.
* In ''VideoGame/TheElderScrollsVSkyrim'', the Vigil of Stendarr is a ChurchMilitant order dedicated to the [[OurGodsAreDifferent Aedric Divine]] Stendarr, God of Justice, Mercy, and Compassion. They can mostly be found wandering the countryside purging supernatural threats ([[OurDemonsAreDifferent Daedra]], [[OurGodsAreDifferent Daedric Worshipers]], vampires, lycanthropes, etc.) with their [[CarryABigStick maces]] and [[MagicKnight spells]]. Despite serving Stendarr, they aren't a group big on [[{{Hypocrite}} mercy]], and [[KnightTemplar do not discriminate]] between worshipers of the more benovolent Daedra and/or {{Friendly Neighborhood Vampire}}s. [[spoiler:Their headquarters gets wiped out by a vampire order at the start of the ''Dawnguard'' DLC]].
* The eponymous E.Y.E. of ''VideoGame/EYEDivineCybermancy'' are described as psi-cybernetic warrior monks. Interestingly, while they all follow the western form of this trope (being armor clad and fighting with guns, PsychicPowers and [[{{Cyborg}} cybernetics]] rather than martial arts), they are [[WeAREStrugglingTogether split into two factions]] because of resource shortages. While there are few other differences between them, the Culter Dei (player's faction) wear medieval European style armor, while the Jian Shang Di wear armor reminiscent of samurai or ninja. Additionally, rather than being part of a church, they are the militant arm of a group of [[MegaCorp megacorporations]] and their main purpose is to fight the [[GaiasVengeance Metastreumonic Force]], with [[DevilButNoGod no mention of any gods]]. Naturally, the whole setting is heavily inspired by ''TabletopGame/{{Warhammer 40000}}''.
%%* Ky Kiske of ''VideoGame/GuiltyGear''.
* The "Holy Warrior" from ''TabletopGame/{{GURPS}}: Dungeon Fantasy''.
* Aldo the Cleric from ''VideoGame/TheKingOfDragons'', a muscular monk with a heavy weapon. His profile even states his dislike of bladed weapons, which is why he fights with a [[CarryABigStick mace]].
* In the two [[EarlyInstallmentWeirdness earliest]] installments of ''Franchise/TheLegendOfZelda,'' [[LegacyCharacter Link]] was definitely this trope. (Both games feature the same Link.) He was a [[ChurchMilitant righteous warrior who had a Crucifix on his shield and carried a Holy Bible in his inventory]], and was willing to [[ThePaladin selflessly and unquestioningly risk his life to rid the world of evil]]. He used a cross to see invisible enemies, and even learned a special swordsmanship technique from a knight in in a church. Even more, one of his "magic spells" is actually represented with [[https://zelda.gamepedia.com/File:TAoL_Spell_Artwork.png an image of him praying.]] Later installments abandoned this motif.
* Any tanker in ''VideoGame/{{Lineage 2}}'' is aligned with the god of their race, Shillien Knight/Templar is worship Shillen, while Eva Knight/Templar is favored by Eva. The exceptions being Human knights, both Paladin/Phoenix Knight and Dark Avenger has no deity, since Grand Kain is considered the [[BigBad Dark God of Destruction]].
* The Priest AssistCharacter from ''VideoGame/MagicSwordHeroicFantasy'' is a typical white-magic user, using "light bullets" as his assist attack.
* Priests (and maybe nuns) trained by the [[ChurchMilitant Order of Saint Lennox]] in ''Roleplay/OpenBlue'', owing to the fact that most of them are sent off as chaplains aboard Avelian warships and thus, need to know how to defend themselves during battles with {{pirates}}. And the Order served as Avelia's [[UsefulNotes/TheSpanishInquisition Spanish Inquisition]]. v5 adds the Order of Saint Clara, which trains [[NunsAreMikos nuns]] to fight against TheLegionsOfHell and black magic, and the Order of Saint Micaela which, while specialising in exorcism, nevertheless trains its nuns in hand to hand combat, because the world in general is just dangerous.

