Shaolin Kung Fu Tour

Discover the Spirit of Shaolin Kung Fu

Embark on a 7-day journey into the world of Shaolin Kung Fu (少林功夫), where traditional martial arts training meets the vibrant culture and remarkable innovation of modern China.

Based in Shanghai, this immersive programme combines structured Shaolin training with cultural exploration, traditional Chinese craftsmanship and unique experiences showcasing China’s technological achievements.

From mastering fundamental stances and traditional boxing forms to exploring historic streets, discovering Chinese art and experiencing intelligent sports technology, every day offers something new to learn, practise and discover.

An Immersive Journey into Shaolin Kung Fu

The experience at a glance

Experience Shaolin Kung Fu beyond the training ground.

This carefully designed seven-day journey introduces participants to the techniques, discipline and traditions of Shaolin martial arts while offering opportunities to experience both historic and contemporary Chinese culture.

Through progressive martial arts sessions, guided cultural activities and memorable excursions, participants can develop their skills while gaining a deeper appreciation of the country and traditions behind the art.

Discover Shaolin Kung Fu

Shaolin Kung Fu is renowned for its combination of strength, coordination, flexibility, technique and disciplined practice.

Throughout this journey, participants follow a progressive introduction to Shaolin martial arts, beginning with fundamental movements and gradually building towards complete traditional boxing sequences.

  • Shaolin Etiquette & Fundamental Stances
  • Five-Step Boxing
  • Shaolin Combination Boxing
  • Introduction to Traditional Equipment: Discover the fundamentals of the Shaolin short cudgel (少林棍)
  • Final Demonstration: Bring together the movements and principles explored during the journey

An Experience Beyond Kung Fu

Shaolin Kung Fu is deeply connected to China’s wider cultural traditions. This journey brings those traditions together with opportunities to discover modern Shanghai.

From the traditional Acupressure (穴位推拿) to interactive technology experiences, each activity offers a different perspective on China.

  • An Introduction to Acupressure
  • Traditional Chinese Arts: Experience calligraphy (书法), make your own chopsticks (筷子) and try other hands-on craftsmanship activities.
  • Shanghai’s History & Heritage
  • Modern Technology & Innovation Experience: Discover China’s contemporary achievements such as intelligent robotics, AI-assisted sports training and modern technology.

Meet Your Master: Ding Renya

Discover Shaolin Kung Fu under the guidance of Master Ding Renya, an extensively qualified martial arts coach whose experience spans traditional practice, competitive Wushu and martial arts education.

Traditional expertise. Professional excellence.

A graduate of Wuhan Sports University, Master Ding is a recognised inheritor of Wudang Taiyi Five-Element Boxing (武当太乙五形) and Wudang Tai Chi. He also holds the ninth dan in Shaolin Wushu (少林武术) and has been recognised as a Shaolin Wushu Master.

His professional qualifications and appointments include:

  • Senior Coach of the Chinese Wushu Artists Association
  • National First-Class Wushu Referee
  • National First-Class Wushu Grading Examiner
  • National-Level Wudang Wushu Coach
  • Head Coach of the Martial Arts Department at Wudang Middle School, affiliated with Central China Normal University

Coaching Achievements

Throughout his coaching career, Master Ding has trained athletes across different levels of competitive Wushu, including 3 national-level elite athletes, 6 First-Class Athletes and more than 200 Second-Class Athletes.

He also shares a martial arts lineage with the well-known Chinese martial arts actor Shi Xiaolong (释小龙), reflecting his connection to the wider traditions of Chinese martial arts.

For participants, the opportunity to learn from Master Ding brings an additional dimension to the journey: exposure to an instructor whose experience combines traditional martial arts heritage, professional coaching and competitive achievement.

Train in a Setting Steeped in Chinese History

The proposed journey includes the opportunity to experience martial arts training at Huguo Jiao Temple (护教国寺), a historic Buddhist temple in Shanghai’s Jiading District.

Originally founded during the Tianjian period of the Liang Dynasty  (AD 503–519), the temple has a history extending back more than 1,500 years.

Training in a historic setting offers an opportunity to appreciate Chinese martial arts within a wider cultural environment, connecting practical movement with the traditions and history of China.

For participants, it provides a memorable contrast to the modern city surrounding it: an opportunity to experience traditional martial arts in a place associated with centuries of Chinese heritage.

A Journey for Curious Minds & Dedicated Practitioners

Whether you’re an established martial arts practitioner or someone interested in discovering the traditions of Wudang, this journey offers opportunities to explore the art through structured instruction and cultural discovery.

The experience can be considered for:

  • Martial arts clubs and associations seeking an international training experience.
  • Kung Fu and traditional Chinese martial arts enthusiasts interested in the broader Shaolin Kung Fu tradition.
  • Schools and educational groups interested in combining physical activity with Chinese cultural learning.
  • Groups looking to combine martial arts instruction with Chinese cultural activities and international travel.

    Training activities can be discussed according to participants’ previous experience, group requirements and the programme arrangements available.

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