Shaolin Temple UK [Archive] - Kung Fu Magazine Forums

qixingmantis

06-07-2006, 11:08 PM

Good day all

Yip have had the pleasure of training with Shifu shi yanzi

The yu bai ban classes which are the beginner classes are taught by his disciple monks....he does how ever interact.....after youve completed and done the grading he will instruct you.

all classes are taught in mandarin... the names of the runs and the first basic forms

element such as wulong panda, zou you kai gong shi, mabu jia da and the first basic form wubu chuan are all taught in mandarin...all names ie the stretches basic kick and flexability are given in chinese.

after the grading you do the first form xiao hong and various sanda elements...shifu shi yanzi says that if you dont know how to use your gong fu to fight you dont know gong fu....hes very much into the fighting side .....you will understand all the applications to xiao hong and the various elements within xioa hong such as silk reeling and the sanda fighting apps.....very potent form and i rekon if you just knew xiao hong youde kick anyones proverbial ass......he is very tough on students but hes the most awesome person ive ever had the pleasure of meeting in tha martial world.....he is very traditional...you can also learn the baduan qi gong as well as chan budhism and also rou quan.....do yourself a favour and train with shifu shi yanzi i got pics of him and you can see the size of his arms hes just awesome power...hes an amazing instructor...and a monk in the true sense

namo ami to fou

chris

golden monk

06-07-2006, 11:19 PM

This is great information! At last .. some one speaks!

Have you seen how the syllabus is, I don't expect you to tell me word for word.

But is it mix of wushu and the "traditioanl forms".. or is it mostly wushu.

I know this question causes all sorts of ignorant and "monk" bashing people to start writing loads of unjustified responses.

Sorry! maybe best private message me to avoid this.

( I've seen other forums where there are like 10 pages or comments that are coming from possibly people who have never trained at UK shaolin Temple. )

golden monk

06-07-2006, 11:49 PM

How about Chinese lion dance. Does Shifu Shi Yanzi teach this ?

qixingmantis

06-08-2006, 03:02 AM

Hi there

yes have both those syllabus......all 1 have to say is that Shifu shi yan zi is from shaolin temple sent by the venerable abbot of shaolin at song shan...so as far as im concerned it's the real deal...I've seen wushu and know one or two wushu forms...and shi yan zi is def not wushu...he showed me an application using me as the attacker...and let me tell you he can generate massive power from where only he knows...it felt like my lung was gonna explode....1 weigh 92 kilos and he is shorter than me....but 1 went down like no man put me down before...1 wanna learn shaolin gong fu from a man like that....1 was a military paratrooper and we had to do many hand on hand combat scenarios .....I've never been punished that hard before as when shi yanzi demonstrated the seven star posture and application...so imagine he really meant to hurt someone...thats shaolin gong fu.

so any critic who wants to say any negative against shi yan zi ...step up to the plate...and this goes for shi yan ming and shi goulin the all 34 gen monks...you cant say anything till youve been in their presence....as for the monks who do the wheel of life show...those guys are also awesome...yes it's a show and lots is coreography...but I'vemet them too and played some forms with them...they also know their ****e...and they will also teach any of us westerners a thing or seven ....1 travelled 17 000km to train with yanzi...and 1 go back once a year...

so yes its as traditional as it gets....shi yan lei ...his gong fu brother...is also awesome...see if ya can get to work with him too...hes got the most hectic round house kick...and just by working with him my kicks have improved 100 times....and 1 thought 1 could kick...what a joke...

all 1 can say to those who have nothin good to say about the monks sent out by shaolin temple......rather respect what what you don't know......being a monk is about virtue and respect when you meet him youll see that hes a monk in the true sense

no i dont think he does lion dance...was none of that when i was there...he specialises in iron jacket

namo ami to fou

chris

I Chin Ching

06-08-2006, 03:39 AM

Brilliant news! Whers abouts in the UK, does he teach?

qixingmantis

06-08-2006, 04:46 AM

he teaches in london...in tufnell park......

chris

golden monk

06-08-2006, 05:20 AM

Good info!

And what about class sizes?

Are they huge?

I think from what you have written that it would be an advantage if you spoke mandarin?

What are your thoughts?

qixingmantis

06-08-2006, 05:42 AM

classes are not that big...but you have to be there a bit earlier or they wont let you in....id say about +- 10 per class sometimes more sometimes less....see its not a set class...so anyone can join the yu bai ban clas (beginner) that is generally taught by disciple monks....then with shi yan zi the disciple monks are in the class with you......those classes have about the same no. of students

yea it does help to speak or understand basic mandarin...shi yan zi not so hot at english.....but you get a very good idea of what hes saying coz. he demonstrates really well....

you can do as many classes a day as you like....its better that they small get better tuition....just be a bit fit and a bit supple before you go...coz. you will take strain if ya unfit....specially with shifu yanzi...there a small hill that goes past the front of the temple....more of a driveway...but sprints up the hill and down for a few minutes takes its toll...make sure you got good gong fu shoes...you can buy fei yues at the temple...and they are a life saver...

Shaolin101

06-08-2006, 07:03 AM

I remember looking there when i started training - i was prevented by the cost though.

I saw on the site that you can pay month or year upfront and do as many classes as you want but only in your level - so expect to stay at the basics for a bit before moving to foundation classes!

They also teach Mandarin if you need it! i bet most of the people that go dont speak mandarin - being english etc. Dont let that prevent you.

As far as i am aware the training can be tough sometimes - like anywhere though and is also a bit repetative (or at least used to be). If you dont need to change to something new every 5 minutes it shouldn't be a problem!

golden monk

06-08-2006, 04:10 PM

The repetition is understandable. I think it is a good indication that the foundations are drilled at early stages.

The classes sound promising. So long Shifu is teaching and holding the classes himself most of the time. Everyone's allowed a break! We are all human, after all!

Have any of you tried the classes held by Shi Yanlei ? Are they similar to Shi Yanzi's?

I figure that you guys are living in the UK or nearby, are there any other " monks" that have the equal passion, teaching qualities and martial explosiveness as Shi Yanlei and Shi Yanzi ?

How old are the 2 Shifu's ? I ask this as, I've seen how older Shifus sometimes tend to slowly teach less and less.. so senior instructors take over.

Is there any emphasis on Chan Buddhism. Or is this up to the student to request for it ? I'm not sure whether in the UK .. there is any interest in this aspect of Shaolin.. or is everyone more keen to get into the San Shou?

I read a lot about Shi Yanzi been a very good San Shou coach and achieveing some good results for his students.

Cheers!

golden monk

06-08-2006, 07:09 PM

Has any one got a link for some video footage of students performing forms from the Shaolin UK temple ?

Cheers

Golden monk

BoulderDawg

06-08-2006, 08:44 PM

It sounds like a great school!

I'm going to be visiting London next month. Would a visitor from a Shaolin school in America be welcomed by Shifu shi yan zi and his instructors?

I would very much like to visit the school, maybe even for a class. However I would understand if they would rather not have a visitor there.

qixingmantis

06-08-2006, 11:05 PM

good day to all

Im south African...and they welcomed me when 1 was there, there was Australians so anyone can come visit the temple....but you have to pay per class when you get there...there's a sign at reception that says no payment no gong fu....and one that says and 1 quote “ if you are late come early” which 1 thought was classic...

repetition is a big factor so be prepared to do drills over and over...in the foundation class...shifu yanzi will take 3 movements from xiao hong and you'll drill those moves over and over....

h's about 30 id say hard to tell but don't worry he's got heaps of energy and you wont tire him...you'll be finished long before he will...remember he coaches all day everyday...

shifu Shi yan li now runs the Birmingham branch to he is no longer based at STUK but maybe you'll be lucky and heel be in London when you get there......

1 knew xiao hong, da hong, etc before 1 got to STUK but when 1 left there 1 understood it...big difference between knowing and understanding it...1 find many that many seminars I've attended and forms I've learned...have just been empty hand and leg movement many instructors know these empty shells...yan zi shifu made me understand the forms.....he taught me to be substantial and insubstantial...now 1 feel 1 can move....to be in one place and then just by shifting your weight appear in another......1 found we as westerners forgot how to walk we just want to run...so go there with an empty cup....

you are not forced to study chan Buddhism .....but yan zi shifu says you can not separate chan and gong fu.......so 1 think it's a good think to understand chan....not saying you need to be Buddhist...but see why shaolin gong fu is what it is because of chan.

in south africa we have the biggest chan buddhist temple outside of china...1 go there a few times a year to retreat...and simply calmness of mind will let you over come even the biggest problem.

namo ami to fou

Shaolin101

06-09-2006, 01:04 AM

This is another UK place to train - London again.

http://www.tang-long.co.uk/classes.htm shows the addresses.

Realised one is actually not far from my class!

golden monk

06-09-2006, 06:37 AM

This is great! More monks to choose from.

I am going over to stay in the UK for quite some time and thsi sort of info is very helpful :)

Does any one know a lot about these guys at Tang Long ?

There isn't a lot of info on their site.

Is it a wushu school or a mix of traditional and wushu ?

How old are the masters, they appear young.

BoulderDawg

06-09-2006, 01:00 PM

golden monk

06-09-2006, 06:18 PM

Can anyone confirm whether most if not all of the below is taught at the STUK ?

Xiaohongquan (small red fist)
Dahongquan (big red fist)
Tongbiquan (through arms fist)
Liuhequan (six harmonies fist)
Changquan (long fist)
Changhuxinyimen (long protect heart will gate)
Qixingquan (seven star fist)
Meihuaquan (plum flower fist )
Paoquan (cannon fist)
Lohanquan (arhat fist)

(Quoting from Gene Ching from another thread regarding what most shaolin monks teach- or close variations )

phoenix-eye

06-15-2006, 03:48 PM

I've done two weekend seminars with Shi Yan Zi. I would back up everything that's been said

a) he's an awesome athlete
b) he teaches practical application of forms - we did basic xiao hong quan
c) he places big emphasis on SanShou/application
d) he's a VERY demanding but fair teacher

I obviously have very limited experience but I would certainly recommend giving the STUK your time and see if its what you want.

golden monk

06-15-2006, 06:59 PM

Sounds good!