* The Monk class in ''Franchise/FinalFantasy''.

* ''TabletopGame/{{Warhammer}}'' also gives us the Warrior-Priests of Sigmar who like to bash stuff [[DropTheHammer with big hammers]] and wear heavy plate armor (though they usually [[HelmetsAreHardlyHeroic conspicuously leave their heads unprotected]], which are frequently shaved as a sign of devotion like actual religious practice). Followers of Ulric are similar, but favor axes and instead display their faith with a variety of wolf totems (usually furs). There are also Bretonnian Questing and Grail Knights, and some Chaos warlords qualify as evil versions of this trope.

* ''{{Series/Cursed}}'': Red Paladins are an order of Catholic clergy tasked to hunt down and kill every Fey. Most are titled "Brother", with their leader being called "Father". All wear red robes in the same design as Catholic monks.

* ''[[VideoGame/{{Onmyoji}} Onmyōji]]'' gives us Aobōzu the Buddhist priest, and to an extent the protagonist Abe no Seimei, who is an ''onmyōji'' (practitioner of ''[[UsefulNotes/{{Onmyodo}} onmyōdō]]'').

* The Monk role in ''VideoGames/NetHack'' is a mystic martial arts expert who maintains rigorous spiritual conduct (ideally, though not always in practice.)

* ''Manga/{{Vagabond}}'': The monks of the Hōzōin Temple are devout buddhists and very proficient [[BladeOnAStick spear wielders]]. Most of the common ronins who challenge them at their temple quickly get their asses handed to them. Their master, Inshun, deserves special mention for being the first to actually beat [[UsefulNotes/MiyamotoMusashi Musashi]] in a fair fight and displaying such prowess, that he made ArrogantKungFuGuy Gion Toji lose all faith in his own ability.

* The '''Eastern''' variant are mainly [[UsefulNotes/{{Buddhism}} Buddhist]] in nature, though China has its [[UsefulNotes/{{Taoism}} Taoist]] mystics and Japan its Mikoshi and UsefulNotes/{{Shinto}}. Whether it be the saffron-robed Shaolin monks or the mountain-wandering Yamabushi or Shugenja, this seemingly-harmless, lightly-armed traveler unexpectedly displays incredible ass-kicking abilities at the sign of trouble, then gives some [[{{Koan}} words of wisdom]] to any survivors. Due to the differences between Western and Eastern religions, these Warrior Monks tend to be more contemplative ascetics than dogmatic, crusading zealots, but are no less devout than their foreign counterparts; Eastern religion-based monks derive inspiration from fitness and effort connected with higher thought and understanding of themselves and the world around them (without forgetting that Gautama also was once of the warrior caste, having faithful bodyguards to protect him on his pilgrimages from danger, and Bodhidharma being the original teacher of physical prowess to Shaolin), and the mysteries of the world's dynamics, be it qi or the potential buddha in all, allowing one to understand how to flow with all of creation. When it comes to an Eastern-style Warrior Monk's powers, all bets are off: they can be wielders of a MartialArtsStaff, melee masters of KiManipulation, or walking avatars of [[ElementalPowers elemental destruction]].

* ''Film/BloodRayne'': The monks of the Brimstone affiliated monastary. One huge one guards the artifact they're protecting, while the rest fight back with various weapons when Kagan's soldiers attack, but are overwhelmed nonetheless.

** [[spoiler:[[IntangibleMan Sister Sein]]]] is also currently training to be one under Schach as of ''AudioPlay/StrikersSoundStageX''. Her younger sisters, [[spoiler:Otto and Deed]] are also working for the church, as a female butler and nun, respectively.

* ComicBook/{{Nightcrawler}} is very religious, and was even ordained a Catholic priest [[spoiler:[[AllJustADream in a years-long hallucination]].]] His faith allowed him to defeat Dracula where other X-Men had failed.

