Shaolin: Wheel of Life

[GeneChing]

skills that beggar belief!

Wheel of Life rolls into Jozi
Written by Lesego Madumo
Monday, 01 February 2010
The Shaolin monks are the ultimate masters of kung fu

The awesome Shaolin monks are back after five years, with their breathtaking martial arts show. Go see it; be amazed.

THE ultimate masters of kung fu, the Shaolin monks, are making their way from China's Henan province to Joburg to defy death in the Wheel of Life.

Wheel of Life showcases the practising monks' uncanny martial arts skills, skills that beggar belief. There are ferocious stunts and awe-inspiring feats, such as breaking iron bars with a bare head, being hoisted up on razor-sharp spears, smashing bricks, lying between beds of nails and swords - and all of this causing no harm to the body.
Displaying near-miraculous feats of physical endurance
Displaying near-miraculous feats of physical endurance

The show opens at the Teatro at Montecasino, in Fourways on 9 March and runs until 22 March.

Shaolin monks are kung fu masters, having refined their martial art over 15 centuries. Their practice demands experience and extreme discipline. According to organisers of the production, Wheel of Life showcases "the near-miraculous feats of physical endurance which are the outward expressions of an inner peace, harmony and iron will".

Battle
The show is a melange of death-defying acts, kung fu, imaginative music, high-technology lighting and a marvellous stage set. It relates captivating folklore and anecdotes of the Shaolin monks' ancient battle to establish an independent authority and safeguard their temple. Performances mirror closely and celebrate Shaolin history, religion and physical prowess.

"This combination of explosive power, imaginative theatrics and traditional storytelling will produce an event for which there is no parallel," enthuse organisers in a press statement.

The production has been seen by millions around the world. It is the monks second visit to Johannesburg - they were last here in 2005. "We are very excited to bring the Shaolin monks back to South Africa, particularly after the tremendous success they enjoyed when they last visited," says Attie van Wyk, the chief executive of Big Concerts International, the event organisers.

Van Wyk notes that they are highly trained and exceptionally skilled in kung fu. Each riveting performance is adrenaline-filled and heart stopping, he says.

Wheel of Life is the only show that features ordained soldier monks from the Shaolin Temple in Henan, in China. It is the only one authorised by the Venerable Shi De Ying, fangzhang of the temple, and supported by the Henan provincial government.

Practice
Shaolin monks are known for their Zen philosophy and exceptional martial arts skills, which are acquired through meticulous daily practice and intensive meditation. In China, Zen is a school of Buddhism that emphasises theoretical knowledge and the study of religious texts.

The order dates back some 1 500 years, and its devotees have always found solace in meditation. They use it to enforce discipline in martial arts, which they regard as evidence of their devotional religion. The deaf-defying stunts that have come to characterise the monks' performances have earned them the reputation as "the ultimate masters of kung fu: Buddhist soldier monks".

According to the performance's organisers, Wheel of Life will be a showcase of physical endurance. "This is a show that combines the rich vocabulary of the Chinese theatre, the traditional iconography of oriental Buddhism and the technical sophistication of the contemporary rock arena," reads the press statement from Big Concerts International.

It is directed by Micha Bergese and designed by Mark Fisher with choreography by Darshan Singh Bhuller and music by John Harle.

Wheel of Life is at the Teatro at Montecasino from 9 to 22 March. Ticket prices range from R99 to R325 per person. There are group discounts of 10 percent for 20 or more people, and 15 percent for 100 or more people; the same applies to students with valid student cards.

Bookings can be done through Computicket outlets countrywide on 083 915 8000 or on the Computicket website. For group bookings telephone Paula Kelly on 011 510 7905, or email paulak@tsogosun.com

[Eugene]

I guess am not going to any show, maybe only if there is 1 monk that does not, fly, spin or break iron and wood with his head .....lol.. guess that what a show is about

I see it before me : 2011 - Shaolin Monks Jump of the Nigeria Waterfalls and dropkick into the water .... I wish the wheel would reverse back into the history..

