The “Hip Hop Monk” Speaks: A Conversation with Shifu Shi Yan Ming | SWAY’S UNIVERSE

Imagine meeting a monk who is responsible for bringing Kung Fu to the West, and for mentoring influential figures like the WuTang Clan’s RZA. Sounds like a fictional character from a martial arts movie, right? But this is the real story of Shifu Shi Yan Ming, a monk who visited Sway In The Morning to talk about his life as a Shaolin Warrior Monk and the prevalent issue of anti-Asian hate crimes. Shifu Shi Yan Ming never planned on becoming a hip hop icon, but his connection to the WuTang Clan and RZA made him somewhat of a cultural phenomenon. In the interview with Sway, he explained that his relationship with them was organic and purely based on the exchange of knowledge. Being a victim of racism and prejudice, Shifu Shi Yan Ming shared his thoughts on how Americans can best fight against the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes. According to him, the solution lies in understanding different cultures and creating a sense of empathy. His advice to people who encounter discrimination is to stand up and speak up because “Your voice is your weapon.” He adamantly believes that through love, compassion, and understanding, we can eliminate the present hate and prejudice in our world. Most people who see Shifu Shi Yan Ming’s accomplishments might think he has superpowers. But, he says that his abilities are the byproduct of his training as a Shaolin Warrior Monk. He shared how his training from an early age has made his resilience almost supernatural. He believes that everyone is capable of developing their strength, which they can use to overcome any obstacle. Shifu Shi Yan Ming founded the USA Shaolin Temple with the aim of sharing the knowledge of Shaolin Kung Fu with the people of the West. His message to his students and followers is that it’s crucial to learn and understand the culture of Kung Fu before practicing it. Kung Fu is about discipline, dedication, and hard work, and Shifu Shi Yan Ming believes that through practicing it, we can cultivate the virtue of patience. Shifu Shi Yan Ming's childhood was far from comfortable. He grew up in extreme poverty, and he was on the brink of death from sickness. However, he believes that life is a teacher and that every experience prepares us for the future. Through his time in the monastery, he learned the value of meditation, hard work, and perseverance, which taught him how to overcome any obstacle in his life. Shifu Shi Yan Ming’s conversation with Sway In The Morning was an inspirational experience that touched on many aspects of life, from the importance of empathy to the practice of Kung Fu. He emphasized that the road to becoming strong physically and mentally isn't easy, and it takes a lifetime of dedication and hard work. His achievements and accomplishments are a testament to the power of perseverance, and they serve as a reminder that, with the right mindset, we’re all capable of having great strength. Subscribe Here! http://bit.ly/SubscribeSU Watch the Best of Sway In The Morning! http://bit.ly/BestOfSITM Check out More From Sway’s Universe http://swaysuniverse.com http://twitter.com/swaysuniverse