I think some times it comes down to the combination of the master and also the suitability of the style on a personal level..

I'm excited!

Just the last thing is.. what forms do they teach?

Anyone know?

Some of my previosu post or all of them ?

Cool !! Reply Soon

golden monk

08-04-2006, 07:12 PM

Anyone train with these monks ?

Please PM me

Thanks

qixingmantis

08-06-2006, 10:48 PM

Good day all

yes have trained with shifu shi yanzi.......most awesome experience ....if you ever get tyhe chance...i say train with shi yanzi

all the best
chris

GeneChing

09-17-2009, 03:08 PM

...as if the S.F. Bay Area needs another Shaolin rep :rolleyes: We're like at three dozen plus now. I've totally lost count. Nevertheless, Yanlei is now teaching in Berkeley, CA. He's come across the pond from the UK (two ponds if you go all the way back to China) and he's submitted an ezine article for us.

Check out The Shaolin Dharma of Fighting (http://ezine.kungfumagazine.com/ezine/article.php?article=839) by Shi Yan Lei

shaolinexecutioner

09-17-2009, 08:33 PM

Calling BS on this 'monk'.

He says that "most fighters don't train in qigong and body conditioning". WTF? They might not train 'Shaolin Steel Jacket' but they sure as hell train body conditioning. A Shaolin monk would say something that idiotic? And he says "I started off by allowing my opponent to attack me. I didn't defend and I didn't block. Because I had trained so intensely in Shaolin Steel Jacket, I found that I could harness my qi immediately. " If he just let his opponent hit him, the judges don't score on how much pain he can endure. You score points in modern sanshou every time you deliver a solid hit. It doesn't matter whether your opponent can take it or not, with the exception of a knock-out. That's absurd. I didn't see any titles on his website. There are plenty of Shaolin monks that have entered sanshou competition. They all have titles and are up front with them. Did Shi Yan Lei ever win anything?

Hebrew Hammer

09-27-2009, 09:40 PM

missredbean

10-05-2009, 05:26 PM

Gene,
Loved this article, wanted to hear more about this Monk's journey. I wish more articles were about this kind of martial mental development. Thanks again!

Glad somebody had some positive feedback on the article! An update on Shifu Yan Lei: he's currently teaching and training in L.A. for the next month. He'll be back in Berkeley on Halloween for a qigong workshop. If you're in Socal and would like to meet with him, you can contact him via the email address on his website: www.shifuyanlei.co.uk. He's a really exceptional teacher!

shaolinexecutioner

10-10-2009, 10:20 AM

Halloween - how perfect. Tell me Redbean, does Yan Lei claim to be a real monk? Does he shave his head and wear robes? Is he celibate and vegetarian? And what titles has he won exactly?

missredbean

10-18-2009, 11:42 AM

Actually, Shifu Yan Lei DOESN'T claim to be a monk because he never was. His older brother, Shifu Yan Zi WAS a monk and brought Shifu Yan Lei to Shaolin temple to get him away from streetfighting. As such, Shifu Yan Lei is a Shaolin LAY Disciple. Since I feel it's inappropriate to reveal anything more about my Master's life, such as his diet or relationship status, I would suggest out of respect, you contact him directly or visit his website for more information. As for his fight titles, most were from China and Thailand when he was younger, so perhaps he doesn't feel the need to use them for marketing purposes nowadays. If you actually met him and trained with him, maybe you wouldn't feel the need to question such trivial details. I'm also curious as to why someone such as yourself feels the need to tear down martial masters (and with such little information). That's a lifetime of work, and all that time is much better spent TRAINING, so you can become your own master and not just an ignoramus on a kungfu forum.

shaolinexecutioner

10-18-2009, 02:32 PM

Ignoramus? Those are fighting words. Can you back that up?

I'm suspicious of any master that claims to have won sparring matches but doesn't have any records to prove it. If he doesn't need it for marketing, why mention it at all? And those fight titles from Thailand - was that sanshou?

I find it interesting to hear him use the title "Shi" which is reserved for monks, not layman disciples. Given Shi Yan Zi's position on using Shi, I'm surprised he lets his little brother get away with that.

But now, I'm more interested in you since you called me an ignoramus. You are the one making assumptions. What do you really know about his past? What do you know about Shaolin?

LFJ

10-18-2009, 04:24 PM

I find it interesting to hear him use the title "Shi" which is reserved for monks, not layman disciples.

not quite true. this is not only common practice in shaolin culture, but other chinese monasteries as well. chinese buddhism has a number of schools and traditions that vary on certain things. this may be one point. but it is common. :) also its not a "title", but a "family name" for those who have taken refuge and joined shakyamuni buddha's spiritual family, so to speak. depending on the monastery and tradition, that may require full ordination, but not in shaolin and many others, particularly in northern china.

sha0lin1

10-19-2009, 06:05 AM

[QUOTE=shaolinexecutioner;965151]
I find it interesting to hear him use the title "Shi" which is reserved for monks, not layman disciples. Given Shi Yan Zi's position on using Shi, I'm surprised he lets his little brother get away with that.

My Surname is Shi since I am a Shaolin lay disciple. I can back it up too. I have a certificate, issued by Shaolin Temple as most disciples do, to prove it.

shaolinexecutioner

10-21-2009, 10:13 PM

To abandon your family name is very serious in China. While there are plenty of wannabe monks, Confucian ideals prohibit surname changes to be taken lightly. Shaolin can be ambigous on this point. This is very ambiguous with the Wuseng since they are a class of monk at Shaolin, but only take laymen disciple vows. A Wuseng can call himself a monk and I've not know any who have not. Abbot Shi Yong Xin has been trying to regulate this, but the task is beyond him. All of his direct disciples honor it. Granted the Abbot has a lot of honorary disciples, but Shi Yan Zi is not. Shi Yan Zi has been well within the Abbot's inner circle, unless that has changed very recently. I will concede this point for now.

I will also concede the vegetarian and sexual abstinence comment. But Miss Redbean not being forthcoming about that even after she said that Yan Lei was a layman is very telling.

My initial argument against Yan Lei stands. I have never known a real Sanshou champion who was not be forthcoming about his fight record. If they really won something, why wouldn't they say what? I would challenge such a claim with anyone, no just a Shaolin layman disciple. His comments that Sanshou fighters don't condition and that letting opponents strike his Steel Jacket are absurd.

De Ru is similar. He has claimed to be a Sanshou champion but has not produced any fight record. He has also claimed to be a monk. On the other hand, he avoids using the Shi surname and has produced Sanshou champions. He has even produced a UFC fighter.

I know Shaolin monks and disciples can be successful Sanshou fighters. Shi Yan Qiang placed 1st in Sanshou in the Hebei Porvince competition. Shi Yan Zhen placed 1st in Sanshou at 5th International Jingwu Competition. Shi Yong Hao placed 1st in Sanshou at the 1995 International Shaolin Wushu Festival. Shi Yong Yao placed 2nd at the 1978 Shandong Sanshou championships. All of these Shaolin monks have fight records that can be verified. They are forthcoming about it.

Care to respond to the ignoramus, Miss Redbean?

LFJ

10-23-2009, 05:48 PM

To abandon your family name is very serious in China. While there are plenty of wannabe monks, Confucian ideals prohibit surname changes to be taken lightly. Shaolin can be ambigous on this point.

i dont think you understand the process of triple gem refuge and discipleship. no one actually changes their family name. they just receive a dharma-name. most laymen, whether shaolin or other, only use it in contexts associated with shaolin/buddhism. elsewhere it is irrelevant and in no way a legal name.

This is very ambiguous with the Wuseng since they are a class of monk at Shaolin, but only take laymen disciple vows. A Wuseng can call himself a monk and I've not know any who have not.

thats because the character seng僧 comes from the sanskrit word sangha, meaning the buddhist monastic community. they are by all means monastic although secular in precepts. that is why they are not called heshang和尚, the word for a fully ordained monk.

I will also concede the vegetarian and sexual abstinence comment. But Miss Redbean not being forthcoming about that even after she said that Yan Lei was a layman is very telling.

even if yanlei were a wuseng it wouldnt matter, since they take no vows of vegetarianism or celibacy. unless they choose to take the bodhisattva precepts (includes vegetarianism) or are on temple grounds and take the 10 precepts (includes celibacy).

anyhow, if i were yanlei being asked this kind of question, i would kindly ask you to mind your business. seriously, who asks another person about their sex life or lack thereof? especially since from your last post we can tell you knew warrior monks take only lay precepts, unless you are unfamiliar with what those are.

My initial argument against Yan Lei stands. I have never known a real Sanshou champion who was not be forthcoming about his fight record.

i will give you that, however. this is a legitimate an unassuming question. of course yanlei doesnt need to use records for advertisement, as previously stated. but i agree, if you're going to claim something at least provide the proof.

shaolinexecutioner

10-26-2009, 09:47 PM

If Yan Lei doesn't need his records to advertise, why is he claiming to be a sanshou champion like his brother with his steel jacket? Why even mention it? He's using that claim to advertise. Don't even try to deny that.

Ask Yan Lei's master, Abbot Shi Yong Xin if anyone other than heshang or wuseng should be using the surname 'Shi'. On the record, he may be elusive because that's just the way he is. But off the record, especially within his close disciples, he'll be very clear on this point.

LFJ

10-27-2009, 06:08 AM

If Yan Lei doesn't need his records to advertise, why is he claiming to be a sanshou champion like his brother with his steel jacket? Why even mention it? He's using that claim to advertise. Don't even try to deny that.

i dont know. i'm just saying he's obviously tough enough to not need records for advertisement. maybe he doesnt have a confident self-image? :) i doubt that, but i've never met him. but i agree with you on this point.