Peace Eugene

[Songshan]

lol....yeah but people still want to see it!

[Shaolin]

A. It is part of the show. There is a ton of performance material but it all has it's root in the classic arts.

B. All the jumping, spinning, falling, breaking, etc. is part of traditional Shaolin. How do you think we develop speed, power, coordination, flexibility, balance, strength, endurance. You can't just sit in a horse riding and throw punches all day, this isn't Karate.

C. Most of those kids aren't Shaolin monks, they're students.

[GeneChing]

"Performing" monks have been with us twice as long as the age of the U.S.A. There's nothing new or non-traditional about performance Shaolin. What's new is non-Chinese practitioners who don't know Shaolin's history, thinking that this is new.

[GeneChing]

Here's the The Teatro at Montecasino site with a short vid.

Ultimate masters of kung fu return to SA
Debbi de Souza
03/03/2010 15:37:40

The Shaolin Monks' breathtaking show, Wheel of Life, opens at the Teatro at Montecasino on March 9 for a limited season.

The fabled ‘Shaolin Monks' return to South Africa later this week to prepare for their internationally acclaimed awe-inspiring show, ‘Wheel of Life'. This remarkable show is an artistic visual event of family entertainment that combines imaginative music, high-technology lighting and a stage set that evokes the mysterious world of the East.

Presented by e.tv and Kaya FM, this phenomenal display of theatre and physical prowess runs for a limited season of only 16 shows at The Teatro at Montecasino opening on Tuesday, 9 March 2010 and ending on Sunday, 21 March 2010. With its incredible human feats, ‘Wheel of Life' features a 25 -member troupe including the adorable young Novice Monks whose ages range from 8 years to late teens.

Some of their amazing show moves include: a two finger handstand, one of the monks impaled in his stomach on a large spear point, a monk suspended in the air on five spear points, etc. It's a colourful, exciting and dramatic production with its explosive power, imaginative theatrics and traditional story telling keeping audiences riveted to their seats in amazement.

Brought to South Africa by Big Concerts International, Shaolin Wheel of Life tells the exciting story of the Shaolin Monks' early struggle to establish and protect their Temple. The performance is an illustration and celebration of their history, their religion and their tremendous skill. This is a show that combines the rich vocabulary of the Chinese theatre, the traditional iconography of oriental Buddhism and the technical sophistication of the contemporary rock arena. Whether or not you are a fan of Kung Fu, Wheel of Life has something for everyone. Watch and be amazed.

Don't miss this kung fu spectacular. Tickets are selling fast so, to avoid disappointment, book now at Computicket by calling 083 915 8000, visit www.computicket.com

For Teatro group hospitality bookings contact Montecasino Hospitality & Corporate Events on 011 510 7905 or montecasino.hospitality@tsogosun.com

Seeing Is Believing - Take a look at a sneak preview of the Masters of Kung Fu in action
http://www.montecasino.co.za/whatson...l_of_Life.aspx


Tour Itinerary
Johannesburg
Dates: Tuesday 9 March 2010 until Sunday 21 March 2010
Venue: The Teatro at Montecasino
Ticket Prices are INCLUSIVE of Computicket's service charges.
Midweek shows - Tuesday to Thursday (8pm) R300, R250, R200, R150, R99
Weekend shows - Friday (8pm), Saturday (2pm and 8pm) and Sunday (2pm) matinee R325, R275, R225, R175, R150
Sunday evening (6pm) show ONLY, R300, R250, R200, R150, R99

Group discounts:
10% discount on 20 or more
15% discount on 100 or more
15% discount for students on presentation of valid student card (1 per student card)
Group Hospitality Bookings; Montecasino Hospitality & Corporate Events on 011 510 7905 or montecasino.hospitality@tsogosun.com

Sponsors
Presenting Media Partners: e.TV www.etv.co.za
Kaya FM www.kayafm.co.za

Another BIG Concerts Experience www.bigconcerts.co.za

[GeneChing]

It's interesting to see a non-martial artist critic engage the authenticity of the kung fu. I don't think this is the only show 'authorized by the Abbot' at this time.

