A decade after establishing India's first Shaolin Gurukul, Master Shifu Kanishka Sharma's legacy continues to inspire martial arts enthusiasts across the nation.

Kung Fu is just one of many Martial Artforms which have made cultural inroads in many countries in the East. Shaolin Temples over the period of last decade or so, have come up along, mainly in China, and sometimes in its affiliate countries as well. However, Shaolin Temple Secular Discipline Union in China is considered the prime training centre for any of the thousands martial arts disciples to flock the cloud-capped facility. Kanishka Sharma, who has now started his own Shaolin Gurukul in India, is the first from the country to have trained in the Temple. This is his story.

Kanishka Sharma’s calling into Martial arts began at a very early age of six. He credits the influence to the cult Hollywood hit ‘The 36th Chamber Of Shaolin’. From there, Kanishka moved onto taking training with utmost reverence and ended up enrolling himself at the Temple as he hit adulthood.  Starting with Karate, Kanishka went on to learn Kung Fu and Kerala’s Kalaripayattu, followed by the Northern Pai Shaolin style, and the Southern Shaolin style called the 18 Hands of Lohan. He is the first Indian to ever train at the Shaolin Temple and is now a certified Master himself. Granted the title of Shifu (Master), he has been blessed with the Buddhist name ‘Shi Yan You’, which means ‘perfect’, in recognition of his skills.

Now, establishing his own Gurukul in Nainital, Kanishka wishes to impart his knowledge of the artform to enthusiasts who come with a willing heart and an open mind. With a Gurukul system established, Kanishka ensures that his students, experience training in a clutter free, strings-free setup, starting with a long hike up to the school, and rigorous training imparted. Shifu Kanishka wants his students to learn martial arts the right way, not the sports version of it that so many teach. His students come to him as much to learn combat as to learn the Shaolin way of life.

Watch the inspiring story of the Master here:

(Image And Video credits: 101 India, Kanishka Sharma )

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Kanishka Sharma and what is his connection to Shaolin?

Kanishka Sharma is the first Indian to train at the legendary Shaolin Temple in China. He holds a certified Master status with the Buddhist name ‘Shi Yan You,’ meaning ‘perfect,’ and founded India’s first Shaolin Gurukul in Nainital to teach martial arts to dedicated students.

What martial arts styles has Kanishka Sharma trained in?

Kanishka trained in multiple disciplines including Karate, Kung Fu, Kerala’s Kalaripayattu, Northern Pai Shaolin style, and Southern Shaolin’s 18 Hands of Lohan. This diverse training background makes him uniquely qualified to teach comprehensive martial arts techniques.

Where is India’s first Shaolin Gurukul located?

India’s first Shaolin Gurukul is established in Nainital, a picturesque town in Uttarakhand. The location provides an ideal environment for serious martial arts training with a serene mountain backdrop and dedicated facilities.

What inspired Kanishka Sharma to pursue martial arts?

Kanishka’s passion for martial arts began at age six, inspired by the cult Hollywood film ‘The 36th Chamber of Shaolin.’ This early influence shaped his lifelong dedication to mastering various martial art forms and eventually training at the legendary Shaolin Temple.

Can anyone join Kanishka Sharma’s Shaolin Gurukul in Nainital?

Kanishka welcomes enthusiasts who approach training with a willing heart and open mind. While anyone interested in martial arts can apply, the Gurukul emphasizes dedication, discipline, and genuine passion for learning authentic Shaolin techniques and philosophy.