At Shaolin Yuntai you learn from authentic Kung Fu masters. Our school is led by Headmaster Shi Yan Lin, a 32nd-generation Shaolin monk, and our Shifus have spent most of their lives training and teaching traditional Chinese martial arts. They speak English, correct you directly and adapt the training to your level, from complete beginner to advanced. Shifu is the Chinese word for master and teacher, so that is what our students call them.
English-speaking ShifusShaolin, Wushu, Sanda & Tai ChiNational and international titles
Headmaster Shi Yan Lin
32nd-Generation Shaolin Monk.
32ndgeneration Shaolin monk
5,000+students taught since 1998
120+countries
“Hard training and endurance are the way to learn real kung fu.”Shi Yan Lin
Shi Yan Lin (local name Xie Xu Yong) was born in Zoucheng, Shandong Province. At the age of eight, his uncle took him to the Shaolin Temple to learn Shaolin Kung Fu. He later studied Kung Fu theory at the Songshan Shaolin Si Kung Fu School and spent three years researching Kung Fu theory and Buddhism.
Since 1998 he has taught international students. After a visit to Europe, he made teaching foreign students his focus, as a form of cultural exchange. In 2010 he founded Shaolin Yuntai in the Yuntai Mountains. Besides training, he teaches Shaolin Kung Fu theory and the history of the Shaolin Temple.
He is also an experienced referee. In China he is a national-level Sanda referee, the highest national grade, and since 2024 he has also been an international kickboxing referee certified by WAKO. In 2025 the Chinese Wushu Association awarded him the 6th Duan, and already in 2017 the Shaolin Wushu Association of Dengfeng, the home city of the Shaolin Temple, gave him the honorary title «Famous Shaolin Wushu Master». For you, this means that the head of your school knows the rules and standards of modern fighting competitions from the inside.
Left: as referee in Henan, 2023. Right: the title «Famous Shaolin Wushu Master», 2017.
How our masters teach
Step by step, the Shaolin way.
Our masters follow the three stages taught by Shi Yan Lin. How fast you move through them depends on your fitness, your time and your effort.
1
Fundamentals
Basic principles and techniques: stances, punches, kicks and conditioning, together with an introduction to the philosophy of martial arts.
2
Application
Forms with and without weapons, techniques for punching, kicking, grappling and holding and, if you want, competition experience.
3
Unity of mind and body
Coordination of hands, eyes and steps, Qi strength, concentration and the balance of hard and soft techniques, rooted in Shaolin Chan.
师父Did you know?
Shifu is written with two characters: 师 means teacher and 父 means father. A Shifu teaches you more than technique. Respect, discipline and patience are part of every lesson.
Our Shifus
Meet the team you train with.
Each Shifu brings their own style and story. Together they cover Shaolin Kung Fu, Wushu, Sanda and Tai Chi, with fist forms, traditional weapons and sparring.
Shaolin & Wushu
Yale Yuan
Lead Master
Born in
Ruzhou, Henan
Specialisation
Traditional Kung Fu, drunken style, traditional staff, Qi Gong, tea ceremony
Highlight
Nearly 10,000 international students have trained with me
More about Yale Yuan
Yale Yuan
Lead Master
Born in
Ruzhou, Henan Province
Specialisation
Wushu, Qi Gong and Chinese culture: traditional Kung Fu, drunken style, traditional staff, tea ceremony and cultural exchange
Highlight
Nearly 10,000 international students have trained with me, and many of them now run their own martial arts schools or teach in their home countries. My students have placed at the 8th to 13th Zhengzhou International Wushu Festival and the 6th to 12th Jiaozuo International Tai Chi Festival.
About me
I began training at the Shaolin Temple in 1999 and graduated from the Shaolin Temple Martial Arts School in 2002. From 2003 to 2005 I performed with the Shaolin Performance Team, and I have been a Shifu since 2005.
“Unite knowledge and action, and refine both inner character and outer bearing.”
Teaches
Traditional martial arts: Rou Quan (soft fist), Qi Gong, tea ceremony and Chinese chess
Teaching style
Clear explanations in fluent English. Professional, rigorous and humorous: learning, practising and teaching go hand in hand.
