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34th Generation Grand Master
Shifu YanZi
Shifu Shi YanZi is the founder of Shaolin Temple UK, and one of the most respected masters of the 34th generation of Shaolin monks.
He began training at the Shaolin Martial Arts College in 1983 and became a disciple of the Shaolin China in 1987. Shifu YanZi spent ten years within the Shaolin Temple, cultivating both Chan (Buddhist meditation) and Gong Fu. His training encompassed traditional Shaolin disciplines including Qi Gong, Sanshou (Sanda), and the profound system of Xin Yi Ba - a martial art that unites the mind and body into one focused force.
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Through relentless dedication, he rose to the top rank among Shaolin disciples, mastering multiple styles of Gong Fu and becoming the Chinese National Sanshou Champion in 1988. Representing the Shaolin Temple in global tournaments and demonstrations, he became known for his technical mastery, humility, and unmatched fighting spirit.
The Essence of Xin Yi Ba
Xin Yi Ba is one of the most powerful and refined arts of Shaolin. It consists of twelve key skills that combine form, intent, and energy. Mastery requires deep understanding — not only of movement but of one’s own mind. Shifu YanZi’s enlightenment through years of practice allowed him to apply the essence of Xin Yi Ba across many Gong Fu systems, achieving an unbeaten record in both national and international competitions.
He teaches that the true essence of Gong Fu lies in unity:
“when one understands the essence of Chan and realises the nature of Chan one will gain the result of practising Chan; when one understands the essence of Gong Fu and realises the nature of Gong Fu one is able to reach the top Gong Fu through practice”
- Shifu YanZi
Shaolin International School
In 2014, Shifu YanZi returned to China to establish the Shaolin International School, located near the Songshan mountain range — just steps from the original Shaolin Temple. The school combines ancient training traditions with modern facilities, including a full-sized ring, weight training area, and open-air conditioning grounds.
Students live and train on-site, immersing themselves in authentic Shaolin discipline and philosophy. Under his leadership, the school has grown rapidly, producing skilled fighters and dedicated practitioners, including competitors in Hero Legends tournaments..
Legacy
A lifelong ambassador of Shaolin culture, Shifu YanZi has represented the temple in conferences, demonstrations, and documentaries around the world — including a full-length feature aired on CCTV that offered a rare look into the lives of his disciples and his teachings.
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Known for his humility and integrity, Shifu YanZi continues to inspire a global community of martial artists. His journey — from the courtyards of the Shaolin Temple to the international stage — embodies the heart of Shaolin: strength with compassion, discipline with peace, and mastery through understanding.
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On 3 January 2014, the then 46-year-old former Shaolin monk Shi Yan Zi — now teaching Chinese kung fu in the UK — fought and KO’d Thai Muay Thai veteran Adun Phumchanachit. Adun, a respected teacher from Thailand, has trained world-class fighters (including Kozo Takeda and Remy Bonjasky) and holds a professional record of roughly 75 fights, 62 wins, 12 KOs. That bout underscored Shifu YanZi’s competitive credentials and proven effectiveness of Shaolin Sanshou and Xin Yi Ba in full-contact competition.
