In-person classes at Shaolin Temple UK

Classes are taught by Shifu Shi Yanzi, his Shaolin disciples, and Western students. The Temple emphasises balanced training in both the external and internal martial arts. Students typically train in both Gong Fu and Qi Gong.

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Shaolin Temple UK is best known for Kung Fu and participates in national and international fighting competitions, as well as interclub fights with Muay Thai fighters. Kung Fu classes focus on Sanshou training — one-to-one hand-to-hand combat — which can be considered China’s form of kickboxing. This is the style of fighting that the Temple’s students use in competition.

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The Temple’s founder and main teacher, Shifu Yanzi, was Chinese National Champion in the art for more than 40 years. Students first train for three months in the “Preparation” beginners’ class, focusing on building strength, stamina, flexibility and learning the fundamentals. Beginner-level students train without contact. Students are encouraged to attempt the quarterly grading examination at the earliest opportunity. Shaolin Temple UK’s higher classes are semi-contact and full-contact; students train with gloves and pads and also spar.

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Learning Kung Fu Today

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Kung Fu has a long history, and everyone agrees that original Gong Fu comes from China. To learn Gong Fu, people understand the need to study forms — fist forms, weapons forms, dual-person forms, etc. — because hidden within the forms are applications and techniques. That is why people learn forms, and why studying forms can lead to proficiency in Kung Fu.

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However, people forget that to learn Kung Fu you must also gain Kung Fu. Learning Kung Fu and gaining Kung Fu are different. Today, many people continue learning but do not attempt to digest or assimilate what they have studied. They do not go deeply enough. They may know some applications, but they have not tested them through real combat.

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Some believe they are already skilled enough, or they are afraid to test themselves, so they remain in one place, going round in an endless circle. Some in this position then begin to teach, repeating the same material, and many people remain at the same level.

There are three ways to teach and to learn; most people follow the wrong way rather than the right way. That is why there are not many truly successful Kung Fu practitioners. We hope more people choose the correct path if they wish to gain genuine Kung Fu.