Meet the Shaolin monk who taught RZA and the Wu-Tang Clan kung fu

Shi was born in Henan Province, China on Chinese language New 12 months, February 13, 1964. Then, China was beneath Mao Zedong’s rule, a time of sociopolitical change and hardship.

“That point was extraordinarily exhausting,” Shi advised Insider. “Through the Chinese language Cultural Revolution, Crimson Guards, which have been Mao’s military, did no matter they needed, whereas we did not have sufficient meals to eat, clear water to drink, or garments.”

Two of Shi’s older brothers and one older sister died of hunger in Mao Zedong’s Nice Leap Ahead within the late Fifties.

Shi himself virtually died when he was round 2 or 3 years outdated. He solely recovered after an acupuncturist exterior their village handled him. Shi believes the person was a bodhisattva — an enlightened being — despatched by Buddha to avoid wasting his life.

Supply: USA Shaolin Temple

Fearful about their son’s well being, Shi’s dad and mom took him to the 1,500-year-old Shaolin Temple within the province, the place he remained and skilled as a monk.

“On the time, I bear in mind the temple did not have something,” Shi mentioned. “Chairman Mao tried to destroy totally different religions, like Buddhism.”

Supply: USA Shaolin Temple

Shi mentioned his “kung fu uncles” on the temple have been very loving, and took care of him as his personal dad and mom would. He discovered kung fu, Chan Buddhism, and acupuncture from his masters, waking up at 4:30 a.m. on a regular basis and sleeping at 10 p.m.

“I really like kung fu,” Shi advised Insider. “My philosophy from a few years of apply is: To sharpen your life, it’s essential to apply. Day-after-day you apply kung fu, you could have life. When you do not apply kung fu, you do not have life.”

Supply: USA Shaolin Temple

In 1992, Shi was touring the US with a choose group of Shaolin monks when he defected from China, sneaking out of his lodge at evening and escaping to New York. Shi mentioned his defection was motivated partly as a result of he disagreed with the monastery’s strictures.

“I did not suppose that a lot. I simply walked out of the lodge and jumped right into a cab,” Shi mentioned. “I knew completely no English. I used my fingers and pointed to the taxi driver, like, ‘Maintain going, get away from right here so far as potential.’ I needed to unfold Shaolin Temple martial arts and philosophy to the Western world.”

Sources: USA Shaolin Temple; Mel Journal

Not like different Buddhist warrior monks, Shi eats meat, enjoys champagne, which he calls “very particular French water,” and has two youngsters with a former companion.

“The monks have 250 guidelines — that is an excessive amount of!” Shi advised Insider. “That is up to now. Particularly now that we stay within the twenty first century, we do not want that many guidelines. If we use previous guidelines to stay within the current day, it does not work for anyone. You would not perceive how you can stay life.”

Shi met his former companion when she got here to review on the temple he based in 1994. They quickly bonded. Explaining his choice to resign celibacy, Shi advised the New York Instances in 2006, “I am too good-looking for that.”

Sources: New York Instances; USA Shaolin Temple; Mel Journal; Slate

In 1994, Shi opened the primary USA Shaolin Temple in Manhattan’s Chinatown. He teaches Shaolin martial arts and Chan Buddhism from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on a regular basis to almost 500 college students, which have included celebrities like Rosie Perez, Wesley Snipes, and Bokeem Woodbine.

The temple had humble beginnings. Shi did not find the money for to pay hire or utilities, and used flashlights taped to the wall for lighting, solely turning them on to show. There was no warmth or scorching water at wintertime, and Shi mentioned he did not have time to step out to clean garments.

“I simply saved shopping for socks and become them. I most likely had over 400 pairs of socks!” Shi advised Insider. “Day-after-day, college students would stroll in and say, ‘Shifu, what’s that odor?’ I attempted to make use of incense and cologne, however ended up making the odor even worse.”

Sources: New York Instances; USA Shaolin Temple; Mel Journal

Considered one of his most avid college students is RZA from Wu-Tang Clan, who calls Shi “grasp.”

Since its debut, the Wu-Tang Clan has combined references and samples from traditional Chinese language martial arts movies into his music. Ever since he was a child, RZA has been a fan of martial arts, and noticed similarities between kung fu and hip hop tradition.

Shi and RZA met at an album launch social gathering in 1995. The pair swiftly bonded, and RZA turned each disciple and brother to Shi.

“I consider it is future,” Shi mentioned. 

Sources: New York Instances; Black Belt Journal

Since its debut, the Wu-Tang Clan has combined references and samples from traditional Chinese language martial arts movies into their music. Ever since he was a child, RZA has been a fan of martial arts, and noticed similarities between kung fu and hip hop tradition.

“Kung fu in a approach has a dancing sample to it. Within the films, you see the fellows flipping and stuff, and I believe it simply had a pure resonance,” RZA advised Black Belt Journal.

Sources: New York Instances; Black Belt Journal

Hip hop has influenced Shi, too. As he teaches his college students, the Shifu will yell, “Yeah, symbolize!” The mantras “Prepare tougher!” and “Extra chi!” are embossed on his footwear.

“I discovered American slang, like ‘symbolize’ and ‘respect,’ from the Wu-Tang Clan. They’re additionally very open-minded, combining Chinese language philosophy to their music and their very own philosophy. That is why we bonded so strongly,” Shi advised Insider.

Supply: Mel Journal

Shi gives free kung fu courses to public faculty college students to assist unfold his philosophy: “Life is a battle. Life is combating. You must combat for an incredible future.”

In honor of AAPI Heritage Month, the USA Shaolin Temple is providing free courses to New York and New Jersey college students.

“Shaolin temple martial arts is for everyone. I needed to assist as many individuals as potential,” Shi advised Insider. “I wish to remind folks to cease making excuses in life, as a result of life is so quick. Seize it, cherish your self, and cherish your life. Problem your self to make a beautiful instance of your self and others, to make the world a greater place for everyone.”