Ask Yan Lei's master, Abbot Shi Yong Xin if anyone other than heshang or wuseng should be using the surname 'Shi'. On the record, he may be elusive because that's just the way he is. But off the record, especially within his close disciples, he'll be very clear on this point.

well for one, yongxin is influenced by buddhist monastics external to shaolin, mainly from the pureland tradition. he doesnt have the experience with the old shaolin chan masters. so his opinion, being that of others external to shaolin, hardly matters. after all, he was never voted into his position.

but regardless, he has several other secular disciples that use the "shi" surname. and if that were a problem, then secular disciples also shouldnt have a generational dharma-name from the zibei used for monastics. they would have secular dharma-names with their own secular generation characters, just like many chinese families do for their children. other chinese buddhist schools do it like this as well. they have separate generational dharma-names for monastics and laymen.

but... as i said before, shaolin tradition doesnt do it like that. and there are also many other unrelated buddhist monasteries in northern china that do the same "shi" + generation-name + given name for laity too!

shaolinexecutioner

10-28-2009, 10:12 PM

Abbot Shi Yong Xin's opinion doesn't matter in this? :rolleyes:

LFJ

10-29-2009, 04:00 PM

Abbot Shi Yong Xin's opinion doesn't matter in this? :rolleyes:

seriously? how long have you been following shaolin? 2 years?

richard sloan

11-02-2009, 02:34 PM

Abbot Shi Yong Xin's opinion doesn't matter in this? :rolleyes:

NO.

Shaolin tradition matters in this, something Shi Yongxin Abbot has flipped on it's head a few times.

Anyway, the guy is legit. I know plenty of fighters who train with him, a couple of my gongfu brothers are working with him while they are out there, and not only do I trust their word, just look at the freaking guy.

Your 'argument' is basically saying a mack truck on the lot isn't a 'real' mack truck because it hasn't hauled a load off the yard yet. At the very best your argument only stands on ignorance- you don't know if his fight record is legit, nor do you know if he has a record which is not officially kept lol, which is actually the record which would interest me most if that was what I was interested in.

And so who are you anyway? I mean, my friend, how do we know your claims aren't just made up hoopla and how do we any of us even know you would know a fighter if you saw one. Just saying mind the coin or the sword that cuts both ways.

Have you produced a body of literature? A body of students and loyal disciples? Vouched for by a brotherhood of insane martial artists? What do you look like?

mawali

11-03-2009, 08:26 AM

richard sloan

11-03-2009, 12:44 PM

In the present world of IMA/CMA and market segmentation, wearing the robe is akin to standing out and showing you have soemthing out of the ordinary!

On one hand we say the clothes does not make the man but in IMA/CMA, it is the clothes that makes the entrance, or a sheep in wolf's clothing or vice versa.
Whether you judge a book by its cover or not is a personal decision but if you have 2 people, one wearing a monks robe and the other a suit and they both know Shaolin methods and training, it is the one with the monk's clothing that wins out. IT WORKS!
Now all the Shaolin monks in USA or Europe (for the most part) realize that, to be taken seriously, leave the suit and the jogging uniform at home. That is just the marketing reality!

amitofu

I'd say it's a little bit deeper than that. for more insight as to why the robes can be a big deal for some you have to go back through some of the history and persecution. At least for some, it's not exactly fair to say it's marketing.

He's a disciple. He has every right to wear what he does, and say what he is saying, as far as I know of him.

LFJ

11-03-2009, 07:14 PM

check this out. these sticks are not breaking! he's just caraaazy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vD75-zRluy0

i like how he says; "strong, boy! come on!" you cant hurt this guy.

i think if you have any doubts you can try to tell him yourself! bring sticks, bricks or whatever.

richard sloan

11-04-2009, 09:42 PM

2 things.

1. If you don't break the stick on them, it tends to get them heated lmao.
2. Keep in mind a lot of the preliminary stuff is just to make things look good. You could walk up to him and smash a kick into him or crack a stickball bat on him sameway. It's not like he needs to do all those preliminary chi movements.

Okay, three things, is that a turntable set up there in the back....?

if so, major PROPS are in order lol.

LFJ

11-05-2009, 04:38 AM

Okay, three things, is that a turntable set up there in the back....?

if so, major PROPS are in order lol.

i think it might be. :cool:

the only thing i dont like about that video is how they almost killed the audience members. what the hell were they thinking? he could have been in some serious trouble for that one.

richard sloan

11-05-2009, 12:22 PM

yeah they got lucky on that one.

I mean, not to get all monty python, but...those stick fragments have some hustle on them, and you know it's all fun and games until someone gets a stick in their eye. We usually have gym mats set up.

LFJ

11-05-2009, 06:00 PM

well still, you usually stand facing the audience so the stick doesnt go flying directly at them.

thats what confused me. wasnt it obvious that if it broke it would fly straight into the crowd?

GeneChing

11-19-2009, 10:26 AM

Interesting marketing. Did he really get an endorsement from Oprah and Tiger? That would be awesome.

Qigong Can Cut the Risk of Catching Flu (http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/11/prweb3226484.htm)

A ancient moving meditation from a Buddhist temple in China can boost the immune system, a study has shown.

(PRWEB) November 19, 2009 -- Qigong exercises that were originally practiced by Shaolin monks to boost their martial power can increase the immune system by up to 50% if practiced at least three times a week.

The Qigong Workout whose advocates include Oprah Winfrey and Tiger Woods increase the immune system by activating the lymphatic system, increasing the intake of oxygen and improving circulation.

Shifu Yan Lei, the author of Instant Health: The Shaolin Qigong Workout For Longevity says, "The only thing that can cure a cold or flu is our immune system and the best way to boost our immune system is with a regular Qigong Workout.”

The study conducted at Wonkwang University in the Republic of Korea showed that individuals practicing Qigong had a much higher type of white blood cell that plays an active role in immune function.

“At the Shaolin temple we were not allowed one day off from training and none of us ever got a cold,” says Yan Lei who went there as a boy to study these ancient Qigong movements.

In his book he personally guides the reader through a complete Qigong Workout that combines simple martial movements with stretches and breathing exercises.

“There is nothing esoteric or hippy about Qigong. They are practical exercises that can help us to beat the winter bugs.”

Instant Health: The Shaolin Qigong Workout For Longevity is distributed by Small Press United in North America. And it is available from: www.qigongworkout.com in Europe.

monkeyfoot

05-02-2010, 04:56 PM

who cares if he is a 'lay disciple'... Wong Long was a lay disciple of the Shaolin Temple and hell, he created the entire mantis fighting system.

Anyways, which forms do Shaolin Temple U.K teach? XiaoHong has been mentioned, but are the others like SevenStar etc taught too? What about weapons - staff, saber, jian, spear etc?

Eugene

05-03-2010, 06:34 AM

monkeyfoot

05-04-2010, 04:28 PM

I dont want to get in trouble but I get the feeling with this school that San Shou is higher on the list then for example Xiao Hong Quan.

Schools have the freedom to teach what they like or want in ways I guess but I never understood why a Shaolin School teaches San Shou, especially since according to wiki the Chinese Goverment developped this type of Martial Art for the Military in the 1960s
( I know wiki is not always correct ) :)

It appears more like a Chinese Boxing school with pictures of gloves on the main page to me.

I have been wondering about/thinking the exact same thing. I have trained mantis for the last 4 years, so I am used to seeing/practicing quite a few forms/weapons along with sparring/application. I dont want to gallop through the shaolin forms, but it does worry me that the school seems to mainly promote SanShou, with a few Kung Fu specific warm ups/drills, than anything else. In this sense it does appear to be a Chinese boxing school, and what application are taken from the form/s seem to be only those suitable for gloves :(

I moved to London a few years ago and since have just had to train on my own. I always liked the idea of Shaolin U.K, but again everytime I became interested and looked at their site/videos, I got a little unenthused by all the SanShou. I emailed them a few days ago and asked if they taught any other forms etc.

I'm hoping all the nice arm breaks, finger strikes and claws to the groin are present within their teaching syllabus, as well as the SanShou techs.

pazman

05-04-2010, 09:40 PM

I'm hoping all the nice arm breaks, finger strikes and claws to the groin are present within their teaching syllabus, as well as the SanShou techs.

I hope I don't give away secrets:rolleyes: but the vast majority of Shaolin techniques are not "nice arm breaks, finger strikes and claws to the groin".

I feel that San Shou is completely compatible with Shaolin. In fact, I would say most of Shaolin is "advanced" material that should only be learned after you can withstand the rigors of full-contact fighting.

I've never trained with the school in question but it seems far more worthwhile to learn Shaolin in conjunction with San Shou than Shaolin in conjunction with modern taolu that you see in most of these "monks'" schools.

pazman

05-04-2010, 09:59 PM

monkeyfoot

05-05-2010, 02:56 AM

I hope I don't give away secrets:rolleyes: but the vast majority of Shaolin techniques are not "nice arm breaks, finger strikes and claws to the groin".

.

Quite true, I was wasn't using these as direct examples of shaolin techniques (they're actually more 'mantis'), but instead to demonstrate the sort of techniques/style of learning I'm also looking for. SanShou might well be compatible with Shaolin, but as you have pointed out there is a distinction. I am hoping that they dont just teach SanShou as Shaolin Kung Fu...if that makes sense

Shaolin has lots of techniques along with QinNa that cant be executed wearing gloves, i'd hope ithey teach both.

Anyway, I going to head over for a year anyway. They have an offer on for 365 pounds for the whole year, which is pretty **** good!

David Jamieson

05-05-2010, 05:15 AM

What's wrong with san shou? I would think people would be all on board with that in the west.

Eugene

05-05-2010, 08:35 AM

@monkeyfoot

I understand what you mean, it just a lil puzzeling.

monkeyfoot

05-06-2010, 04:13 AM

What's wrong with san shou? I would think people would be all on board with that in the west.

Nothing wrong with it David, but it would be nice to also combine the more 'art' side of shaolin, if that makes sense.

Not saying I just want to sit in Ma Bu all day with the warped idea that it will make me a great fighter, but I do dig the traditional aspects of Shaolin, like forms etc - not just working the bag

Craig

Water-quan

05-20-2010, 11:10 AM

Asking someone who claims to have a fight record what that fight record is shouldn't really be answered by 'I'm not telling so there!' and certainly not by 'How dare you ask me? Come down to my class and ask me, and see what happens to you!'

If you do answer like that, then that will inevitably create suspicion about the claims, justified or not.

But I also notice that many times it's not the teachers who do this, but their students, accidentally making their teachers look bad. 'Negative devotees' is the phrase, I believe.