Favourite form
Rou Quan, Baduanjin, Yi Jin Jing, drunken staff (Zui Gun)
Inspiration
Seeing students enjoy the training and share their wisdom with others.
Teaching philosophy
Kung Fu is more than a sport. It is an entire culture, and daily practice makes you wiser.
Shaolin & Wushu
Hu Binchao
Born in
Henan Province
Specialisation
Traditional Long Fist, Bajiquan, Shaolin Single Sword, staff, Dragon and Lion Dance
Highlight
Several first prizes at provincial and international Wushu competitions
More about Hu Binchao
Hu Binchao
Born in
Henan Province
Specialisation
Traditional Long Fist, Bajiquan, Shaolin Single Sword, staff, Dragon and Lion Dance
Highlight
Several first prizes at provincial and international Wushu competitions
About me
I have taught Chinese and international students for many years. I focus on passing on traditional Wushu culture with professional, personal guidance.
“Use reversal within harmony; embody harmony amid reversal.”
Teaches
Traditional Wushu: fist and weapon techniques, Dragon and Lion Dance
Teaching style
Professional, supportive, fair and safety-focused
Favourite form
Bajiquan, Shaolin Single Sword
Inspiration
Passing on traditional Wushu and seeing my students grow.
Teaching philosophy
Respect each student, keep training fair and safe, and help every student reach their goals.
Tai Chi
Yao Xuan
Born in
Jiaozuo, Henan
Specialisation
Chen-style Tai Chi, Tai Chi Double Broadsword, Cannon Fist (Pao Chui)
Highlight
Coached a student to the first gold medal at the 12th China Jiaozuo International Tai Chi Exchange Competition 2025
More about Yao Xuan
Yao Xuan
Born in
Jiaozuo, Henan Province
Specialisation
Chen-style Tai Chi, Tai Chi Double Broadsword, Cannon Fist (Pao Chui)
Highlight
Coached a student to the first gold medal at the 12th China Jiaozuo International Tai Chi Exchange Competition 2025
About me
I have practised and taught traditional and competition Tai Chi for more than ten years. I teach fist and weapon forms in both styles and focus on uniting movement with inner strength.
Chen-style Tai Chi fist and weapon forms, beginners and advanced
Teaching style
Detailed and easy to follow, with clear explanations of the theory behind each movement
Favourite form
Chen-style Tai Chi Double Broadsword
Inspiration
The depth of Tai Chi theory and exploring the body’s inner power.
Teaching philosophy
Unite movement and stillness, balance yin and yang, and respect each student’s potential.
Shaolin & Wushu
Chen Jinkai
Born in
Jiaozuo, Henan
Specialisation
Southern Fist (Nanquan), double broadsword, traditional forms
Highlight
1st place Double Broadsword and Tongbei Quan, Zhengzhou Championship 2026
More about Chen Jinkai
Chen Jinkai
Born in
Jiaozuo, Henan Province
Specialisation
Southern Fist (Nanquan), double broadsword (Shuangdao), traditional forms
Highlight
1st place Double Broadsword and Tongbei Quan, Zhengzhou Championship 2026
About me
I am a professional martial arts coach. At competitions I won first place in Yin Shou Staff and Taizu Long Fist at the Kaifeng Traditional Martial Arts Festival 2023, first place in Tongbei Quan and Shaolin Single Broadsword at the 1st Dengfeng Martial Arts Conference 2023, and first place in Tongbei Quan and second place in Double Broadsword at the Zhengzhou Championship 2025.
“Before you train martial arts, cultivate virtue and train the mind.”
Teaches
Martial arts basics, traditional and competition forms, Southern Fist, Southern Broadsword and Southern Staff
Teaching style
Rigorous, professional and adapted to each student
Favourite form
Double broadsword, Southern Fist
Inspiration
Martial arts not only strengthen the body, they also build willpower and character, so that every student gains something from training.
Teaching philosophy
Build a solid foundation and express spirit through form. Every movement is practised until it is clean and precise.
