Damien Agossou Degbo, a farmhand’s son from Akpro-Misseretè in Benin, spent his youth entranced by kung fu films. In 1995, at age 23, he traveled to the Shaolin Temple in China to train under a venerable abbot. There, alongside daily martial drills, he immersed himself in meditation, calligraphy, tea ceremony, and Chinese medical traditions—experiences he calls a “spiritual rebirth”.
After four years in China, Degbo returned home to establish the Super Shaolin Club, offering tai chi, qigong, and Shaolin Kung Fu to villagers in his region. His students—over 350 to date—practice both physical forms and the mental disciplines of self-control, respect, and inner calm. “Kung Fu taught me that true strength is mastering one’s mind,” Degbo says.
In 2019, Degbo led a cultural troupe to perform traditional lion and dragon dances at Benin’s national arts festival, showcasing the fusion of West African artistry and Chinese heritage. His club now hosts annual exchanges, sending students to China for deeper immersion and welcoming visiting masters to Benin.
Beyond combat skills, Degbo’s mission is to empower youth. According to UNESCO, young unemployment in Benin exceeds 30%—a gap his club helps bridge through discipline and community.
With support from local NGOs, Degbo plans to open a second training center in Cotonou, ensuring more families can access “medicine for the mind and body,” as he calls it.