Shaolin spirit is in my blood forever

Ngalle Emmanuel, 29, says kung fu has changed him from a rude man to a peaceful one

This experience has changed my life beyond imagination.

I arrived at the Shaolin Temple in 2013 along with another nine African students. Before that I studied for six months in Cameroon with Dominique Saatenang, the "African Bruce Lee".

I was lucky to have the opportunity to come to the birthplace of kung fu in China. People often asked me why I came to the Shaolin Temple, and I'd answer that it was where they filmed Jackie Chan movies.

When my group first arrived at the temple, it was almost midnight, so I couldn't see anything clearly. The masters led us to where we were to sleep, but I was too excited to sleep. I just kept thinking about what life would be like.

The next morning, we were woken by bells ringing. It was a surprise at first, but then I counted one, two, three, four, five. So I guessed it was 5 am.

Back in Cameroon I worked as a hotel manager. I had a bad temper. But life at the Shaolin Temple has changed me a lot, from a rude man to a peaceful one.

The masters not only taught us kung fu, but also how to communicate. Before, I felt nervous when talking with the people, and my hands would shake out of control, but today I listen peacefully and follow my heart.

What I've learned is that every time you're tempted to look back, force yourself to forward. Don't let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace.

Over the years, I've grown to prefer kung fu with weapons, such as the broadsword. The heroes in history use this weapon. And it's cool.

I plan to open my own martial arts school one day. I had a dream to learn kung fu from Shaolin monks, and I have now realized that. Now, I'd like to help more Africans to see the benefits of kung fu.

The sprint of Shaolin is in my blood; it can never fade away.

Ngalle Emmanuel was talking to Shi Baoyin and Qi Xin.

(China Daily Africa Weekly 08/26/2016 page16)