Plimft

06-01-2010, 01:20 PM

Surely a high importance on San Shou is a good thing? After all why learn something if you can't apply your new knowledge??

monkeyfoot

06-01-2010, 03:17 PM

Surely a high importance on San Shou is a good thing? After all why learn something if you can't apply your new knowledge??

This is a valid point and I do agree. However, sanshou is not reality street fighting, and in the end they're still wearing gloves...so applying techniques to sanshou isn't 'real' application of fighting techniques per say.

Plimft

06-02-2010, 11:02 AM

You're right, San Shou isn't reality street fighting, but it's a good test of your fighting skills. In my experience if you try to train for 'street' fighting in a dojo you spend more time comparing cool looking techniques that have no viability than you do training for proper 'street' fights. A good example is Bujinkan, lots of pretty moves but you spend all your time doing them half speed cos they're too dangerous to practice full tilt.

That's my opinion anyway ;) I'm a fan of San Shou. I believe if you can hold your own on the Lei Tai you can probably hold your own on the streets...

Plimft

06-02-2010, 11:08 AM

Also, to say that Shaolin Temple UK is solely a San Shou school is a little unfair. When I trained there ther us a bias towards San Shou when conducting Gong Fu training but there's also forms training along with practical applications of all your form techniques. There's meditation, qi gong and even tai chi! It's a very good rounded school that caters for all facets of martial arts, or at least it did when I trained there previously and I plan to go back there, so it must have made an impression!

JamesC

07-22-2010, 05:47 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CPIsrzFEMw

Anyone seen these?

JamesC

07-22-2010, 06:30 PM

Thanks for the redirect!

The clips I watched looked pretty good to me.

GeneChing

02-06-2012, 10:12 AM

HOW I SHAPED UP THE SHAOLIN WAY (http://www.express.co.uk/features/view/300411/How-I-shaped-up-the-Shaolin-way%20?%3E)
Monday February 6,2012
By Alice Smellie

IT IS 6am on a freezing cold winter morning. The sky is dark and the house quiet except for the muted panting of a seriously unfit woman. I am trying to follow a Shaolin disciple’s elegant movements on an exercise DVD. To be honest I’d rather be in bed.

Welcome to my life attempting to be a Shaolin monk. I am neither male nor Chinese, traditional prerequisites, yet apparently I will live longer, have more energy and spurn junk food if I follow a 20-minute series of exercise, meditation and self-massage every morning.

Why would a stressed-out Home Counties mum decide to follow the ancient teachings of Chinese monks? Strangely a film gave me the idea. I was watching the latest Johnny English comedy with my children and became intrigued by the Shaolin training that enables our spy to defeat baddies with just the power of his mind, and some elegant fighting moves.

Could I defeat my three high-spirited children and regular insomnia with some similar mental discipline? I travel to the Shaolin Temple in north London to find out.

After a two-and-a-half-hour drive in rush-hour traffic I’m sweating with frustration but the temple is calm, dark and cool inside. I am welcomed by Shaolin disciple Shifu Shi Yan Lei.

Now 39 he left his family and home in the Chinese province of Xinjiang at the age of 14 to start his monk’s training. He founded the first Shaolin temple in Europe in London 10 years ago.

These monks practice Zen Buddhism and while some chant and meditate, the warrior monks (the ones who smash planks with their bare hands) learn different styles of the martial arts of kung fu and qigong.

Today I’ll be learning the more gentle version of qigong devised by an Indian monk 1,500 years ago to help ordinary people protect against stress and ill health.

“The monks got tired meditating for hours and their bodies ached,” Yan Lei explains. “So exercises were created which allowed them to use their minds and their bodies at the same time.

“These movements and breathing techniques both increase energy and prolong life as your organs are oxygenated and your posture and stamina improved. They can help insomnia, poor digestion, backache, disease and computer-related stress and anyone can do them.”

The monks are mostly vegetarians although warrior monks, who practise six times a week for six hours a day, are allowed to eat meat.

In the order food is treated as medicine so there is no processed food or sugar but lots of fresh vegetables, steamed bread and noodles.

I’m sold. So sitting cross-legged and barefoot on the soft floor of the dimly lit temple he first shows me how to meditate. I close my eyes and concentrate on breathing in and out through my nose. All I can think about is how much I need to do at home.

He then takes me through the exercises. First I am shown the Five Fundamental Stances which strengthen the legs and increase stamina by forcing you to use a different centre of gravity and muscles for balance.

The breathing is crucial. “You have to breathe through your diaphragm,” says Yan Lei. This means you take in more oxygen. As directed I close my mouth and push my tongue against my teeth. As I inhale I pull in my tummy and diaphragm, a move specific to qigong called reverse breathing to make the exercises more effective. I concentrate hard and feel a little light-headed as my lungs are flooded with oxygen.

Then he takes me through seven basic exercises needed for a routine called the Eight Treasures. The eighth exercise is when you link them all together. Focusing on breathing and slow movement I concentrate on keeping my balance as I move through the positions. I start with Push The Sky, pushing my hands to the side and above my head to activate the lungs.

Next is Bow And Arrow where I move my arms back as though I’m an archer. It feels easy until he corrects me and I can feel my body protesting.

I move into One Hand Plucking the Stars, moving one hand upwards and the other to the ground, before trying Take Your Shoes Off in which I rock backwards and forwards in a crouching position until I can feel my hamstrings object.

Hold Your Feet works the back as you sway from foot to foot in a crouch and Clench The Fist is where you power punch outwards.

We finish with Seven Stamps, literally stamping with both feet to clear the bad energy out of the body.

Finally we breathe in and out deeply three times and finish by massaging our stomachs in a circular motion to help with digestion.

I feel rejuvenated and ready to take on the challenges of the outside world. I am looking forward to testing out the regime at home and hopefully uniting my mind and body. I will apparently will be more flexible, youthful and peaceful.

That’s how I find myself up half an hour earlier than necessary, stretching sleepily in the spare room.

I move diligently through the exercises and then attempt two minutes of meditation.

Finally I massage myself all over using a bamboo brush I have been given at the temple. This variant of body brushing is supposed to relieve stress and tension and stimulate the lymphatic system. The monks use a metal brush to perform the massage.

I feel wide awake after the exercises. Perhaps it’s the peace as I perform the stretches that makes me feel less stressed than usual as I run around getting three children their breakfast, packing their bags and shooting out of the house by 8am.

After 10 days I feel like a changed woman. I eat vast amounts of vegetables and have tried to avoid my customary mid-afternoon creme egg.

I have more energy and am undoubtedly less stressed. I am also sleeping much better. My body feels stronger and best of all my tummy is flatter and I can feel new muscles in my thighs.

I’m not sure I’ll be continuing to get up at 6am but I think I can incorporate the Shaolin movements into my life.

As Yan Lei points out: “Even five minutes a day counts. After a year that’s 1,825 minutes towards a better you.” The good ol' 8 section brocade. ;)

ShaolinDiva

02-06-2012, 10:25 AM

The good ol' 8 section brocade. ;)

Nothing like the Baduanjin to wake you up in the morning. but it never does anything for my insomnia :)

Another YanLei too. how many are there now? :eek:

LFJ

02-06-2012, 01:01 PM

Another YanLei too. how many are there now? :eek:

Another? The website given is at the end of the article is this one: http://www.shifuyanlei.co.uk/

Is there any other Yanlei?

GeneChing

02-12-2014, 09:23 AM

...or not.

'The coalman, the Dragon and the Buddha' (http://www.independent.ie/regionals/droghedaindependent/entertainment/the-coalman-the-dragon-and-the-buddha-30002013.html)

Nick Costello represents the Shaolin Buddhist Temple in Slane and has written a book called 'The Coalman, The Dragon & the Buddha, to be launched on Thursday, February 13, between 7 and 9 p.m. in the Westcourt Hotel. The book is about his own journey from his roots in Dublin to enlightenment in Hong Kong.

All profits will be going to Shaolin Buddhist Temple (a registered charity), SOSAD and the Gary Kelly Centre.

There will be a Chinese lion and dragon dance performed on the night for people's entertainment.

GeneChing

10-17-2014, 10:51 AM

I posted an article on Yanlei on our 3rd-Shaolin-Cultural-Festival-Chinese-Zodiac-&-Treasure-Exhibition (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?67839-3rd-Shaolin-Cultural-Festival-Chinese-Zodiac-amp-Treasure-Exhibition-2014&p=1277626#post1277626) thread. Here's another one.

Ten Tips From A Shaolin Monk On How To Stay Young Forever (http://themindunleashed.org/2014/10/ten-tips-shaolin-monk-stay-young-forever-2.html)
The Mind Unleashed
on 16 October, 2014 at 14:26

http://themindunleashed.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/ten-tipss.jpg

People always say health is the most important thing but how many people live by this belief? We need to start today. In order to help us stay on the path to health I have translated an extract from one of the Shaolin Classics. Written by a monk who was a great martial artist and scholar, here he gives advice to lay people as to how to stay young and healthy.

Ten Tips From A Shaolin Monk On How To Stay Young

1) Don’t think too much. Thinking takes energy. Thinking can make you look old.

2) Don’t talk too much. Most people either talk or do. Better to do.

3) When you work, work for 40 minutes then stop for 10 minutes. When you look at something all the time, it can damage your eyes and also your internal organs and peace.

4) When you are happy, you need to control your happiness, if you lose control then you damage your lung energy.

5) Don’t worry too much or get angry because this damages your liver and your intestines.

6) When you eat food don’t eat too much, always make sure you are not quite full as this can damage your spleen. When you feel a bit hungry then eat a little.

7) When you do things, take your time, don’t hurry too much. Remember the saying “Hasten slowly you will soon arrive.”

8) If you only do physical exercise all the time and you never do Qigong this makes you lose your balance and you will become impatient. You lose the Yin of your body. Exercise balances the Yin and the Yang.

9) If you never exercise, just peace, meditation, soft training, Qigong, then this doesn’t give you Yang energy so you use up your Yang energy.

10) Shaolin Gong Fu gives you everything. The purpose of our training is to balance our Yin and Yang. How many hours is not important. It’s down to knowing what your body needs.
About the Author

Shifu Yan Lei is a 34th generation Shaolin Gong Fu Master. Visit his blog here, and you can sign up to his newsletter, monthly training tips and archives. He also offers DVDs and meditative aids.

