A young Shaolin monk runs horizontally across a wall, intense concentration, and perhaps a hint of astonishment, visible in his face. Four other trainees at a martial arts academy near the Shaolin Temple in China’s Henan province lounge nonchalantly, seemingly unaware of the gravity-defying action taking place above their heads. “There’s this high-level action,” photographer Steve McCurry told CNN of the photo’s composition in a video call from his home in Philadelphia. The Shaolin Temple – which was founded in AD 495 on the slopes of the sacred Mount Song – is said to be the home of Chan Buddhism. Today, Shaolin kung fu is widely known, and the monks’ feats in athleticism have been emulated in popular movies.

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Persons: Steve McCurry, ’, doesn’t, McCurry, –, ”, Jeremy Horner, LightRocket, It’s, “ Organizations: CNN, Jet, Pennsylvania State University, Geographic, Shaolin Locations: Shaolin, China’s Henan, Philadelphia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Soviet, Peshawar, Niger, India, Pennsylvania, Dengfeng, Zhengzhou