Some monasteries teach a specialized form of combat that is very different from traditional monk fighting techniques. This style is known as the Way of the Shield, and it emphasizes the shield as a living extension of the warrior. Monks of this tradition train to take advantage of shields and polearms, so that they can fight with or against large armies of hoplites in phalanx formations. Such monks commonly wear long red cloaks to disguise their intentions and add fluidity to their movements. Temples that teach the Way of the Shield are often decorated with scrolls that exalt the feats of warriors who are fearless when faced with impossible odds. Massive armies may be surprised to encounter resistance from a proud band of shield monks with less than a tenth of their numbers. Grandmasters of this tradition have even been known to stand alone against creatures many times their size.

Aresian Technique

Starting when you choose this tradition at 3rd level, you have learned how to integrate shields into your martial arts. You gain proficiency with shields. Additionally, wielding a shield does not impede your Martial Arts, Unarmored Movement, or Unarmored Defense features. Additionally, when a creature within your reach takes damage you can use your Deflect Attacks feature to reduce the damage they take. The damage reduction of your Deflect Attacks increases by 1 martial arts die when you reach 5th level, 11th level (2 martial arts die), and 17th level (3 martial arts die).

Shield Dancer

Starting at 6th level, you have learned new techniques for using shields on the battlefield.

Vaulting Strike. You may spend 1 focus point once during your turn to vault yourself into the air, leaping up to 15 feet in any direction. If you are wielding a shield, then this leap does not provoke opportunity attacks. If you take an Attack action immediately after leaping, then you can reroll your first melee attack roll choosing which roll to use, and the attack scores a critical hit on a roll of 19 or 20.

Dancing Counterattack. As long as you are wielding a shield, opportunity attacks against you are made with disadvantage. Whenever a creature makes an opportunity attack against you and misses, if you are using a shield, you can use your reaction to spin around and make a single melee weapon attack against that creature without interrupting your movement.

Shell of the Dragon Turtle

Starting at 11th level, you have learned to think of your shield as an extension of your body. As a reaction when you or a creature within your reach is attacked, you may spend 1 focus point to add an additional +3 AC to the attacked creature’s AC from your shield, including against the triggering attack, until the beginning of your next turn. 

Undaunted Spirit

Beginning at 17th level, you are fearless when faced with overwhelming enemies. You have advantage on all attacks made against creatures that are of a size category larger than you, and your Deflect Attacks feature now deals 4 additional rolls of your martial arts die of damage against these creatures. Additionally, you cannot be frightened or paralyzed by spells or abilities used by such creatures.