GeneChing

09-22-2015, 09:13 AM

It's not just Great Britain... ;)

Get a kick from spa session with Shaolin monks (http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/news/get-a-kick-from-spa-session-with-shaolin-monks-31544037.html)
Emma Jane Hade
Published 21/09/2015 | 02:30

http://cdn3.independent.ie/irish-news/article31544036.ece/00c23/ALTERNATES/h342/2015-09-21_iri_13022464_I1.JPG
Authentic Shaolin Masters Master Zheng and Master Jinlei Wang arrived to Ireland over the weekend from the Henan Province in China for a three month residency at Monart Destination Spa in Wexford where they will showcase of Shaolin Culture. Shaolin Masters served the people of China as warriors and Buddhist Monks for many centuries earning respect for their discipline, bravery, adaptability and action oriented approach

From the Far East to the south east, two Shaolin masters have arrived to take up a three-month residency in an Irish spa.

Masters Zheng and Jinlei Wang travelled from the ancient Shaolin Temple, in the Chinese province of Henan, to share their expertise in meditation with guests at the Monart Spa in Enniscorthy, Co Wexford.

The duo have spent their lives training at the ancient temple and for the next three months they will showcase some of their traditions and their culture in the luxurious retreat.

The masters come from a tradition which was historically famed for serving the people of China as warriors, and the duo will also showcase their martial arts skills.

Irish Independent
I know exactly what Masters Zheng And Wang are thinking: Best. Gig. Ever.

GeneChing

09-25-2015, 09:44 AM

There's a new live show coming to England called Shaolin which is resulting some promotional buzz like this.

FT Masterclass: Kung fu with the Shaolin monks (http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/5dddb5fa-622f-11e5-9846-de406ccb37f2.html#slide0)
Barney Thompson

http://im.ft-static.com/content/images/d3c0cfad-e2a7-4c96-a5ac-8af6ba7c45a0.img
Kung fu with Shaolin monks©Jack Latham

Grip staff in right hand, kick staff, staff spins; step right and catch in crouching position. Thrust open hand to hit opponent as if coming from the left, balance.

“Again.”

Spin staff without hitting self in face until it arrives behind back, pointing straight. Look back over shoulder to the right before striking to left with edge of palm — crouch, right leg straight, staff behind back.

“Again.”

It takes Shi Miao Yi about half an hour to drill me in the opening section of yin shou gun, a basic form from the ancient art of Shaolin staff fighting. Performing everything he shows me in one go takes about seven seconds. Shi Miao Yi and other young monks are gamely attempting to teach me the fundamentals of the world-famous Shaolin martial arts routines and turn me into a gravity-defying kung fu fighter.

While there are hundreds of different styles of kung fu, the origins of most of them can be retraced over the centuries to the legendary Shaolin Monastery in China’s Henan province. The monastery is said to have been founded in 495AD and, according to one theory, the exercises were developed to counteract the weakening effects of long hours of meditation; the Shaolin monastery’s other claim to fame is as the birthplace of Zen Buddhism.

Over time, these exercises metamorphosed into an array of martial arts, partly as a means of self-defence. The monastery has been burnt down and its occupants persecuted on numerous occasions, including during the Cultural Revolution. Following a revival in the 1980s, millions have now visited the Shaolin monastery in the shadow of Mount Song, while troupes of monks tour the world, dazzling audiences with feats of strength, agility and endurance.

Today, however, the Shaolin monks and I have wound up in a dance studio in a Butlin’s holiday camp in the English coastal resort of Bognor Regis. This is where they have spent much of the summer entertaining the campers, with jaunts to Minehead and Skegness thrown in, before moving on to three weeks of shows in London. In these less-than-monastic surroundings, it takes them all of a 30-minute warm-up to finish me off.

The short sprints across the studio are fine, as is the hopping, but then we move from wall to wall with froglike squat-jumps. This is followed by a bandy-legged, Cossack-style kicking while circling the room, which looks vaguely comic until you try doing it.

Next we line up in two rows of six and practise the classic kung fu crouching stances. We start with one knee bent, the other dead straight and — this is the tricky bit — the soles of both feet flat on the ground. Shi Miao Yi, who, at 22, is in charge of training, comes over to correct me; he knows only a few words of English; unfortunately one of them is “straight” (to go with “again”).

Shi Miao Yi barks a command and 11 monks flick from left leg to right, not so closely followed by me. Another shout and we shift back, and back again, and so on, all at top speed, turning to confront imaginary opponents attacking front and behind.

With feet still wide apart we squat low, our weight central, and begin punching — one fist out, the other withdrawn to the waist. The monks accompany each punch with a shout while I quietly focus on the growing burn in my thighs. For some relief we throw in a few press-ups — me with palms flat, everyone else on their fingertips.

But the real torture is yet to come. Squatting again, we clasp our hands out in front of our stomachs and hold position. After 30 seconds my legs are on fire and the sweat is streaming down my face. Shi Miao Yi’s only reaction is to place a hand on my shoulder. “Relax.”

After another 30 seconds my legs are shaking. I lean forward in an effort to bring some other muscles into play but Shi Miao Yi gently prods my back to straighten it. A few more seconds and I sink to the floor. The monks carry on until ordered to stand, but I am in no doubt the exercise was cut short to lessen my humiliation.

The phrase “kung fu” translates roughly as “skill achieved through hard work”, though it has become synonymous with Chinese martial arts. I ask Shi Miao Xiong, the serene 25-year-old team leader, how often the monks practise. “Ten hours a day,” he replies. “We have about 20 days off a year.”

Shi Miao Xiong began training at the Shaolin monastery when he was three, though he tells me that at that age boys are first tested to see if they are strong and healthy enough to endure the lifestyle of a fighting monk. “I soon fell in love with kung fu so I took it seriously,” he says.

Does he have a favourite style? “There are about 500,” he says. “I know only about 50.” He smiles and adds: “But my favourite is probably the Shaolin long knife.”

Some people credit the monastery’s revival in recent decades to the 1982 Jet Li film The Shaolin Temple. The idea is an appealing one: the modern medium for myths helping to revive the fortunes of a temple wreathed in martial legends. Meanwhile the monks’ successful tours of live shows have spread the magic beyond martial arts fans.

Shi Miao Xiong says his team will spend about three months this year on tour but adds the amount of travel varies considerably. How much of the show is real kung fu and how much stunts to wow the crowds? “I’d say about half and half,” says Shi Miao Xiong. “Some of our real training is too boring to attract people to the show. On stage we have to be quicker, stronger and combine everything with the sound and lighting.”

Having completed our exercises and drills, I am offered a choice of weapons: sword, whip or staff. I choose the staff because, apart from fists and feet, it seems to me to be the quintessential weapon of the Shaolin monk.

As with all the forms and patterns in kung fu, the devil is in the minute, maddening detail. Shi Miao Yi is patient and encouraging but relentless.

Whoosh staff from behind back to clobber opponent; do same through 180° to zap second opponent coming other way. Crouch and thrust left again, whack staff on floor, do not mangle fingers; straighten left leg and bend right knee, thrust staff to right, look over left shoulder . . .

“Again.”

Barney Thompson is a reporter and editor on the FT’s UK news desk. The Shaolin Monks will be performing at The Pea**** Theatre in London from September 29 to October 17

GeneChing

11-02-2015, 10:07 AM

I keep thinking I should split this into an independent thread...someday.

Shaolin Staycation: A spa break with a difference at Monart in Enniscorthy (http://www.independent.ie/life/travel/ireland/shaolin-staycation-a-spa-break-with-a-difference-at-monart-in-enniscorthy-34148830.html)
Stress? What stress?
Nicola Brady Published 01/11/2015 | 02:30

http://cdn-03.independent.ie/life/travel/ireland/article34148825.ece/cc5af/ALTERNATES/h342/2015-10-31_lif_13958968_I2.JPG
Shaolin Master classes at Monart Spa

A Shaolin Experience in Enniscorthy makes for a stress-busting staycation with a difference, says Nicola Brady.

Set the mood

I'm mirroring the motions of a Shaolin Master, who is dressed in orange robes and moving slowly and methodically. He has little English; the verbal instruction he gives is mostly limited to "breathe in… breathe out". Oddly though, being told when to breathe is almost as relaxing as the movements themselves.

I'm in a Qi-Gong masterclass, learning the eight ancient exercises of the Shaolin, which promote health and longevity. But I'm far from the Henan Province in China, where Masters train. I'm in the depths of Wexford, at Monart Destination Spa, where a pair have taken up residence to showcase their 2,000-year-old traditions through classes, demonstrations and treatments.

Guilty Pleasure

Dinner in Monart's restaurant is included in the Shaolin Experience package, and it's a decadent affair, far from preconceived notions of spa cuisine.

Rich, intricate dishes utilise the best of Irish produce, including a notable starter of ravioli stuffed with plump Dublin Bay prawns. Classic roast chicken is a dish that can be difficult to impress with, but I enjoyed a flawlessly succulent breast paired with creamy hints of goat's cheese that left me too full for dessert, but the chocolate and passion fruit torte proved tempting, regardless.

The breakfast is just as impressive, with a wide selection of fruits, compotes and pastries. Be sure to save room for the Eggs Benedict, though.

http://cdn-04.independent.ie/life/travel/ireland/article34148824.ece/b4780/ALTERNATES/w620/2015-10-31_lif_13958726_I1.JPG
A dessert from Monart Spa's restaurant

Cheap Kick

Classes led by the Shaolin Masters are free for all guests at Monart, and include Qi-Gong, Tai Chi and meditation. There can be up to six a day, all designed to relieve stress, promote strength and release tension. I left each class with a feeling of intense calm, my usual hurried pace reduced to a serene amble. Tai Chi proved a little trickier than Qi-Gong, with our floundering efforts leaving one Master in giggles. But it's worth filling your schedule with as many classes as possible, for maximum benefit.

Top tip

Between classes, make the most of the exemplary spa facilities that Monart is famed for, from the infrared sauna to the salt grotto. Don't bother packing too much, either - the vast majority of guests spend their time in bathrobes, dressing only for dinner.

