3 Months Immersion Certified Assistant Trainer Program at the Official Shaolin Temple Yunnan, China

Facilities

Syllabi

External training

• Kung Fu foundations
• Shaolin Kung Fu forms

Internal training

• Soft Qigong (Chan meditation, Zhan Zhuang 1 stance, Shaolin Ba Duan Jin)
• Hard Qigong (iron body)

Theory classes

• Traditional Chinese Medicine Level 1
• Chinese Mandarin Level 1
• Chinese Culture Level 1

Coaching assignments

Official examination

Certification

• Shaolin Temple Yunnan Shaolin Warrior Monks Training Center
• International Shaolin Wushu Federation

Assistant Coach Certification for 2 program

Applicants will be trained in authentic, traditional Kung Fu technique at an internationally renowned level; recognized and approved by the most respected governing bodies in the Kung Fu community. However, successful instructors do far more than act as a factory of kicks and punches. They cultivate a culture of wisdom, reflection, and kindness through their teaching. Thus alongside their rigorous physical training, candidates will also be taught to uphold the values and philosophy of the training center as well as exemplify the humility, dignity, and discipline practiced at the Shaolin Temple. In their action and attitude, trainees who receive their certifications will leave as proud representatives of true Shaolin Warriors.

Training will be taking place 5 days per week with weekends for personal reflection and study

Required application documents

1. CV (resume) of your experience

You are required to provide a Curriculum Vitae (CV) containing the following:

• Certifications and/or designations
• Types of Martial Arts experience
• Years of training
• Name of the training facility
• Instructor name, contact

2. Cover letter

Your cover letter should contain a personal statement answering the following questions:

• What are your teaching goals?
• Why do you want to train at the Shaolin Temple?
• Why are you a good candidate for the Program?

3. Character reference letter

The path to Kung Fu is not one of force and ability but humility and mentality. To join the program, one must display a character in line with the virtues and principles of kindness, health, perseverance, focus, compassion, leadership and respect. Please include a character reference letter and a 2-3 sentence memo explaining the person’s relationship to you.​

4. Demonstration of the current level of ability (video)

You will be required to submit a link to view or download a video for evaluation by Headmaster Shifu Shi Yanjun. You are required to perform 4 forms from your training background. Training such as Karate, Judo, MMA, Capoeira, Boxing, and kickboxing are examples of acceptable backgrounds.

5. Medical clearance

Upon acceptance, you will be required to submit a medical clearance from a recognized medical professional affirming your ability to engage in training.

Note

An integral part of all candidate’s acceptance into the certification programs is character. We do not look for perfect students; those who exhibit the best martial arts skills, perform well physically or even those who show a natural talent for martial arts.

The ideal candidate is malleable and receptive to teaching. He or she shows humility, motivation, and perseverance.

Program acceptance

If you are accepted into the program, you will be notified within two weeks of application submission. Once accepted, you will be guided on your individual visa process requirements and will be provided with an official invitation letter.

You will need to complete your enrollment packet which will include your medical clearance, arrival/departure details, and acknowledgment of rules and regulations of the temple.

You will be provided with a “Daily Life in China and Temple Living” packet to help prepare you for your transition to a new way of living.

If you are not accepted to the program, you will be informed of your reasons for denial, and steps you can take for re-application in the future.

Shaolin Temple Yunnan is located in Kunming, China. Known as the City of Eternal Spring, the weather there is excellent all year long. When you’re not training, you can venture out into the city or you can spend your time inside the temple grounds.

The Shaolin Temple complex consists of four temples: Mioazhan, Fa’ding, Tuzhu, and Guanyin. Fa’ding is the oldest temple, original construction completed around 756A.D. with renovations during the Guanxu Period of the Qing Dynasty, followed by Tuzhu in 937A.D. and Miaozhan in 1290A.D. Many areas of the temple complex are dedicated to deities. The Side Hall and Wing Rooms serve as Buddhist and Taoist shrines to the Goddess of Mercy, God of Fortune and General Yue Fei from the Song Dynasty among others. Tuzhu Temple is the shrine to deity Mahakaya (Da Hei Tian Shen).

Jingang Pagoda, in the main square, was built in 1447A.D. to vanquish the local devil Luo Si Guai, and is the oldest of its kind in China. You will be immersed in ancient Chinese architecture and culture that will enhance your training experience. Those coming to train can experience these as well as many other historically significant architectural features. Students can also participate in lively cultural events and daily ceremonies of this active Buddhist temple.

The temple complex is located in the city of Kunming, the City of Eternal Spring. Located at the edge of the Lake Dian, Kunming enjoys wonderful weather year-round, as its name suggests. The city is surrounded by other local temples, limestone landscapes, and lakes. Kunming is also central to Yunnan Province which makes it an ideal location for visiting the exquisite local attractions.

Yunnan, considered by many to be the most beautiful province in China, is home to sights such as the Hani Rice Terraces, the Wooden City and Snow Mountain in Lijiang, and the Shilin Stone Forest (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Other places of interest include the Luoping Flowers, Red River Area, Pu’er Tea Terraces and Xi’Banna Jungle. Those in training are encouraged to explore these local wonders during their free time; such interactions can only enrich their stay at the temple and in China as a whole.