Shaolin Wheel of Life excels
Jennifer de Klerk
03/10/2010 14:38:53

I wasn't sure what to expect from this show - superhuman feats, we were told, extraordinary displays of kung-fu skill, monks smashing iron bars on their heads ... it sounded very like a circus.

Instead, I'd put this in the category of dance drama. Seen in that light, it excelled.

As the monks process on to the stage and take their place in front of a massive projection of Buddha, we are told that the tradition of the temple dates back thousands of years; that the moves that the early monks perfected rose from their spiritual connectedness to nature.

Then the story starts to unfold to the driving momentum of the music. It is a legend of the Shaolin, we are told, a story of struggle, battle and betrayal which nearly put an end to the order itself. It is all of that, but there are also moments of warmth and tenderness, especially in the interaction of the seniors with the troupe of young boys who play a pivotal role.

Character parts, such as the emperor, his smarmy sidekick, the abbot and the warlord, act out their roles with conviction and the powerful musical themes are augmented by a trio of live musicians on traditional Chinese instruments.

The displays of skill arise naturally from the storyline. The monks have to prove themselves to the emperor, fight his battle and celebrate their victory. It is done with speed, pace and precision, individually and in groups, with awesome acrobatics and spinning weapons - swords, lances and others.

All these young men are stupendously skilled, bouncing around like human cannon balls. The youngsters - they looked between the ages of about eight and 12, although it is hard to tell - are almost equally so, or will be very soon.

Vivid and exotic sets and, of course, lots and lots of orange in the costumes, provide all the colour one could require.

This is breathless stuff, fast, riveting and highly energetic.

Were all the weapons real? I don't know. Is this genuine kung fu? I don't really care, although the Shaolin techniques are apparently taught in China, even to foreign students, and the programme notes tell us that all the actors are ordained Soldier Monks of the Shaolin Temple and this is the only show authorised by the Abbot.

Is it spectacular? It certainly is, with the additional advantage of lifting the veil a little on another, and very different, culture and tradition.

As the dance-drama reaches its climax, attention shifts to the "circus" part - displays of skill with acrobatics and weapons, walking on steel blades and smashing concrete blocks.

Impressive, but I preferred the drama and theatrical impact of their main presentation.

Shaolin Wheel of Life is at the Teatro, Montecasino until 21 March.

Jennifer de Klerk is editor of Artslink.co.za

[GeneChing]

Shi De Ying Fangzhang? That's one way to get ejected from the Shaolin order right quick. Don't ever let Shi Yongxin hear you claim to be the abbot.

Monks will blow you away
Written by Lucille Davie
Friday, 12 March 2010

A slab of concrete was broken with a metal hammer over two men lying on nail beds

China's Shaolin monks have brought their extraordinary abilities to Johannesburg, and their acrobatic feats need to be seen to be believed.

IF this is what meditation, kung fu and devotion to Buddha produces, I want to become a Shaolin monk.

The Shaolin Wheel of Life show hit town on 9 March, and it's clear these performing monks are not like us ordinary humans. Their skill, their agility, their command of their bodies, their intense concentration ... is superhuman.

The 25 men, all ordained soldier monks, and five children, fill the stage with their captivating acts. Extraordinary acrobatic feats - like doing a handstand on two fingers - are outdone by acts of mind-boggling dimensions, such as breaking a slab of concrete over two men lying on beds of nails, walking over menacing-looking cleavers, breaking iron bars on the head, and being lifted up while lying on spear points.

