Kungfused Studio
Art Inspired by Kung Fu
Creativity is an art form, and everything is Kung Fu. While my story began when I first travelled to China to train at a rural school in the Song Mountains, with my continued training, I began to fall in love with the surrounding temples in the Henan Province. In quieter moments, I draw the landscapes by hand. Drawing has become an extension of my meditative practice — and also a creative way to cultivate my qi.
The quote ‘气韵生动’ (Qì yùn shēng dòng) originates from a 6th-century Chinese text by Xie Hie called Six Principles of Painting. It expresses the idea that artwork itself should carry the essence of life from creative practice. The philosophy suggests that with every stroke of a brush in painting or calligraphy, this movement is a form of expression imbued with energy from your spirit, much like each move in Kung Fu.
This creativity is said to be born from internal energy, or the life force known as Qi. With this thought in mind, all creative endeavours can be seen as inspired by the energy of movement and the practice of Kung Fu, whether through a brushstroke, a pen, or a sword.
Fawang Moon Gate
Towards the edge of the Fawang Temple are moon gates, with traditional tiled roofs and dragons decorating the top. For many years, the Fawang Temple was home to Kung Fu students who lived and trained there.
Shaolin Lion
Guarding the temples around China are large stone lions, also known as foo dogs. They are strong presences and are thought to be the guardians of the temples. The vibrant characters of the statues bring the culture to life.
Fawang Wall
Skirting the edges are the walls of the Fawang temple, rich with colour and emblems resembling the historical relevance of Kung Fu within the grounds. The Fawang Temple is thought to be founded in 71 AD, making it almost 2,000 years old.
Mount Song
At the top of Shaoshi mountain on Mount Song sits the peak called Lián Tiān Fēng, where the old Sanhuang Village and the monastery resides. The Song mountains are a beautiful sight to behold around the Henan Province. Chinese astronomical mythology believed the area surrounding Mount Song to be "the centre of Heaven and Earth."
Shaolin Temple
Known as the birthplace of Shaolin Kung Fu, the world famous Shaolin Temple has been visited by warriors, emperors, monks and martial artists alike for hundreds of years. This temple is rich with history and Chinese culture and is truly the home of Shaolin.
Zhongyue Pavilion
At the opening of Zhongyue Temple stands this beautiful pavilion. Zhonyue is a very old Taoist temple, predicted to be built around 220 BC. The pavilion itself seems to emanate peace, spreading a gentle atmosphere throughout the grounds. I once hid in here from the rain.
Monastery Pot
While climbing up Mount Song, on the many stairs leading to the Shaolin Monastery, you will come across a small temple. Stood proudly outside in all of its rustic antiquity is this giant cooking pot, about ten feet tall, surviving through all the many weathers.
Dharma Blessings
Standing in front of each prayer hall in the temple are large incense holders for giving prayers and blessings. Many people will light incense and bow to pray here for their families and loved ones. There is a feeling of calm surrounding these incense stands.
A famous and much loved part of the Shaolin Temple is the Pagoda Forest, where many revered monks and masters alike are buried. As a Buddhist site, the pagodas symbolise their commitment to the Shaolin Temple and honour their leadership in the community.
Self Portrait
This is me in my classic Shaolin uniform of lilac-grey baggy Kung Fu trousers, favourite black and grey long-sleeve sports top, leg compression straps, plimsolls and my two long hair plaits down my back., carrying a Bo staff into the temple.
Yin Yang Tigers
The push and pull of two tigers reflecting the balance between the two forces of Yin and Yang. Yin being soft, feminine, water, night; and Yang representing the strong, masculine, fire and day. There is balance in everything.
A collection of bright red Shaolin Kung Fu fans piled on top of one another with the Chinese calligraphy reading ‘Shaolin Kung Fu’ across each one of them. The fan is a favourite Shaolin weapon of mine due to its elegant nature.
Some of the values I have found through Kung Fu. It is said that calligraphy can also be a spiritual practice, and also something that is a skill achieved through Kung Fu - the art of writing. These particular characters help us remember the real virtues in life.
Chinese Calligraphy
A favourite serene spot within the Fawang Temple, lotus tiles lead up on the floor to the stone staircase reaching another temple hall above, where a golden incense holder awaits to give blessings. The peaceful tombstones remind us of the sacred nature of the temple.
Fawang Steps
Pagoda Forest
Shaolin Fans
Wall Gargoyle
This gargoyle can be found behind the main prayer hall within the Nunnery in the Shaolin Scenic area, a gentle setting hidden away from the main temple. The Nunnery can be found on route to Bodhidharma’s Cave, nestled in the side of the mountain just below Junji Peak.
Exciting News…
If you’ve been scrolling through the Kungfused Studio, you’re in for some luck. Here’s a surprise I haven’t announced anywhere else yet. What many of you might not know about me, is long before I became a martial artist, I was a pianist and composer. Having written hundreds of compositions throughout the years, I decided to dedicate some time in between training to write a small collection of songs reflecting the journey of training in Kung Fu while surrounded by the temples and mountains in China. The genre is cinematic classical piano. It’s minimalist, peaceful music with movement, to bring you inspiration and give you a sense of living in that quiet space in between the adventure. So I am excited to tell you, that after some time in a London recording studio on a grand piano, the music suite is complete.
The album Temple Air Suite is available on Spotify, YouTube Music and other major streaming platforms for you to listen from Winter 2026. Check out the Shaolin-inspired music here!