Sanda
Gao Pengyi
Born in
Jiaozuo, Henan
Specialisation
Sanda
Highlight
Sanda Champion, 1st International Martial Arts Competition, Jiaozuo 2023
More about Gao Pengyi
Gao Pengyi
Born in
Jiaozuo, Henan Province
Specialisation
Sanda
Highlight
Sanda Champion, 1st International Martial Arts Competition, Jiaozuo 2023
About me
I have trained in Sanda for many years and have both competition and teaching experience. I build each student’s strength, reactions and fighting awareness with a plan tailored to their age, fitness and goals.
“Martial virtue first, then martial skill.”
Teaches
Sanda stance, punches, kicks, throws and sparring
Teaching style
Strict but kind, precise and safety-focused
Favourite form
Practical Sanda combat techniques
Inspiration
Seeing my students keep training and break through their own limits.
Teaching philosophy
Martial arts is more than technique. It builds a strong will, humility and respect for others.
Sanda
Li Hao
Born in
Jiaozuo, Henan
Specialisation
Sanda
Highlight
Sanda Champion (80 kg), National University Games 2023
More about Li Hao
Li Hao
Born in
Jiaozuo, Henan Province
Specialisation
Sanda
Highlight
Sanda Champion (80 kg), National University Games 2023
About me
I am a former soldier and a National First-Class Sanda athlete. I bring many years of fighting and teaching experience, and I care about my students’ physical and mental growth.
Teaches
Footwork, punch and kick combinations, sparring, defence and conditioning
Teaching style
Precise, patient and safety-focused, adapted to each student
Favourite form
Sanda punch and kick combinations
Inspiration
My military service and competitions, and passing on the never-give-up spirit of Sanda.
Teaching philosophy
Build solid Sanda skills and a strong will, and keep every student safe.
Shaolin & Wushu
Li Hongyu
Born in
Jining, Shandong
Specialisation
Bajiquan, Southern Fist (Nanquan), traditional boxing
Highlight
1st place Bajiquan and 2nd place Shaolin Broadsword, Songshan Shaolin Martial Arts Conference 2022
More about Li Hongyu
Li Hongyu
Born in
Jining, Shandong Province
Specialisation
Bajiquan, Southern Fist (Nanquan), traditional boxing
Highlight
1st place Bajiquan and 2nd place Shaolin Broadsword, Songshan Shaolin Martial Arts Conference 2022
About me
For me, martial virtue is the soul of martial arts. Etiquette, respect and self-discipline come first, and they are part of every class I teach.
“Martial arts strengthen the body; virtue straightens the heart.”
Teaches
Traditional martial arts: fist and weapon techniques
Teaching style
Professional, fair, inclusive and safety-focused
Favourite form
Bajiquan, Shaolin Fist, Seven Star Fist, Southern Fist
Teaching philosophy
Learn etiquette before skill, and virtue before martial arts.
Shaolin & Wushu
Liu Xiyuan
Born in
Jiaozuo, Henan
Specialisation
Wushu forms (fist and weapons)
Highlight
Fist and weapons champion, International Wushu Competition 2014
More about Liu Xiyuan
Liu Xiyuan
Born in
Jiaozuo, Henan Province
Specialisation
Wushu forms (fist and weapons)
Highlight
Fist and weapons champion, International Wushu Competition 2014
About me
I graduated in Physical Education from Zhengzhou University and am a certified traditional Shaolin Kung Fu coach and referee. I focus on solid basics and martial virtue, and I often take students to competitions. My students come from all over the world.
“I teach people through martial arts and pass on traditional culture.”
Teaches
Competitive Wushu: fist and weapon forms
Teaching style
Professional, fair, inclusive and safety-focused
Favourite form
Wushu fist and weapon forms
Inspiration
Wushu is more than skill; it passes on virtue and spirit.
Teaching philosophy
Build good character and a strong body, and let Wushu bloom all over the world.
Shaolin & Wushu
Wang Zi
Born in
Xinxiang, Henan
Specialisation
Shaolin Fist, Tongbei Quan, Seven Star Fist, martial arts performance
Highlight
Many of my students have won provincial and municipal Wushu titles.
