First Shaolin Temple in Delhi?
Posted at Apr 09, 05 in Shaolin Temple News

It is not everyday that a gold medallist management student from Holland gives it all up to settle for a pay packet that has at least two zeros less than what he earlier took home. But Kanishka Sharma did that and more. He not only took a U-turn in his career to do what he aspired to do but is also continuously striving to dispel myths about what he loves best: martial arts.

"Martial arts is not about kicks and punches nor is it what it has been reduced to, sports and games. Martial arts is a discipline... a way of life and this is what I am trying hard to explain to people," he says.

The 27-year-old is the first and only Indian to train at the world-famous Shaolin Temple in China. Having secured MBA from Holland, he gave up a well paying job with Reliance in 2001 to pursue martial arts full time, a decision most would agree is unconventional.

"I received a lot of support from my mother and my father always said do what you are happy doing but people were sceptical also. I also knew that in trying to swim against the current, I might fail and then people would say we told you so."Kaniskha today boasts of several TV shows, a teaching academy and is working towards "building a replica of the Shaolin Temple Secular Discipline in the city, which should be ready in six months."

The thought of giving it all up for martial arts was a long thought over idea, he claims. "After my father passed away I resolved to learn in China. My mother stood by me and so did Anil Ambani, whom I approached for help."

Today the tough training sessions have paid off and Kanishka helps people beat stress. "I impart training in schools and corporates. I tell them how martial arts can help them become better at what they are doing. It is a discipline that increases efficiency and lowers stress and anger. It helps you become more productive and responsible."

Claiming to be a living example of success attained through this discipline, Kanishka, who has also taught film star Akshay Kumar Shaolin Kung Fu and Muay Thai, is determined to give martial arts the respect it deserves as he gets together his "army of spiritual warriors".