Insider Intel

Shaolin Warrior Massage was designed by the Shaolin (who served China as warriors and Buddhist monks) to keep the body healthy and strong, ensuring the warriors stayed fighting fit. It's far from a traditional massage - you're fully clothed, and the movements are percussive, fast-paced and strong. It may not be to everyone's liking, but it's one of the best treatments I've ever had.

Glitches

Monart is keen to uphold its reputation as a cocoon free from distractions, but the lack of in-room WiFi is a little grating (it can be found in the old house, however). Tea and coffee facilities should be in the bedrooms at this price point, too.

Get me there

Monart's Shaolin Experience package includes two nights with breakfast, dinner on one evening, full use of the spa facilities, access to all of the classes and a Shaolin Warrior Massage. Prices start from €299pps. The Shaolin Masters are in residence until December 13. The five-star resort is just outside of Enniscorthy, 130km from Dublin. See monart.ie for more. If you want to venture off-campus, take a look at visitwexford.ie for things to do in Wexford.

GeneChing

04-11-2016, 08:01 AM

Hampshire's first Shaolin temple to open (http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/14416626.Hampshire_s_first_Shaolin_temple_to_open/)

http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/resources/images/4853033.jpg?display=1&htype=488&type=mc3.
UK Shaolin Temple celebrate the launch of the animation Kung Fu Panda 3 at the Odeon in Southampton.

2 days ago / Rebecca Pearson, Reporter

THEY are the ultimate Buddhist warriors.

Known for amazing feats of strength, flexibility and pain endurance the Shaolin monks have been looked to for their outstanding Kung Fu skills for 1,500 years.

But now, for the first time in history, Hampshire is set to get its own Shaolin temple.

The UK Shaolin Temple will today open its doors with a bumper celebration of firecrackers, dancing dragons and martial arts demonstrations.

The Southampton temple features martial arts training and meditation rooms and the charity hopes to expand in the near future to provide Chinese language and arts classes, making the premises the UK’s only Chinese cultural centre of it’s type.

The UK Shaolin Temple was founded by 34th-generation Shaolin warrior monk Shi Yan Min in 2002 but up until now the organisation has been using schools and church halls across the south to meet and provide classes.

Now the charity has transformed a former car mechanic’s premises into a Shaolin retreat and a little piece of China in the heart of the city.

Shi Yan Min said: “I had a strong vision of what I wanted to create – an environment that would help and inspire learning and teaching, but also a retreat from the pressures of life.

“As you can appreciate we also had to have a good imagination to see the possibility of the garage, and faith in people to know its potential could be fulfilled in a short space of time with limited resources. We have received unprecedented kindness and generosity in time and resources.

“This includes our members, our extraordinary new neighbours Southampton Makerspace, and local businesses across Hampshire. The vision of this temple would not have been realised without them.”

Everyone is welcome to join in the celebrations which will begin with a dragon dance along Shirley Road in Freemantle from 11.30am.

People are asked to take photos of the dragon as it makes its way along the high street and post them to social media site Twitter using the hashtag #FollowTheDragon.

The dragon will be greeted at the temple in Liners Industrial Estate in Pitt Road at 12pm by the Mayor of Southampton Cllr Linda Norris and police and crime comissioner Simon Hayes and Ms Ma Lei and Mr Feng Xirong from the Chinese Embassy.

The Mayor will cut the ribbon officially opening the temple at 12.30pm and students will show off the martial arts skills with demonstrations from 12.45pm.

The temple, which welcomes people of all backgrounds and religions, will be the only Shaolin Buddhist temple in the south coast - with the next nearest in London and Bristol.

For more details about the temple and classes call 0845 519 6698 or visit ukshaolintemple.com.

I don't know Yanmin offhand, but I gave up trying to keep track of overseas Shaolin monks years ago...

GeneChing

07-15-2016, 09:21 AM

Shaolin: It’s a knowledge, it’s a master key (http://www.camdennewjournal.com/shaolin)

http://www.camdennewjournal.com/sites/all/files/nj_camden/letters/ShifuYanZi.jpg?1468581783
You learn a philosophy: Shifu Shi Yanzi brings the way of Shaolin

Published: 14 July, 2016
by STEVE BARNETT

HIDDEN away in the province of Tufnell Park is a martial arts temple guarding “the master key to life”.

Many are familiar with the giant red gates in Junction Road, but what lies behind them is as mysterious today as it was when they first appeared in north London some 18 years ago.

For many, martial arts is a codified system of combat, practised for a vast variety of reasons, ranging from self-defence, military and law enforcement, to physical fitness or simply letting off steam after a hard day at the office.

At the Shaolin Temple UK, however, students learn “the truest translation” of martial arts: the art of not fighting.

Founded in 1998 by 34th generation fighting monk Shifu Shi Yanzi, the Shaolin Temple UK is an official emissary of the 1,500-year-old Shaolin Temple in Henan Province in China.

The first disciple of the Abbot Venerable Shi Yong Xin, Shifu Shi Yanzi has dedicated 35 years to Shaolin, which he describes as “three cultures in one”.

As the Grandmaster recalls: “I first started training at the Song Shan Shaolin Temple in Henan Province in China when I was 16. I wanted to join the army, but I was too young. So instead I moved to the Shaolin Temple. It was my dream.

“In 1998 I came to London to set up the first Shaolin Temple in the UK. It was quite hard at the time because I didn’t speak English. But if you know what you’re doing, if you’re passionate and have heart, you will make it work.

“In the beginning I didn’t have any students, so I taught all around London so that people knew who I was.

“I went everywhere.”

Shifu Shi Yanzi now lives in King’s Cross and, with great calm, he explained what students learned behind those giant red gates was more than just martial arts – it was a way of life.

“Normally people teaching martial arts, like boxing, kickboxing or Thai boxing, they just teach,” he said.

“They don’t talk about life, about wisdom, or about karma.

“Shaolin is a really rich culture, it’s three cultures in one – Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism.

“That’s why it is so famous and well-known.”

Explaining the importance behind the temple’s discipline, Shifu Shi Yanzi added: “You cannot learn the proper kung fu if you have ego, anger, or selfishness in your heart.

“That’s why when I teach you, I have to make sure that the seeds grow properly.

“I’ve been here for 18 years. I have a lot of students who come back to say thank you, to say that they appreciate what they have been taught.

“Shaolin is knowledge, it’s a master key. You learn a philosophy that will help calm you down, it will help you find answers and give you direction.

“If you come here, and Shaolin gives you direction, and gives you the energy you need to guide your life, then I’m very happy – but you don’t have to thank me too much because it’s my duty. It’s my job.”

The Shaolin Temple UK holds regular classes, including Kung Fu-Ch’an, Qi Gong and Ch’an Buddhism. Details: call 020 7687 8333 or visit www.shaolintempleuk.org

The painting in that photo looks like it was based on Yanneng (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/magazine/article.php?article=955).

GeneChing

01-04-2017, 09:26 AM

The Shaolin Temple In An Abandoned Railway Station (http://londonist.com/london/features/the-shaolin-temple-in-an-abandoned-railway-station)
BY HARRY ROSEHILL

When you find yourself furiously whacking your forehead with a bundle of sticks, let's hope you're at the Shaolin Temple in Tufnell Park.

https://assets.londonist.com/uploads/2016/12/i875/wood.jpg

Before we get onto the self-flagellation, a little background on the building the temple resides in: it used to be Junction Road railway station, a stop on what's now the London Overground line between Gospel Oak and Barking (affectionately known as the GOBLIN). The station lay between Gospel Oak and Upper Holloway and is the subject of a characteristically upbeat John Betjeman poem entitled Suicide on Junction Road Station after Abstention from Evening Communion in North London.

The station was closed in 1943 after the nearby Tufnell Park station opened on the Northern line. The temple came along in 2001, the last time the building was up for sale. It'll hope that recent calls to reopen the station won't come to fruition.

https://assets.londonist.com/uploads/2016/12/i875/unassuming.jpg

We were curious to know what attracted people to kung fu and the Shaolin lifestyle. Growing up we'd always associated kung fu with Bruce Lee movies and the music of Wu Tang Clan. And talking to Elliott — who works at Shaolin Temple and trained here for many years — that's the initial jumping off point for most people.

Yet although that's what drew him to the temple, it's not what he stuck around for. Instead, qi gong — an ancient Chinese health care system based around flexibility, core strength and meditation — was where Elliott's attention shifted. We'll come to our own experience with qi gong soon, but in layman's terms it's a a kind of ancient Chinese yoga. With self-flagellation.

Shaolin Temple offers two classes most nights, a meditation and qi gong session, followed by a more traditional kung fu session. The temple's demographic has changed, as Tufnell Park had changed around it. Qi gong and the like are now practised widely by those who've gentrified the area. Not that Elliott views this as a positive or negative thing, rather just an aspect of life.

https://assets.londonist.com/uploads/2016/12/i875/peace.jpg

It was time to get hands on. First came meditation. We're rather fidgety, so this could have gone better. It proved difficult to focus on breathing with trains constantly rattling by. Elliott had told us that meditation went hand in hand with physical training (there was no way we'd be mastering this today). After a seemingly eternal half an hour, we moved onto the qi gong... which is where the real difficulties began.

The lesson started with some simplistic core exercises we could just about keep up with, and even a move akin to Goku from Dragon Ball Z's kamehameha, which roused a sense of childhood joy. Then the instructor spoke those five fateful words. "Now we do the splits."

Then the instructor spoke those five fateful words. "Now we do the splits."

As low as we could go, the distance between our legs was still at rather an acute angle. When the instructor wandered over, we gave him a look, appealing to his sense of pity... suddenly we felt our legs kicked further apart. After that, everything was a struggle, John Betjeman's poem popping into our mind on more than one occasion.

The act of hitting ourselves turned out to be our favourite part of either class. Apparently it's an energy massage (though this wasn't made clear at the time) and begins with the class slapping each part of their body with their palm, before moving onto the brush. Despite straying too close to a delicate region a few times, it turned out to be a pretty painless, almost enjoyable experience.
It was time for the next class to drain our joy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNGj0jOA1mQ

The trendy qi gong crowd seemed to have scarpered. Instead, here for the kung fu class, was a group who'd been drawn in by those Bruce Lee movies, and the ever increasing popularity of MMA.