More about Wang Zi
Wang Zi
Born in
Xinxiang, Henan Province
Specialisation
Shaolin Fist, Tongbei Quan, Seven Star Fist, martial arts performance
Highlight
Many of my students have won provincial and municipal Wushu titles.
About me
I have practised martial arts since 2014 and am a certified National Level I Wushu coach and referee. For me, martial arts practice is above all about cultivating the mind.
“Cultivate the mind, strengthen the body.”
Teaches
Wushu forms, traditional boxing styles and weapons
Teaching style
Safe, scientific, strict and professional
Favourite form
Tongbei Quan, Seven Star Fist, Shaolin Fist, Shaolin Broadsword
Inspiration
Passing on traditional Chinese martial arts culture.
Teaching philosophy
Solid fundamentals, safe training and martial arts that build character.
Shaolin & Wushu
Wen Haonan
Born in
Jiaozuo, Henan
Specialisation
Shaolin Fist, Three-Section Staff
Highlight
Placings in Shaolin Fist and Three-Section Staff at traditional Wushu competitions
More about Wen Haonan
Wen Haonan
Born in
Jiaozuo, Henan Province
Specialisation
Shaolin Fist, Three-Section Staff
Highlight
Placings in Shaolin Fist and Three-Section Staff at traditional Wushu competitions
About me
I have studied Shaolin Wushu since childhood, focusing on Shaolin Fist and the three-section staff. I value solid core skills over fancy moves.
“The fist follows the heart, the staff follows the mind; virtue is the foundation of martial arts.”
Teaches
Traditional Wushu: fist and weapon techniques
Teaching style
Strict yet patient, safety-focused
Favourite form
Shaolin Fist, Three-Section Staff (San Jie Gun)
Inspiration
The dedicated and humble spirit of Shaolin martial arts.
Teaching philosophy
There are no shortcuts in martial arts.
Tai Chi
Wu Aoao
Born in
Jiaozuo, Henan
Specialisation
Chen-style Tai Chi, Push Hands, Tai Chi weapons
Highlight
Multiple national and provincial Tai Chi titles; “Great Sword King of Wen County”
More about Wu Aoao
Wu Aoao
Born in
Jiaozuo, Henan Province
Specialisation
Chen-style Tai Chi, Push Hands, Tai Chi weapons
Highlight
Multiple national and provincial Tai Chi titles; “Great Sword King of Wen County”
About me
I hold the 5th Duan in Chinese Wushu and have practised Chen-style Tai Chi since childhood, trained by masters in Chenjiagou, the birthplace of Tai Chi.
“Martial arts are not for violence, but for self-cultivation and harmony.”
Teaches
Chen-style Tai Chi, Push Hands and Tai Chi weapons
Teaching style
Precise, patient and safety-focused, adapted to each student
Favourite form
Chen-style Tai Chi, Push Hands
Inspiration
Passing on Tai Chi and the balance of hardness and softness.
Teaching philosophy
Teach rigorously, educate with virtue, build body and mind.
Shaolin & Wushu
Xu Chuanzhi
Performance team coach
Born in
Jining, Shandong
Specialisation
Wushu forms
Highlight
Led teams at many Wushu demonstrations in China and abroad
More about Xu Chuanzhi
Xu Chuanzhi
Performance team coach
Born in
Jining, Shandong Province
Specialisation
Wushu forms
Highlight
Led teams at many Wushu demonstrations in China and abroad
About me
I have practised Wushu since childhood and have many years of experience teaching and leading performance teams. I focus on basic skills and prepare students for demonstrations and competitions.
“Learn virtue before martial arts; cultivate the mind before skill.”
Teaches
Wushu forms, traditional boxing and weapons
Teaching style
Professional, patient and safety-focused, adapted to each student
Favourite form
Fanziquan, Xingyiquan, Bajiquan
Inspiration
Traditional Chinese Wushu culture and the masters before us.
Teaching philosophy
Character first. Safe training builds a strong body and a strong will.
