Nathan's Shaolin Journey

My name is Nathan Haigler, I'm 16 years old and I study kung fu at the Shaolin Institute in Mobile, Alabama. I was introduced to the Shaolin Institute through my father and sister four years ago and became a student in the kung fu class when I was in 8th grade. Kung fu is the oldest martial art, which began in China over 1500 years ago. It is centered on the practice of cultivating one's mind and body to achieve self-control, wellness, and oneness not only with one's self but the universe. 

 

I never really had a goal when I began, I just wanted to try something new and see what I could do. After taking classes 3 days a week over my first summer, I began to love the practice. The influence and instruction by Grand Master Shi Deru helped me greatly improve not only my capabilities in the class but also become a better person in my community. Since I began my study I have participated in nearly every event with Mobile school and other events run by the Atlanta and New Orleans campuses. 

 

 My study at the Shaolin Institute improves my confidence, discipline, flexibility, patience, leadership, and respect for others. Through the direction of Shifu I've found freedom of my body and mind. I've attended multiple meditation series. Through this I have learned to let go of negative energy, relax my body, calm myself down, and be more in touch with myself and the universe I live in. 

 

In the past year I attended class every day at the Mobile campus. I teach the children's kung fu classes and assist the adult's kung fu classes. I have learned to work well with others and be a leader. My fellow classmates mean a lot to me; I've enjoyed being able to show them how to better themselves and increase their confidence to do things they've never done. It's always great to see the improvement of each person I work with and know they are excelling in their efforts to achieve their goals.  Along with taking classes, assisting classes, and being involved in most events, I do my best to make sure the Mobile campus is always clean and tidy, and I regularly cut and clean Shifu's yard. The great thing about my dedication to the school is that I'm almost always there and ready to help and make myself useful. 

 

My practice at the Shaolin Institute is now presenting me with an inspiring goal.  This year I'm proud to be invited by my Shifu, Shi Deru, to participate in the China Dream Trip hosted by the Shaolin Chan Foundation. During this trip from July 21st to August 5th, I will have the opportunity to travel to Beijing, Shanghai, Hang Zhou, and the Shaolin Temple. During this trip a group of American students will live and study with a group of Chinese students to see how we can work as a team. We will embark on a "cultural collision" that will involve learning each other’s languages and cultures, having a chance to greatly increase our intellect and physical skills, and free ourselves from the fast moving American lifestyle. The trip will be filmed by multiple American and Chinese filmmakers to produce a documentary which will be shown throughout the world.

I would like to whole heartily pursue this goal.  I know this is a great opportunity to further my studies in kung fu and learn many life lessons to better myself and my community. I’m humbly asking for donations for my travel and lodging expensive to take this journey. I will greatly enjoy any donation and thank you in advance for reading this and helping me pursue this amazing experience. 

 

I would like to thank Shifu for extending this idea to all of us at the Shaolin schools and Stine Walsh of the Atlanta campus for helping me create this campaign.

 

 

“I meet Nathan at the Shaolin Interschool Competition in Mobile, Alabama.  His humble kindness and gentle extension to his fellow students resonates the Shaolin principles.  To see a young man take on the task of teaching and leading with such quiet confidence exemplifies his worthiness of the opportunity to travel to China many times over!

 

Please give what you can to send Nathan on a one of kind journey he certainly deserves.”

 

 -Stine Walsh

 

 

For more information about the Shaolin Chan Foundation please and the Shaolin Institute please visit:   www.shaolinchan-foundation.org  www.shaolin-world.net 

 

 

Link to an article from the Shaolin Chan Foundation explaining more details about the school, trip and documentary: INSIDE CHINA: A GROUP OF AMERICANS TRAVELING TO CHINA TO LIVE WITH LOCAL CHINESE FOR 2-WEEKS

 

http://www.shaolinchan-foundation.org