On Sunday morning in a quiet lane of Koregaon Park, approximately 30 people could be seen striking the air in sync with sharp, rhythmic exhales. This was the Shaolin Warrior Workshop, led by Hurssh Verma, who identifies as a Shaolin warrior monk and has trained in China for over five years. The intensive and immersive workshop was designed to eliminate digital distractions and forge an unbreakable bond between body and spirit.
Foundations of Shaolin Martial Arts
Hurssh shared, “We got everybody introduced to the warrior training, basics of the Shaolin stick and the Shaolin staff. It involved understanding the form through basic stretches, the way you breathe, body alignment, swings and strokes.” The participants were also introduced to the alert and active theory, Tai Chi and Qigong, the meditative practice that involves deep breathing and slow movements.
Participant Experiences
“I’m into fitness and wanted to explore the Shaolin monks’ practice. We have a lot of yoga workshops but this was something entirely different that I experienced. I am happy that many others got to explore it too,” said Sonika Khani, experience curator With Humans.
Beginning with hard and physically intense actions, and then moving to more focused, slow and meditative actions, the workshop saw Punekars from various fields getting involved. “This practice creates harmony, making you find that right equilibrium in your body. It is doable by anyone, irrespective of gender and age,” Hurssh added. By the end of the session, aching muscles were entirely eclipsed by a profound sense of inner peace, and participants left carrying the spirit of a Shaolin warrior into their daily urban lives.
Hurssh Verma demonstrated how to hold the stick, known as Gun (pronounced “gwen”) or Kun in Chinese, guiding participants through proper technique.
About the Author: Jignesh Mistry is a photojournalist with Pune Times and covers entertainment and lifestyle features, news and interviews.
