The Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng, Central China's Henan Province Photo: VCG

German metal singer Alea der Bescheidene has announced his arrival at the Shuiyu Temple, traditionally affiliated with the Shaolin Temple, for an 18-day seclusion retreat. The Shaolin Temple is renowned worldwide as the birthplace of Shaolin kung fu, which has a history of over 1,500 years.

In a June 2 Instagram post written in German, the lead singer of the German metal band Saltatio Mortis announced his departure to China for an 18-day retreat, saying he would wake up at 4:30 am in accordance with the local routine, take part in kung fu training, and fully immerse himself in Shaolin life.

On June 9, another post reflected on the experience: "You meet more than friends in the art of kung fu. You meet brothers and sisters. When we move in the same rhythm, nothing can stop us... Kung fu and the Chan philosophy are more than just words. They are the flame in our hearts."

A scholar who has long followed Shaolin culture told the Global Times on Wednesday that those who join the seclusion retreat at the Shaolin Temple often have the same meals as the resident monks, with their primary daily focus being the study of Shaolin kung fu.

Around the same time, Victor Wembanyama, 21, a French basketball star for the San Antonio Spurs, reportedly shaved his head and began a 10-day seclusion and training program at the Shaolin Temple, located on Songshan Mountain in Dengfeng city, Central China's Henan Province. 

The NBA's official account on Sina Weibo, China's X-like platform, also posted the news on Monday morning, stating that according to reports, Wembanyama had shaved his head and would begin a 10-day seclusion retreat at the Shaolin Temple.

The Zhengzhou-based Dahe Daily learned from sources at the Temple on Monday that Wembanyama was indeed at the Temple, but more details were unable to be shared with the public, according to the report.

According to CNN, the 2024-25 NBA All-star and 2023-24 Rookie of the Year, had just gone through a tough season. "He had been out since February following a rare deep vein thrombosis diagnosis and several weeks later the Spurs were officially eliminated from playoffs," CNN reported.

Dusty Garza, an editor from the Spurs Report, said on X that according to multiple independent sources, "Wembanyama is not only deeply interested in Shaolin culture, he had a master shave his head and is now beginning a 10-day retreat at that temple. His upcoming travel plans have been paused, and his entourage has already left."

When asked why these well-known international figures chose to seclude themselves at the Shaolin Temple, the scholar mentioned above said it was "due to the influence and recognition of Shaolin culture in their home countries." "More importantly, the individuals themselves have a deep admiration for kung fu," he noted.

There are about 100 million Shaolin culture enthusiasts and Shaolin kung fu practitioners, including about 60 million overseas, according to the official website of the Zhengzhou city government.

Sun Jiashan, an associate researcher at the Central Academy of Culture and Tourism Administration, told the Global Times on Wednesday that "Shaolin culture and kung fu are popular overseas due to their global exposure through film and media."

"Icons like Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li brought Shaolin kung fu to international audiences, making it a world-renowned symbol of Chinese culture," added Sun.