Martial arts × Design
Shaolin Kung fu performance with our shifus (masters) and classmates in Sydney.
Approximately four years ago, I began my martial arts training journey at the Shaolin Temple of Australia. As a child, growing up watching martial arts action and kung fu movies, the thought of learning kung fu from authentic Chinese Shaolin Warrior monks felt only attainable in a dream. The thought of escaping reality to live in the secluded mountains of China to learn the secret ways of kung fu training from Shaolin monks and live the monk lifestyle sounds like a plot from Kill Bill (minus the killing part of course). I also didn’t know if such a thing existed. Until in 2019, when I discovered Sydney has a Shaolin Temple with direct lineage to the renowned and ancient Shaolin Temple in China, you could image my excitement; I had to go there. And thus began the most challenging yet rewarding experience of my life.
I was also approached to assist with the redesign of some of their old collaterals such as brochures, pull-up banner and social media assets. It was like a dream come true being able to combine two of my passions and being able to volunteer/contribute where I could. However, it was challenging as they didn’t have an established brand guideline to adhere to (apart from the logo and logo colours) and because they are a renowned ancient religious temple, there were strict and sensitive protocols and processes I was to abide by; I didn’t have the creative freedom to do whatever I wanted. Liaising with the head Shaolin kung fu monk and gaining approval from the temple committee, we were able to produce the following works. I also gained an interest in motion design learning a bit of animation to create their instagram story.
Liaising with the head Shaolin warrior monk, we developed a medal and gold card that would be rewarded to students excelling in their training which include various incentives like a loyalty card.
And here’s a bonus clip of me in my element haha! Don’t be fooled by the black belt. In Shaolin martials arts, black belt is beginners; the opposite of Tae Kwon Do and Karate. Over and out!