The Shaolin monks believe that life is a circle, and that the spirit and energy of the natural world flows through them. In response to war and invasion, they developed self-defence techniques based on their observation of animals. These techniques, together with their spiritual beliefs, they called kung fu.

Originating in Henan province in China, near Zhengzhou City, the temple monks rise each day before sunrise to pray and meditate. They spend four hours a day practising kung fu and studying Buddhism, and another four hours on schooling and domestic duties like farming and cooking. This way of life goes back 1 500 years, to when their monastery was built.

The show, however, dates from 1998, when it was decided to tell the story of the Shaolin Temple in a stage production, showcasing the monks' kung fu skills. Once the cast was selected, 15 months of rehearsals took place, before the first show at the Gielgud Theatre in London's West End.

It hit the road in 2000, and by the end of 2008 had played over 800 performances to over 1,2 million people across the globe.

The monks remain focused on their origins by travelling with a micro temple community consisting of a teacher, a cook and spiritual mentors. The show allows them to spread the teachings of Buddha in a different way, supported and encouraged by the temple abbot, Shi De Ying Fangzhang.

The show tells the story of an ancient temple legend, beginning with the young men meditating and exercising, and training in the art of being a Shaolin monk.

Meanwhile, in the Forbidden City in Beijing, the emperor is under threat from enemies and calls on the monks to protect him. They come to his rescue, and in a spectacular battle scene, drive off the enemy.

The emperor invites them to serve him as his protectors but they turn him down, saying they must return to their monastery. Angry at their rejection of his offer, he poisons and murders the sleeping monks. Five survive the slaughter, however, and travel to the five provinces of China, spreading the Shaolin philosophy. And thus the wheel of life continues.

Shaolin Wheel of Life is at the Teatro at Montecasino, in Fourways until 22 March. Ticket prices range from R99 to R325 per person. There are group discounts of 10 percent for 20 or more people, and 15 percent for 100 or more people; the same applies to students with valid student cards.

Bookings can be done through Computicket outlets on 083 915 8000 or on the Computicket website. For group bookings telephone Paula Kelly on 011 510 7905, or email paulak@tsogosun.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

[Lucas]

Shi De Ying Fangzhang? That's one way to get ejected from the Shaolin order right quick. Don't ever let Shi Yongxin hear you claim to be the abbot.

[GeneChing]

Stacey Nemour
Stacey Nemour is a black belt in Kung Fu, and a highly respected martial artist
Posted: October 11, 2010 03:36 PM
Inside the Life of a Shaolin Monk

Most martial artists are familiar with the extraordinary powers of the Shaolin monks. They train in the use of 36 weapons, and each monk picks two animal movements and styles to specialize in. (See my previous article "The Transformative Powers of Kung Fu.") When I first watched the mesmerizing DVD "Shaolin: Wheel of Life," I got goosebumps. The monks seemed to be beings of pure spiritual energy (chi) that perform kung fu at the highest level.

I recently had the great fortune of sharing the afternoon with Sifu Wang Bo, a Shaolin monk who was 11 years old when on tour with "Wheel of Life." (For those who have seen the DVD, he's the one performing "Monkey Style.") His father started to train him in the martial arts at age three, and at age eight he begun his life at the temple.

Bo's beaming face welcomed me at his door. He had a clear, radiant complexion. He had prepared a lovely brown rice tea, fruits, nuts, rice crackers and seaweed. We sat on comfortable floor mats. This 21-year-old graciously answered all my questions in perfect English. Not only did he speak with the wisdom of an ancient master, but each time I looked into his eyes I saw the beauty of Divine Love emanating from him.

Me: At what age is the student at the Shaolin Temple tested?

Bo: From age three and up. When you first arrive at the temple there will be a test. The test is not determined by age, rather by when the master feels you are ready. The physical test is short. The biggest part of the test is on answering questions about one's view of life.

Me: The Shaolin Monks don't eat meat but have boundless energy. What do you they eat for protein?