* Thara Ak-Var from the ''ComicBook/{{Supergirl}}'' ''[[ComicBook/Supergirl2005 comics]]'', she's the super-hero known as Flamebird as well as a devout follower of the Church of Rao. In ''ComicBook/TheHuntForReactron'' it is revealed she's a Kryptonian's goddess' incarnation.
* Franchise/WonderWoman is an Amazon Princess who is also devoted to her many gods and will some times offer a peaceful hand to her enemy rather than fight them.

[[folder:Film — Live-Action]]
* ''Fllm/BloodRayne'': The monks of the Brimstone affiliated monastary. One huge one guards the artifact they're protecting, while the rest fight back with various weapons when Kagan's soldiers attack, but are overwhelmed nonetheless.

* The eponymous character from the movie ''Film/{{Priest}}'' belongs to an Anglican/Catholic order with the sole purpose of ridding the world of vampires using knives and other pointy objects.

[[folder:Film — Live-Action]]
* ''Film/BabylonAD.'' A [[GenderInvertedTrope gender inverted]] version is Sister Rebekka of the Neolite sect. Played by Creator/MichelleYeoh.

* The [[ComicBook/JudgeDredd Judges]] have elements of this, being (in theory) [[CelibateHero celibate]], [[TheStoic without emotion]] and fond of IDidWhatIHadToDo.

[[folder:Film — Live-Action]]

* Soldiers in the movie ''Film/{{The Men Who Stare at Goats}}''. They refer to themselves as warrior monks, using new age phrases, and their goal is to be Jedi-like warriors.

->“You must not grow too attached, too fond, too in love with life as it is now. The emotions are valuable and should not be suppressed… but you must learn to rule them, Padawan, lest they rule you.“
-->--Jedi Master Depa Bilaba (Kanan: The Last Padawan)

* In Age of Empires 3, most healer units (usually represented in the series by monks) have a weak melee attack, but The WarChiefs introduces the Warrior Priest, unique to the Aztecs, and The Asian Dynasties introduces religious settlements as minor civs, all of which gives a warrior monk-like unit (except for the Jesuits, which give Conquistadors).
** Age of Empires 4 introduces the Warrior Monks, exclusive to the Rus.

* Sulik from ''VideoGame/{{Fallout 2}}'' is a somewhat strange warrior who is guided by the spirits, if the Chosen One is a Good Karma character he can join his party. He gives spiritual advice for each location in the game.

--->'''Thane:''' Prayers for the wicked should never be forsaken.
--->'''Shepard:''' Do you really think she deserves it?
--->'''Thane:''' Not for her. For me.

[[folder:Web Comics]]

* The ''[[WesternAnimation/CodenameKidsNextDoor Kids Next Door]]'' could fit this trope to a certain degree, though they're modeled mostly as a military organization, the kids that join them are generally taught and trained to fight to protect kids and their rights from evil, and do whatever is associated with achieveing that goal. And KND Operatives, for the most part, have an ingrained determination to fight for that cause while never giving it up. Those traits give the KND much in common with warrior monks. Essentially they're taught to fight for an ideal, though not political or religious, has been what kept the KND together and what might be the cause of how it's an organization that's been around since the 19th century.

* The ''Wiki/SCPFoundation'' has its own specialized military called the Mobile Task Force (MTF) to fight the more aggresive SCP entities in the world. One of the branches of MTF is Chi-13, a.k.a. "Choir Boys" who mandate strong religious beliefs. They welcome all faiths, but it's the belief in that faith that's required, as it's the Choir Boys' job to fight wicked entities [[HolyBurnsEvil vulnerable to belief and holy objects like silver]].

** ''Anime/MagicalGirlLyricalNanohaStrikers'' introduces Sister Schach Nouera, the {{Dual Tonfas}}-wielding Church Knight of the [[SaintlyChurch Belkan Saint Church]].

** Chantez Arpinion of ''Manga/MagicalGirlLyricalNanohaVivid'' is another one of Schach's students. She uses DualTonfas like her master and fights using a combination of SuperSpeed and trickery.