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Buddhist monks follow the law of nature. They have a set time for meals and eat in silence. Monks are present in every activity they do, show gratitude to reality and find joy in daily life. Letting go of desire helps them achieve enlightenment. Being in the present you can feel relaxed, your body will be healthy and have vitality.

Mahayana Buddhism entered China in 200 CE. It is the dominant form of Buddhism in China. Mahayana Canon prohibits eating meat as killing animals is Karmically negative. Buddhist food is served in Buddhist Temples. The way of cooking respects the Buddhist precepts. Shaolin Monks follow Buddhist Cuisine. The way of eating is vegetarian or vegan and follows the concept of cruelty-free. As part of the cruelty-free values, they often release animals into the wild – Fangsheng.

In the monastic diet, there are several food restrictions such as garlic, strong-smelling plants (shallot, leek, onion, scallions, and chives), coriander and alcohol. The vegetables restricted are called “The Five Acrid and Strong smelling vegetables” (Wǔ hūn 五荤) or Five Spices (Wǔ xīn 五辛). The restriction is because if they are eaten raw, it can lead to anger or cooked to passion. For Buddhists, strong odors repel Gods and attract hungry ghosts and demons.

Alcohol is also forbidden because of the effects it has on the body. A person under alcohol influence can violate the “Five Moral Precepts” which are: no killing, no stealing, no sexual misconduct, no lying and no taking intoxicants. Moreover, a person under intoxicant (alcohol, tobacco, drugs) influence will lose the proper concentration needed to achieve enlightenment.

The Buddhist food preparation is simple with great attention to keep the wholesomeness, quality, and flavor of food. Not everybody can cook Buddhist food. You must be sincere, kind at heart and treat each ingredient with care and respect. This means simple and natural.

Rice is a staple food served with every meal. In the morning and evening often will be cooked porridge or congee. Noodles and grains are also an important part of the diet. The food is cooked using stir- fry method or steamed.

Although eggs and dairy are not permitted in the Buddhist monks’ diet, they are served to Kung Fu training students as an extra source of protein. As dairy, they only offer goat cheese. Additional sources of proteins in the temple are tofu, beans, lotus root, nuts, and grains.

The school also offers many dishes that have medical properties such as San Qi Root soup, seaweed, bamboo shoots so on. When there are ceremonies in the temple, many offerings are given in the form of fruits, nuts, and cakes.

Buddhist cooking, in a nutshell, is about maintaining the original character and taste of the food and its nature. Inner peace can be led by a simple meal.

“A cup of tea can wipe off the ignorance & affections/ two cups of tea clear the mind/ three cups of tea can lead to enlightenment.” – Tea Drinking Ballad for teasing Cui Shishi

Buddhism was introduced in China from India but become known in the Eastern Han Dynasty. Wu Lizhen, a monk in Sichuan Province (Han Dynasty), was the first person to discover the benefits of tea. At that time, tea tree was planted widely. Buddhism developed in the Tang Dynasty when tea culture spread. The tea was very beneficial for monks who were doing meditation. The benefits include refreshing and finding the true heart of Chan.

The school keeps classes for the tea ceremony for students to attend. During these classes, you will learn how to do a proper ceremony, taste different types of Chinese Tea (Pu’er Tea is specific for the Yunnan Province) and understand the benefits of drinking tea for the body. You will be also able to keep your own tea ceremony as part of the practice.

Are you looking for a way to boost your current Kung Fu training? Want to give Kung Fu a try without committing to a full training program? Then, it’s time to sign up for your private training session. Anyone can sign up for private lessons! You don’t have to be currently enrolled in any of the school's program to take advantage of the private training. Classes are limited, so please book at least 72 hours in advance.

What you will learn?

You get to choose the Kung Fu forms you wish to work on during your training session. You can choose to work on a form you’re already learning, or work on something completely new to you. Each training session lasts for 1.5 hours (90 minutes). You’ll start each session with a 15-minute warm-up and end it with a 15-minute review.

• Assistant Coach Certification for 2 programs: Shaolin Kung Fu and Qigong path
• 89 nights accommodation
• 3 meals per day
• 8 hours of Kung Fu training and theory classes per week per day (weekend excluding)
• 2 daily Buddhist ceremony
• Admission to any special events at the Shaolin Temple during your stay
• Official graduation certification and photos with the warrior monks and Venerable Abbot of the Shaolin Temple Yunnan
• Use of the temple training equipment
• Wi-Fi access
• Linen, bedding, and towel
• Access to automatic washing machines
• Filtered water and kettle in the tea room
• Translators on-site for ease of communication with the masters
• Training manual for Martial Arts part and theory classes (on arrival)
• Life in China and temple pack (after formal enrollment)
• Monthly grading to check progress and giving feedback for further development
• 3 p.m. group pick up and drop off at the airport
• 1 set of Shaolin uniform and 1 T-shirt for training

• Shoes for training (30 RMB /pair) - optional
• Toiletries, washing powder, medicine and medical treatment
• Snacks with the exception of the temple donations
• Private translator for hire
• Private trips to places of interest
• Extra classes

Recommended Airports

• A reservation requires a deposit of 30% of the total price.
• The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
• The rest of the payment should be paid on arrival.