Bo: Their protein comes from beans, tofu, milk and nuts.

Me: What is the daily schedule for the monks growing up at the temple?

Bo: A typical daily schedule, including the vegetarian diet served at each meal, is up at 5:30 a.m., chanting; 6 a.m. breakfast, which consists of a soup made of beans called eight treasures; then more chanting and a half-hour break, followed by two hours of kung fu training. During training, the monks switch what form or style they are practicing every 10 minutes. After practice, more chanting until at 11:30 a.m., lunchtime, which consists of five to six different vegetables, tofu and rice. We do not drink tea or liquids with our meals to aid in easy digestion. Lunch finishes at approximately 12:30. Now it is back to chanting, then comes a two-hour break. During this time the monks may meditate, relax or nap. At approximately 3:00 p.m., another two-hour kung fu practice session begins. This wraps up at 5 p.m. There is no chanting before dinner out of respect for the dead. At 5:30 p.m., noodles are served for dinner, with bread -- the breads we eat are black or yellow wheat; 6:30 p.m., Heart Sutra chanting for one hour -- we call the heart the center of the Universe; 8 p.m., quiet time for meditation; 10 p.m., bedtime.

Me: What method is used to teach the children to train properly and focus?

Bo: harsh words can scar a person for life. Physical punishment is usually forgotten within a few days, and is much more effective at getting the student to perform at their best.

Me: There are no illnesses or injuries during practice?

Bo: Yes, all the time. We have our own hospital (Western medicine is not used, just the technology). We go every two weeks to monitor the progress in the brain that meditation produces by using EEG testing.

Me: Are their still great kung fu masters at the temple today, as we have heard about the legends in the history of the temple?

Bo: Masters are not as powerful today due to the electrical signals such as wi-fi, satellite, radio, television etc. As a result masters are 15 percent less powerful than in ancient times.

Me: What can we all do daily to advance on our path?

Bo: Love. Don't be selfish. Do daily acts of kindness. Be nice. Pray a lot. Practice a lot. With practice comes wisdom. Wisdom brings advancement each day. And pain brings growth -- that's how we learn.

Me: Why do you all seem to never get tired, even with your demanding daily training schedule?

Bo: Because we don't have a draining and meaningless program of thought running through our heads.
***

Bo now lives in Los Angeles with his beautiful girlfriend. Seeing them together, one immediately understands that this is a Divine Right Union. They have a performance coming up together at UCLA in November. He is currently teaching classes and private lessons. To learn more and to contact him, visit his website at www.shaolinarts.org.

(Note: While at the temple sexual relations are forbidden and monks usually do not marry. However, a monk who leaves the temple may marry without losing his status as a monk. In fact, many monks who have left the temple have married in the U.S. and U.K.)

The Shaolin temple has outreach programs trying to spread their message and training to new groups of people. There are at least two monks running the outreach programs in the U.S. who have married since moving here. In the temple itself there are two groups: monks and practitioners. Monks have devoted their lives to the temple, and practitioners may one day leave it to spread their wisdom and skills to the world at large.

Can you feel it? Can you feel the Divine Love?

[sha0lin1]

My divine love is 15% less powerful today due to cell phones and radio signals everywhere.

[GeneChing]

Nice interview with Nolan.

Putting Shaolin monks on stage


Steve Nolan became fascinated with gongfu after watching the 1970s TV series Kung Fu. PHOTO: COURTESY OF STEVE NOLAN


The Shaolin show is now on at Marina Bay Sands.PHOTO: EUROPEAN PRESS PHOTO AGENCY

PUBLISHED JUL 25, 2016, 5:00 AM SGT

Producer of the Shaolin theatre shows Steve Nolan says he appreciates the beautiful movements of gongfu more than the breaking of things

Brina Tan

Monks aged nine to 30 tumble and leap across the stage and perform stunts such as breaking wooden poles on their limbs and getting propped up in the air with sharp spears. All these acts are a part of Shaolin, a theatrical production which follows on the heels of Shaolin Wheel Of Life and Shaolin Kung Fu Masters.