* The Order of Biron in ''VideoGame/LegendOfLegaia'' is a monastic order of Eastern-style Warrior Monks, combining spiritual teachings with martial arts training. Gala, one of your party members, is a member of the order at the beginning of the game. Unlike many examples of this trope, he wields [[AnAxeToGrind axes, clubs, and maces]].

* Mushikari member Sougan from ''Manga/JoujuuSenjinMushibugyou'' has the typical looks and attire of a buddhist warrior monk and even wields the Purgatory Spear, a massive hybrid of naginata and trident which can generate explosions when the handle is twisted. He's described as the most devoted, rational and no-nonsense member of their group, wishing to deliver their target to the flames of Hell. He's also some amount of VillainousValor, being all too willing to sacrifice his arms in an attempt to take down the hero. Later on we're introduced to the brothers Miyoshi Seikai and Isa, two of Sanada Ten Crucifiction Bugs who retain a monk-like form but ruthlessly kill people to "save their souls", praying the Buddha Amida as they murder innocents.

* ''Franchise/StarWars'': The Jedi combine Western chivalry and swordsmanship with Eastern mysticism, ascetics, and acrobatics. They don't worship any deity in the usual sense, although their reverence of the Force itself fills in quite nicely. It goes as far as their headquarters being named the Jedi Temple. They're also forbidden to have attachments, which they interpret as meaning that relationships and marrying aren't allowed.

* Mushikari member Sougan from ''Manga/JoujuuSenjinMushibugyou'' has the typical looks and attire of a buddhist warrior monk and even wields the Purgatory Spear, a massive hybrid of naginata and trident which can generate explosions when the handle is twisted. He's described as the most devoted, rational and no-nonsense member of their group, wishing to deliver their target to the flames of Hell. He's also some amount of VillainousValor, being all too willing to sacrifice his arms in an attempt to take down the hero.

* The '''Eastern''' variant are mainly [[UsefulNotes/{{Buddhism}} Buddhist]] in nature, though China has its [[UsefulNotes/{{Taoism}} Taoist]] mystics and Japan its Mikoshi and UsefulNotes/{{Shinto}}. Whether it be the saffron-robed Shaolin monks or the mountain-wandering Yamabushi or Shugenja, this seemingly-harmless, lightly-armed traveler unexpectedly displays incredible ass-kicking abilities at the sign of trouble, then gives some [[{{Koan}} words of wisdom]] to any survivors. Due to the differences between Western and Eastern religions, these Warrior Monks tend to be more contemplative ascetics than dogmatic, crusading zealots, but are no less devout than their foreign counterparts; Eastern religion-based monks derive inspiration from fitness and effort connected with higher thought and understanding of themselves and the world around them (without forgetting that Gautama also was once of the warrior caste, having faithful bodyguards to protect him on his pilgrimages from danger, and Bodhidharma being the original teacher of physical prowess to Shaolin), and the mysteries of the world's dynamics, be it qi or the potential buddha in all, allowing one to understand how to flow with all of creation. When it comes to an Eastern-style Warrior Monk's powers, all bets are off: they can be wielders of a SimpleStaff, melee masters of KiManipulation, or walking avatars of [[ElementalPowers elemental destruction]].

* In ''Manga/{{Naruto}}'' we have the monks of the famous Fire Temple, who are known for their Gift of the Hermits chakra. A major technique derived from this is the Welcoming Approach: '''Thousand Armed Murder'''. Very self-explanatory.

* ''Manga/{{Vagabond}}'': The monks of the Hōzōin Temple are devout buddhists and very proficient [[BladeOnAStick spear wielders]]. Most of the common ronins who challenge them at their temple quickly get their asses handed to them. Their master, Inshun, deserves special mention for being the first to actually beat [[UsefulNotes/MiyamotoMusashi Musashi]] in a fair fight and displaying such prowess, that he made ArrogantKungFuGuy Gion Toji lose all faith in his own ability.

%%* Kwai Chang Caine, ''Series/KungFu''.