We visited Zen Shaolin on a calm morning, unsure what to expect. The moment we stepped into the studio, time itself seemed to slow. We joined Master Can’s class — a session of Qigong that unfolded in silence, breath, and subtle energy. Movements that first seemed simple revealed themselves as something profound: a dialogue between body and spirit. By the end, our minds were quiet, our bodies grounded. Afterwards, we sat down with Master Can — a Shaolin Warrior Monk who began his training at the Temple in Henan at the age of seven — to speak about discipline, energy, and the art of inner balance.

Atelier Privé: Thank you so much for the practice. It was my first time, and I could really feel the difference — before and after. At first, I was nervous, but later I felt grounded and peaceful.

Master Can: Thank you for coming. I’m glad you felt that.  

Atelier Privé: I learned that you began your training at the Shaolin Temple when you were seven. What was the greatest life lesson you took from those years?

Master Can: I stayed at the Shaolin Temple in China for eight years as a warrior monk. My main learning there was kung fu, of course, but the real lessons were discipline and compassion. Every day we woke up before sunrise — mantra, meditation, then practice on the mountain with stretching and weapons until late evening. It taught me discipline. And that discipline, together with compassion, still lives in me and in my teaching.

Atelier Privé: Shaolin is often associated with martial arts — power, precision, competition. Yet Qigong feels soft and meditative. How do you see the relationship between the two?

Master Can: Martial arts and Qigong belong to the same family. Qigong is the root of all Chinese martial arts — Kung Fu, Tai Chi, everything. Without Qigong, Kung Fu becomes only movement and technique. It makes people stronger, yes, but also more aggressive — because you are training strength and speed every day. Qigong changes this. It connects you with yourself. With Qigong, you have power, but it is peaceful power. You are grounded, centered — strong inside, yet calm like the mountain.

Atelier Privé: Many people today, especially in business, are turning to meditation and Qigong. Why do you think that happens?