The productions have been a hit since Shaolin Kung Fu Masters made its debut in 1999. They combine acrobatic stunts with dramatic light and sound effects within the framework of a compelling narrative. The shows are produced by Steve Nolan and directed by Micha Bergese.


In Shaolin, the five young monks who escaped the deadly massacre in the previous instalment are all grown up and leading separate lives. They are hunted once again by a vengeful emperor who is bent on wiping them out.

The cast of hand-picked monks changes every few months, partly to give more of them a chance to be a part of the show.

BOOK IT / SHAOLIN
WHERE: Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue

WHEN: July 13 to 31, 7.30pm on Tuesday to Friday, 2 and 7.30pm on Saturday, 1 and 6pm on Sunday

ADMISSION: Tickets at $45 to $135 from Sistic (call 6348-5555 or go to sistic.com.sg)

Nolan, who is 52 and married with one son, has extensive experience in the entertainment industry as a production manager and lighting designer.

He says: "We choose based on the storyline, we know what skills we need, and then the abbot of the temple picks who he thinks is the best in the specific skills."

With the cast getting reshuffled so often, it means the show is constantly getting re-energised as well.

"Sometimes during rehearsals, the monks perfect something they have been practising for weeks before and we would just slot it into the show if we can. The last portion of the show is kind of freestyle, we just want to get the most out of everybody."

1 What are your fondest memories in the 17 years of the Shaolin productions?

We did a premiere show in 1999 of Wheel Of Life at the Royal Albert Hall and my son was born just two days before that. So you could say two babies were born at that time.

Another fond memory was getting invited to Superstars Of Dance, a dance competition by NBC, five or six years ago. There were dancers from the popular show Lord Of The Dance, the Australian Dance Theatre and Bollywood, and we came in second. That was really one of our proudest moments. It confirmed to me that what the monks do is recognised as a form of performing arts.

2 What is the worst accident that has happened?

The typical injuries are twisted knees, broken ankles and really bad cuts. The swords used are very thin and bendy and razor sharp.

Once, a monk did a somersault and landed on his neck. For a couple of hours, we were prepared for the worst, but luckily it was just really bad bruising and he was hospitalised for two weeks.

3 Do you think the monks could win an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)?

I think some of the older ones, yes. The abbot Master Pang, he's 38, but he's a tough guy, big enough, strong enough.

I've seen guys back at the temple break rocks with their hands and I think they could give the UFC fighters a run for their money.

4 What do the monks do to relax outside of the show?

They don't go out to party or drink. They are young guys though, so when they see a fast car, their heads would turn and follow it.

We are trying to arrange for them to visit Universal Studios Singapore, they love doing that sort of thing.

5 Have people been inspired to learn gongfu after watching the show?

Matthew Ahmet came to see one of our first shows when he was about seven years old. He bought the videotape of the show and every night, he practised in front of the television. Now, he runs a Shaolin temple school in London and travels around the country and visits schools to give demonstrations of gongfu. He even appeared in Shaolin Wheel Of Life and was also on Superstars Of Dance with us.

6 Why are you fascinated with gongfu?

What started it was the TV series called Kung Fu (1972-1975) starring David Carradine.

Every episode would start with him arriving in a new town in America and there would be bad guys roughing him up.

But he always turns the other cheek and only in the last three minutes or so would he subdue them with gongfu.

7 Have you picked up any gongfu moves yourself?

A lot of the audience members like the breaking of the things, but now that I understand more of gongfu, I appreciate the movement more. It's so beautiful, like dance.

If I had to pick something to learn, maybe qigong and taiji.

8 How would you like to be remembered?

I'd like to be remembered by the show, that we've always put on good shows.

In the 17 years, they've raised lots of money for the temple and awareness of gongfu.