Journalistic integrity was at stake and we didn't feel we could cover the Shaolin Temple without both experiences. On we went. The second class started with some similar aspects of the first, the core holds and ****ed splits. This time our legs weren't kicked apart, so either the instructor had decided to take pity on us, or has forever widened our stance. Then we practised kicking as high as possible — at alarming pace.

Either the instructor had decided to take pity on us, or has forever widened our stance.

At this point we employed a trick from our school days — trying to do as little in PE classes as possible. Every time the instructor looked away we stood still, desperately trying to catch our breath. No, we're not proud, but to adopt the oft-quoted wartime phrase: "I did what I had to, to survive."

Then it was time for a drill where we'd try and string some punches and blocks together. This had a rhythmic quality to it; when we moved in the right direction with the rest of the class it felt amazing... though it meant we looked like a real sore thumb the few times we didn't.

https://assets.londonist.com/uploads/2016/12/i875/splits.jpg
People far more flexible than the author. Photo: Shaolin Temple

Finally, a (brief) fling with sparring. Here, we made a miraculous discovery — we're weren't the only ones dead on out feet. Our partner seemed to have as little behind his punches as us... if punches is the right term. Rather, it was like falling towards each other with our hands in front of us, followed by lengthy pauses.

It turned out our partner, whose name we've shamefully forgotten (possibly a sign we were in pure survival mode at this point), was also a relative newcomer to kung fu. For him, it turned out, kung fu was just one in a long line of martial arts he'd tried before falling out of practise. Perhaps Shaolin Temple was the place to get back into it. Although, judging by his punches, perhaps not.

Ultimately our fitness had let us down, though considering we did back-to-back classes that's not surprising. Shaolin Temple is an outpost for the tradition of Shaolin culture, catering to both young and old, those who can do the splits and those who can't. And just when you feel you're about to collapse from exhaustion, you discover it's got a vegetarian restaurant too.

Get involved with Shaolin Temple (https://www.shaolintempleuk.org/shaolin-temple-uk/).

All photos by the author unless specified.
Last Updated 03 January 2017

That's got to be interesting architecture. Reminds me of our own repurposed auto shop (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?37527-Shaolin-Shows-in-SF-Bay-Area&p=838047#post838047).

GeneChing

10-19-2017, 10:54 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7DRdoaCNw0

GeneChing

10-19-2018, 07:37 AM

Wow, Yanzi is 51 already. How time flies. I should really split this off into an indie thread for him, because he's one of the pioneers.

Follow the link for a vid:

51-yr-old Shaolin master prepares for fighting competition (http://www.ecns.cn/video/2018-10-19/detail-ifyyzeyv7660090.shtml)
1 2018-10-19 15:17:52 Ecns.cn Editor : Gu Liping

(ECNS)--Shi Yanzi, aged 51, is a prominent Gong Fu master. He is one of the chief disciples of Shi Yongxin, abbot of the Shaolin Temple in China. Shi is currently training for the Chinese Martial Arts World competition where he will face a famous Tanzanian fighter on the evening of October 19 in Zhengzhou.

GeneChing

10-23-2018, 11:10 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cj2CxS0D00k

That's it. I'm creating a new indie Shi Yanzi thread (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?71032-Shi-Yanzi) off the Shaolin Temple UK thread (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?41808-Shaolin-Temple-UK). That began focused on Yanzi but then digressed to include other UK monks. I copied all the mentions of Yanzi, but I did that off a search so I probably missed a few comments.

GeneChing

12-03-2018, 10:23 AM

Of course, this article doesn't mention Yanlei. It's just a 'shaolin monk', something they poached off his blog. You have to follow the discreet link.

Shaolin Monks Have Shared Their Top Tips For Staying Youthful (http://shifuyanlei.blogspot.com/2011/06/ten-tips-from-shaolin-monk-on-how-to.html)
by Chrisa Theodoraki – on Dec 01, 2018 in Health and Fitness

https://static3.thetalkoimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Shaolin-Monks.jpg?q=50&fit=crop&w=798&h=407

As someone famous once said, staying young is an inside job. It’s not just fish oil and collagen supplements we're talking about, but the right state of mind, which, according to Shaolin monks (http://shifuyanlei.blogspot.com/2011/06/ten-tips-from-shaolin-monk-on-how-to.html) is just as important to ward off grey hairs.

And their advice is yours to take, because, come on…Who doesn’t like Shaolin monks?

So enjoy these small grains of Chinese wisdom that are just so diametrically opposite from everything we have been hardwired to believe.

martialarts.community (https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq20NK8h***/?utm_source=ig_embed)
•

https://scontent-sjc3-1.cdninstagram.com/vp/3f20b42d01808db743dc12510738709d/5C907B3D/t51.2885-15/e35/45698551_1216885831799196_2977354531260581314_n.jp g

Don’t think too much If you look older than your actual age, you might be overanalyzing your relationships, friendships, and your life in general. Τhe western world has likened wisdom to endless hours of thinking, but Buddhists monks apparently disagree.

Don’t talk too much Talking is like thinking, it requires your energy. Unless there’s a professional reason to do so, place your focus on your actions rather than your words. Shaolin monks believe that people either do or say. So be thrifty with your precious energy.When you are happy, you must control your feelingsHappiness doesn’t mean screaming on top of your lungs or rolling on the grass like a puppy. Not only this will hurt your lung energy, but your happiness will not last long.

When you work, make sure to take a 10-minute break every 40 minutes This means your body needs around one-and-a-half-hour break in total during your 8-hour working day. Are you getting enough rest?

Don’t overeat A slight feeling of hunger is beneficial and keeps you younger and more alert. There’s no need to reach for a snack every time the stomach feels light.

Resist feelings of anger and worry It doesn't take a Shaolin monk to tell you that walking around with an angry or worried face all the time doesn’t make you feel or look any younger.

Don’t rush things Multitasking and doing things faster are seen as signs of competence nowadays. But if you want to look younger, “hasten slowly and ye shall soon arrive”.

Exercise in a way that keeps your Yin and Yang in balance We all know that people who exercise regularly look younger. But it is important to stretch and relax your body after strenuous exercise to balance your inner energies.

Finally, like a proper Shaolin monk, practice the ancient art of Kung Fu!

THREADS
Shaolin Temple UK (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?41808-Shaolin-Temple-UK)
TCM and Beauty Tips (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?70370-TCM-and-Beauty-Tips)

GeneChing

06-17-2019, 07:33 AM

booyah!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hx-r2IvYoLc

..... maybe you, Xu Xiaodong, are rubbish!! ;) .......lets see Xiaodumb challenge Shi Yan Lei

Yan Lei is mentioned a lot on our Shaolin Temple UK (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?41808-Shaolin-Temple-UK) thread in our Shaolin forum. I'm copying this from our Xu Xiaodong Challenges to Kung Fu (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?70253-Xu-Xiaodong-Challenges-to-Kung-Fu). Xu does seem to cherry pick his opponents.

Djuan

06-17-2019, 08:47 AM

Yan Lei is mentioned a lot on our Shaolin Temple UK (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?41808-Shaolin-Temple-UK) thread in our Shaolin forum. I'm copying this from our Xu Xiaodong Challenges to Kung Fu (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?70253-Xu-Xiaodong-Challenges-to-Kung-Fu). Xu does seem to cherry pick his opponents.

Shifu Yan Lei is a gem to the martial arts world today, I like his perspective on training, and the commitment it takes for an individual to develop a strong relationship with their gongfu, he said something about the loneliness of the shaolin martial artist being a factor in training to your highest potential. I'll find the video. In any event, I can relate, to the notion of no outside distraction in your training, no excuses, no attachment to ego validation, no competition driven motives, just pure training, gongfu for the sake of gong fu, by definition.... and as funny as it would be to watch him beat some sense in to xu xiaodong, its not necessary lol..... more Chi and more Ch'an !

Amituofo

Djuan

06-17-2019, 09:16 AM

The Loneliness Of The Shaolin Martial Artist

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTl2zb9GhxM

this really resonates internally and externally.
briefly, to not exxhaust your ears, lol .....

externally in my journey of training and being with different students, schools, teachers, places where the culture is non martial arts, or places where its more MMA, no respect for gongfu, etc...you can easily get drawn into the environment which will give you a million distractions at light speed if you let it, you have to stay on your path of gongfu, from your vantage point, your perspective, where ever that may be, and train with pure intent from within, sometimes just to keep going, not being fixated on excelling rapidly for any reason, just keep training. It took me over a decade to figure this out. Once I did, nothing could stop me from training, not even "me" :p

internally, with hitting walls or discouragement in training, ego traps of expectation or doubt like, getting to proud and slowing down, or getting doubtful of your abilities and slowing down, it all happens, and the longer you train, with your heart in it, genuinely training, those things stop being such a bother, and your relationship with gong fu gets stronger and stronger.
Amituofo

GeneChing

11-01-2019, 08:38 AM

£80 = $103.56 usd

31st october
jordan cox stole £80 tree from uk shaolin temple in southampton (https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/18007322.jordan-cox-stole-80-tree-uk-shaolin-temple-southampton/)
by james robinson @dailyechojames
digital editor

a brazen thief who stole a tree from outside a martial arts centre in southampton has been jailed.

Jordan andrew cox stole an £80 acer tree belonging to the uk shaolin temple, based on pitt road, southampton.

The theft, which took place on may 25, was caught on cctv.

The video shows cox taking the potted tree from outside the temple, before loading it into a silver car.

The 23-year-old is then seen walking into an alleyway, while the vehicle drives off.

Appearing at southampton magistrates’ court, cox, pleaded guilty to the theft, along with a handful of other offences.

The court heard on april 12, cox stole three easter eggs to the value of £24 from tesco’s express.

On april 13, cox jointly with another defendant stole lightning, bedding and a memory foam mattress worth £98.95 belonging to poundstretchers at totton retail park.

Then, on july 22, he stole various food items from co-op in romsey.

In the following month, on august 4, cox stole two desk fans, worth £23.98 from poundland in commercial road, totton.

