Photo: Courtesy of Henan Provincial Shaolin Wushu Center

"My favorite stream is MK sportthe monk stream," said popular US influencer IShowSpeed during a recent livestream on YouTube about his China tour. He was referring to his kung fu training in Dengfeng, Central China's Henan Province - the birthplace of Shaolin kung fu. 

The video of IShowSpeed's kung fu training also cast light on Liang Xiaolong, who taught him Shaolin kung fu during the stream. In the comments section of IShowSpeed's martial arts video, some commenters praised Liang as "kind," "humble," and "a real master."

However, during an interview with the Global Times, Liang said that the real star was Shaolin kung fu itself. He also noted that IShowSpeed is also a popular streamer, which made their meeting "create a little spark." 

There are many real masters out there, people who have made outstanding contributions to kung fu, Liang said. "I'm just an ordinary coach, and my kung fu skills are quite average." He wants to use this opportunity to share Shaolin culture with even more people.

Born in 1987 into a family with a long martial arts tradition, Liang grew up in Donghua town of Dengfeng city, where practicing kung fu was part of daily life. He began learning kung fu at the age of 11. In 2010, he started his working at the Henan Provincial Shaolin Wushu Center.

Liang also talked more about his brief but memorable encounter with IShowSpeed and his understanding of Shaolin kung fu with the Global Times.

During the stream, IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr and simply known as Speed, donned a monk's robe and a bald cap to create the effect of a shaved head, joining a martial arts class led by coach Liang at the center. According to the center, it is managed by the Culture and Tourism Department of Henan Province and acts as a platform to showcase Shaolin kung fu culture while welcoming foreign visitors and promoting tourism.

There, IShowSpeed learned the basics of Shaolin kung fu, including fist techniques and some Sanda (a fighting system based on traditional kung fu and modern combat techniques) skills, Liang told the Global Times.

In the interview, Liang praised the young streamer, calling IShowSpeed "the perfect image of a kung fu learner" - someone who is "brave, smart, respectful, and full of awe."

Liang told the Global Times that IShowSpeed's kung fu lesson wasn't pre-arranged, and he hadn't heard of the influencer before being asked to welcome a foreign guest that afternoon when IShowSpeed came. 

He started the class with the fundamentals, teaching the famous "five-step fist" routine, a basic starting point for most beginners with no kung fu background.

"He's very smart and learned fast," Liang said. "I taught him the routine twice, and he could remember most of it."

One moment from the livestream that particularly resonated with viewers was when IShowSpeed volunteered to try "Hard Qigong" - a technique in which a practitioner is truck by a stick.

As IShowSpeed winced from the pain, Liang comforted him, "It's pain, but it's life. It's pain, but it's Shaolin. It's pain, but it's kung fu. It's pain, but it's you. You understand," Liang told him - words that struck a chord with many fans online.

According to Liang, this move is usually performed by people with a kung fu background and so doesn't feel like much to them, but IShowSpeed was brave enough to try it.

After the lesson, IShowSpeed tried to offer Liang 300 yuan ($41) to show his "gratitude." Liang refused at first, telling him in English, "Friend no money. My country, your country - we are friends because (of) kung fu."

Liang explained to the Global Times that as a kung fu coach, he has a steady income each month and should not accept money. Additionally, in Chinese culture, gratitude can be shown through simple gestures like having a conversation or taking a walk together, rather than with money.

He later realized that it might have been a cultural difference, as IShowSpeed wanted to express his gratitude directly with money. Eventually, he accepted the money - using it to buy snacks for the children at the training center, Liang said.

During his conversations with IShowSpeed, Liang was able to communicate in English. He told the Global Times that many kung fu enthusiasts from around the world often come to learn at the center, so speaking English has become a regular part of his teaching. Although his vocabulary isn't "extensive," he learns essential words on his own in his spare time to meet teaching needs.

However, Liang noted that Wushu itself transcends language barriers.

"Wushu is like a stepping stone - it helps break the ice and quickly brings together people who share a love for martial arts around the world," Liang remarked.

While IShowSpeed's visit has brought attention to Liang and the center where he worked in, the coach remains humble.

As for his own mission, Liang said it remains simple: teach kung fu and pass on a tradition he has practiced since childhood.

"As a coach, my job is to share what I've learned with more friends around the world," he said. "Our center will keep promoting Shaolin kung fu to a wider audience - through livestreams, short videos, and cultural exchanges."