[GeneChing]

This is one of the most bizarre interviews ever.

Gongfu master climbs to relax


Master Pang in action. He takes half an hour - or 5,000 steps - to climb the 1,500m-high Song Mountain to reach Damo cave at the top, two to three times a week.
Photo: The Straits Times

Q What's your secret to looking so fabulous?
A Lots of exercise. I practise gongfu for five to six hours every day. In the mornings, I run for half an hour.
I also maintain a peaceful mind through meditation. I live with younger fellow monks and they make me feel the power of youth.

Q Was there a time when you weren't fit and fab? What happened and how did you get out of it?
A No, I meditate and exercise daily. I don't go through such changes in my life.

Q What is your diet like?
A My diet is mainly rice and noodles, and the products of beans, vegetable and fruit.

Q What are your indulgences?
A Playing ping pong and basketball. There is a ping pong table and a basketball hoop at the temple school.

Q What do you do to relax and how do you maintain a healthy work-life balance?
A I climb Song Mountain two to three times a week to relax. It is about 1,500m high and it takes about 5,000 steps - or about half an hour - for me to reach Damo cave at the top.
I sometimes climb there on all fours. I don't wear special clothes to climb, just my temple garments and shoes.

Q What are the three most important things in your life?
A Communicating with people who love gongfu, teaching others gongfu and my own gongfu practice sessions.

Q Would you go for plastic surgery?
A Definitely a big no. I think people should accept themselves and what they have been given.

Q Do you think you are sexy?
A I don't think so.

Q What are your favourite and least favourite parts of your body?
A I like my legs most and I am not very satisfied at the moment with my arms.

My legs have benefited from my frequent mountain climbing. They are very muscular.
Q What are your must-dos before and after fitness sessions?
A I always do warm-ups before a workout and drink a lot of water afterwards. I also make sure I have enough rest.

Q How important is it for you to keep up with your fitness routine?
A It is already a part of my life. For me, practising gongfu every day is like the need to eat every day.

Q What is the biggest sacrifice you have had to make to get to your current size today?
A I didn't sacrifice anything. In fact, I benefited a lot from practising gongfu every day.

Q What do your family and friends say about your active lifestyle?
A Some of them want to learn from my lifestyle. They think it is a very healthy and enjoyable way to live.

Q How extensive is your collection of sports-related paraphernalia?
A Not extensive at all. I just wear my grey outfit from the temple.

Q What is your most prized possession?
A There is nothing that is most prized to me.

Bio Box
MASTER PANG JIANXUN
AGE: 38
HEIGHT: 1.75m
WEIGHT: 65 kg
His Buddhist name is Shi Heng Song and he is a gongfu master from the legendary Shaolin Temple in China's Henan province.
He is the head of the Shaolin Warrior Monk Troupe and Orphanage.
His interest in Buddhism and Shaolin gongfu started when, as a boy, he watched the 1980s film, The Shaolin Temple.
The hit movie, which starred Jet Li, made him want to live the life of a monk.
In 1989, he completed his primary school studies and became a pupil of the temple. He started studying Buddhist philosophy and gongfu.
The monks who live in the temple number only a couple of hundreds. However, those who are ordained and running temple schools or other temples number as many as 100,000.
Those who are under 18 years of age have to pay a few hundred dollars a year to live and study at the temple.
Anyone, regardless of age, race and gender, can strive to become a Shaolin monk, through studying in a temple school.
Master Pang now travels with his troupe, taking the Shaolin: Wheel Of Life show all over the world.
He said: "We perform to represent the history of the temple and to demonstrate real gongfu skills to the best of our abilities."
Neither his parents nor
his younger sister, who is married and a housewife, practise gongfu.
You can catch Master Pang and the 20-member cast performing at MasterCard Theatres, Marina Bay Sands, till Sunday. For more information, go to www.MarinaBaySands.com/ticketing

This article was first published on July 26, 2016.