Shi Xing Mi

Walter Gjergja (Shi Xing Mi), born in Italy in 1972, has studied Kung Fu WuShu since age 13 and Chan (Zen) philosophy since age 18. Disciple of Grand Master Shi De Yang, with traditional ceremony in the Shaolin Temple has been nominated secular monk of the 32nd Shaolin generation, monastic name Shi Xing Mi. He has spent many study stays in Shaolin and is the protagonist of numerous press articles, international teaching events, demonstrations and documentaries.

Author of the book 'SHAOLIN: a journey', a unique collection of photographs, information and thoughts about Shaolin culture.

Shi Xing Mi has also achieved a double major university degree, has worked as adviser in various fields, and is among few westerners to have obtained official Master certification following examinations held in China.

After beginning to practice Kung Fu WuShu in 1985, in Italy, from the early '90s Shi Xing Mi then traveled for almost 15 years, studying in Asia (with many study stays in Shaolin) and Australia. During the decade in which he also competed, 1987 - 1997, he achieved wins and placements in numerous national and international championships (forms and combat).

Shi Xing Mi initially studied the martial arts of Shaolin Temple and Chan (Zen) philosophy with various Masters, among whom the monks teachers of the Shaolin WuShu Guan in Shaolin, the famous warrior monk Shi Xing Hong, and other illustrious Masters in Cina, Australia, Italy and France.

During one of the study stays in Shaolin, Shi Xing Mi has had the opportunity to meet Grand Master Shi De Yang; the Master initially accepted him as student, then as direct student, and finally, after years of study and friendship, as formal disciple, descendent of the 32nd Shaolin warrior monks generation. The rare traditional ceremony, performed in the Shaolin Temple with elder monks and relatives of the Master, formalized the entry in the Shaolin genealogy as a secular monk and the creation of an inscindible bond, considered as that of family.

In 2004 Shi Xing Mi founded his first school, Shaolin Wuseng Houbeidui - Italy, in Milan, today one of the principal Shaolin schools in Europe.

As well as teaching in the school and at the Temple, Shi Xing Mi conducts international seminars, workshops, speeches and demonstrations, holds periodical lessons at university faculties, cultural centers and other Shaolin schools in numerous countries, writes books and articles, manages various Shaolin culture projects in Europe and China.