In total, cox pleaded guilty to five thefts.

He also pleaded guilty to failing to comply with post-custodial supervision requirements from his last prison sentence.

Magistrates jailed cox, of hayward close, totton, to a total of 21 days in prison.

The uk shaolin temple in southampton is a sanctuary aiming to preserve chinese culture through physical activity, including martial arts, festivals and various wellbeing events.

The group are behind the chinese new year celebrations in southampton.

Speaking at the time of the theft, a spokesperson said the plants were there to make the temple “welcoming”.

The spokesperson added: “it is quite shocking that somebody would want to steal from us, for both the members and the local community.

“this is a peaceful sanctuary where people come to feel better in themselves.”

GeneChing

11-04-2019, 09:11 AM

I've split Shaolin Ireland into its own indie thread (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?71572-Shaolin-Ireland) from the Shaolin Temple UK thread (http://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?41808-Shaolin-Temple-UK). I figure with Brexit and all, which is going to really mess Ireland up, it's time for that split - plus the Ireland posts are their own separate thing really.

Shaolin masters arrive in Monart (https://www.wexfordpeople.ie/lifestyle/shaolin-masters-arrive-in-monart-38642324.html)

https://cdn-03.independent.ie/regionals/goreyguardian/news/article38639245.ece/f9db0/AUTOCROP/w620/2019-10-29_wex_54480473_I1.JPG
Authentic Shaolin Masters Master Zheng and Master Jinlei Wang arrived to Ireland from the Henan Province in China for a three month residency at Monart Destination Spa in Wexford where they will showcase of Shaolin Culture

Brendan Keane
November 2 2019 12:00 AM

Two Shaolin masters, from the Henan province in China, have arrived in Ireland to take up a three-month residency at Monart Destination Spa which will continue until December 7.

Zen Master Zheng and Master Jinlei Wang, who have trained all of their lives at the Shaolin Temple, will teach and carry out performances of Shaolin life and Chinese Culture at the spa.

Shaolin Masters served the people of China as warriors and Buddhist Monks for many centuries earning respect for their discipline, bravery, adaptability and action oriented approach.

They will give demonstrations and instruction on meditation and movement skills to reduce stress, enhance health, improve breathing, release tension and harmonise the link between body and mind.

A spokesperson for the spa said there will also be optional instruction in T'ai Chi, Kung Fu, Qi-Gong and meditation.

Qi-Gong is a series of eight ancient exercises of the Shaolin which promote health and longevity and Tai Chi is a series of slow movements and transitions from differing positions, ranging from easy to challenging, aimed at promoting strength and release tension.

The Shaolin will also showcase the art of Kung Fu each week during their stay and all classes will be free to residents of the spa.

The masters will also offer Shaolin warrior massage treatments which originated in ancient times to keep muscles and body healthy.

The Shaolin continue this 2,000-year-old tradition and the masters' visit will give people here an opportunity to view a window into China's ancient past.

Commenting on the Shaolin residency Liam Anthony Griffin, Director of the Griffin Group, said everyone at Monart Destination Spa was 'honoured' to welcome the two masters.

'Their culture and ethos is truly unique,' he said.

'They are dedicated to health and wellbeing and to strengthening the mind and body to be prepared for what life brings and we are delighted to learn from them and see them share their 2,000-year-old traditions with all of our guests,' he added.

Their residency will give people rare opportunity to train with and learn from Shaolin masters.

The Shaolin Experience is on offer until December 7, and will give people unrestricted access to all of the Shaolin classes including meditation, Qi-gong and Tai Chi.

The Shaolin Warrior Massage is also available for guests to book, at €120 and further details can be accessed through www.monart.ie.

Wexford People

Djuan

12-11-2019, 03:57 PM

How Shaolin Monks Smash Through Their Comfort Zone

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kd6zoT5p07Y

nice quick work out. you can add time/exercises from JBG orr any Qi Gong that you want. mix it up!! keep training!!

Amituofo

GeneChing

10-28-2022, 09:33 AM

Thousands petition to save Shaolin Temple UK from relocation (https://www.hamhigh.co.uk/news/23083034.thousands-petition-save-shaolin-temple-uk-relocation/)
27th October
COMMUNITY
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
ISLINGTON

By Joseph Reaidi
@Reaidi_
Reporter

https://www.hamhigh.co.uk/resources/images/16093541.jpg?type=mds-article-962
The Abbot of the Shaolin Temple in China, Shi Yong Xin, leads a ceremony at the London Shaolin Temple (Image: Archant)

Thousands have backed a petition calling to save a temple from relocation.

The Shaolin Temple in Junction Road, Tufnell Park, is at risk of having to find a new home as its lease is set to expire in 2026.

Islington Council has proposed in its draft local plan that the temple and three sites could be used to introduce seven pitches for the Gypsy and traveller community.

However nearly 6,000 people have signed an online petition titled ‘Save the Shaolin Temple UK’, which cites the hundreds it has served in the community for years.

https://www.hamhigh.co.uk/resources/images/16093553.jpg?type=mds-article-620
Grandmaster Shi Yong Xin in 2014 (Image: Archant)

The temple, said to be the only Shaolin Chan Buddhism Temple in the UK, is described as an “influential community centre” in Islington and is also a registered charity.

Founded in 1988 by Grandmaster Shifu Shi Yanzi, the temple was established to promote the study of Chan Buddhism wisdom and techniques.

He described how he had found his "life's purpose" in building something "impressive and inspiring" in the UK after attending the Shaolin Temple China at 16 and seeing other religions' places of worhship.

He added: “I could lose everything I have worked hard for. My life will be destroyed and my life purpose shattered.

https://www.hamhigh.co.uk/resources/images/16093554.png?type=mds-article-620
The Abbot of the Shaolin Temple in China, Shi Yong Xin, in 2014 (Image: Archant)

“This place which has been the spiritual sanctuary for the many people who have stepped through the doors of Shaolin Temple UK over the years will be gone.”

In 2014, the UK temple was blessed to become a sacred and spiritual place for the community.

The site was previously put forward by Transport for London (TfL) as a housing site and was allocated in earlier drafts for “residential development”. Previous consultations during 2018 and 2019 raised no objections.

According to the grandmaster, it would take him years to rebuild a temple elsewhere what it is now.

https://www.hamhigh.co.uk/resources/images/16093581.png?type=mds-article-620
Inside the temple in 2014 (Image: Archant)

He said: “Shaolin Temple UK cannot be moved, it would be a huge loss to the community and a sacred building would be gone forever."

Islington Council says it is committed to create a “more equal borough”.

A spokesperson said: “The council’s local plan is an important document which, when agreed with the Government, allows the council to hold developers to a high standard in the borough, including the requirement for 50 per cent genuinely affordable homes.”

The council continued: “We are aware that Shaolin Temple UK serves an important community and religious function, and are committed to working with them to identify a new site that is at least an equivalent standard and is as close as possible to the current site.

“The identification of such a site would need to take place before the premises can be redeveloped into a gypsy and traveller site.”

A public consultation on modifications to the local plan will remain open until Sunday (October 30).

Comments can be made by emailing: planningpolicy@islington.gov.uk

To sign the public petition, visit: https://bit.ly/3TK7syQ I met Yanzi at Shaolin Temple many years ago. We were in the waiting area just prior to an audience with the abbot.

GeneChing

12-01-2022, 10:50 AM

Shaolin Temple student stars in Netflix’s new Enola Holmes movie (https://islingtonnow.co.uk/shaolin-temple-student-stars-in-netflixs-new-enola-holmes-movie/)
By Maanya Sachdeva - 1st December 2022
https://islingtonnow.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Serrana-696x522.jpg
Serrana Su-Ling Bliss
A student at Junction Road’s Shaolin Temple has earned new fame with her breakout role in Netflix’s Enola Holmes 2 starring Millie Bobby Brown and Henry Cavill.

The film’s cast also includes Harry Potter stars Helena Bonham Carter and David Thewlis, as well as Sam Claflin and Louis Partridge.

Serrana Su-Ling Bliss plays Bessie Chapman, a factory girl who approaches young Enola played by Brown, to help find her missing sister Sarah, played by Hannah Dodd.

“During filming, [Brown] had her pet rabbit and poodle in her tent, and I would play with them. Her boyfriend Jake [Bongiovi] was also there a lot, and we sometimes played UNO together,” Bliss said.

In an interview with Islington Now, the young actor recalled meeting “these huge stars” on set, adding that she “loved hanging out with” Brown.

Bliss recounted other memorable moments from her time filming Enola Holmes 2, including speaking to Cavill about his costumes in The Witcher, and getting acting tips from Thewlis.

“I also had my 12th birthday on set,” she said, adding, “It was so much fun, and they sang me ‘Happy Birthday’ on set.”

Bliss, who lives in Haringay with her family, has been training at the UK’s only Shaolin Chan Buddhist Temple, near Tufnell Park station, for nearly seven years.

“Actually, the reason I started kung-fu was because I saw the animated film Kung-Fu Panda, and I loved how Master Shifu made the flower blossom,” Bliss said.

“I said to my mom, I want to learn kung-fu so I can make a flower bloom.”

Bliss told Islington Now that she got her first acting gig – in a commercial for Lawn Tennis Association – through doing martial arts.

“In the advertisement, I start out playing tennis but then transform into a ninja with a tennis racquet and do some martial arts moves,” she said.

Bliss, now 13, said she feels “very lucky to be able to train” at the Temple, with Grandmaster Shifu Yanzi.

“I think it’s a very unique, rare community. It’s given me so much confidence, and the instructors have been such amazing?mentors,” she added.

Bliss made her acting debut as Sharon Nicholas in Kenneth Branagh’s Oscar-nominated Belfast, which was released last year.

She is also part of the child dance ensemble cast in Matilda the Movie, which released in UK cinemas on 25 November.

Enola-Holmes (https://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?71858-Enola-Holmes)
Shaolin-Temple-UK (https://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?41808-Shaolin-Temple-UK)
Shaolin-Journeys (https://www.kungfumagazine.com/forum/showthread.php?49520-Shaolin-Journeys)

BTW, I watched S2 of Enola and enjoyed it more than S1. Maybe I'll review it here someday...:rolleyes: