Son of Shifu Shi Yanjun, and the newest student in a very old tradition.
开心 (kāixīn) is how you say happy in Chinese. Written out, it means an open heart, and that is exactly how Kaixin trains: curious, cheerful and always ready to try again.
He bows before practice, listens to his teacher and laughs when he falls. Then he gets up and tries one more time.
Kaixin’s father and teacher is Shifu Shi Yanjun, a 34th-generation Shaolin warrior monk who teaches Shaolin kung fu and Meihua Quan.
Kaixin grows up in the training yard, learning the same stances his father learned as a boy. One day, he will carry that legacy himself.
Kaixin trains in the styles his family has practised for generations.
少林
Shàolín
From the Shaolin Temple on Mount Song in China. Strong stances, discipline and a calm mind.
梅花拳
Méihuā Quán
One of the oldest styles of northern China, traditionally practised on wooden posts set out like a plum blossom.
太极
Tàijí
Slow, flowing movement for balance, breathing and patience.
Four values he practises every day, on the training floor and off it.
自律
zìlǜ
Practise a little every day, even when no one is watching.
善良
shànliáng
Strong hands, gentle heart. Kung fu is for protecting, not for hurting.
勇气
yǒngqì
Try the hard move. Fall down. Get up again.
快乐
kuàilè
Training should make you smile. That is what 开心 is all about.
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