Shaolin & Wushu
Yang Zihan
Born in
Jiaozuo, Henan
Specialisation
Xingyiquan, Meteor Hammer
Highlight
Helping students complete full forms and grow in confidence
More about Yang Zihan
Yang Zihan
Born in
Jiaozuo, Henan Province
Specialisation
Xingyiquan, Meteor Hammer
Highlight
Helping students complete full forms and grow in confidence
About me
I have years of experience training and teaching at martial arts schools. I give clear feedback and train character and fitness together.
“No matter how many twists and turns, never give up your goals.”
Teaches
Traditional martial arts: fist and weapon techniques
Teaching style
Professional, patient, fair and safety-focused, adapted to each student
Favourite form
Xingyiquan, Meteor Hammer
Inspiration
Traditional martial arts train both the body and the will.
Teaching philosophy
Safety first. I teach each student according to their ability and build perseverance.
Tai Chi
Zhang Shoujun
Born in
Jiaozuo, Henan
Specialisation
Tai Chi, Tai Chi weapons, traditional health practice
Highlight
Many Tai Chi performances and exchanges
More about Zhang Shoujun
Zhang Shoujun
Born in
Jiaozuo, Henan Province
Specialisation
Tai Chi, Tai Chi weapons, traditional health practice
Highlight
Many Tai Chi performances and exchanges
About me
I have devoted many years to Tai Chi and its philosophy of yin and yang. My classes focus on relaxed, rooted posture, breathing and push hands. I also pass on dragon and lion dance.
“Follow your own path and keep growing quietly.”
Teaches
Tai Chi forms, Push Hands, Tai Chi weapons, Dragon and Lion Dance
Teaching style
Professional, fair, inclusive and safety-focused
Favourite form
Chen-style Tai Chi, Tai Chi Sword, Push Hands
Inspiration
Every movement and every stillness follows nature.
Teaching philosophy
Progress step by step and find strength in calm, flowing movement.
Shaolin & Wushu
Zhao Lei
Born in
Jiaozuo, Henan
Specialisation
Ditang Quan, Nine-Section Whip
Highlight
2nd place Nine-Section Whip, National Wushu Routine Championship
More about Zhao Lei
Zhao Lei
Born in
Jiaozuo, Henan Province
Specialisation
Ditang Quan, Nine-Section Whip
Highlight
2nd place Nine-Section Whip, National Wushu Routine Championship
About me
I specialise in Ditang Quan and the nine-section whip. I am good at helping new students overcome their fear of falls and rolls.
“Skill comes from hard work; virtue grows with practice.”
Teaches
Wushu basics, Ditang Quan falls and rolls, nine-section whip
Teaching style
Strict, with close attention to detail and body movement
Favourite form
Ditang Quan, Nine-Section Whip
Inspiration
Sharing traditional weapons and Ditang Quan with young martial artists.
Teaching philosophy
Build a solid foundation before fancy moves.
Shaolin & Wushu
Zhao Zhenghao
Born in
Heze, Shandong
Specialisation
Bajiquan, staff techniques
Highlight
1st place Huaquan, Zhengzhou Wushu Championship 2025
More about Zhao Zhenghao
Zhao Zhenghao
Born in
Heze, Shandong Province
Specialisation
Bajiquan, staff techniques
Highlight
1st place Huaquan, Zhengzhou Wushu Championship 2025
About me
I have practised traditional Wushu since childhood, with a focus on Bajiquan and weapons. I correct posture and basics in detail and create personal training plans.
“True martial arts can never be rushed.”
Teaches
Traditional boxing, traditional weapons, Wushu conditioning, beginner classes
Teaching style
Rigorous, patient and fair, safety first
Favourite form
Bajiquan, Spring and Autumn Broadsword
Inspiration
Passing on pure, traditional Wushu to the next generation.
Yes. Headmaster Shi Yan Lin is a 32nd-generation Shaolin monk. He began training at the Shaolin Temple at the age of eight and has taught international students since 1998.
Yes. Besides your main training, the evening Tai Chi and Sanda classes are open to all students, so you can learn from masters of different styles. See the training schedule.
