7 Day Shaolin Intensive, Los Angeles
A cinematic, immersive Shaolin experience for creators, storytellers and culturally curious practitioners. Rooted in discipline, lineage and lived tradition, without traveling to China.
What you will do for seven days
Not random classes. A structured immersion built around daily discipline: early training, meditation, skill development and cultural learning, with room to document your journey in a respectful way.
- Warrior fundamentals: stance work, conditioning, forms, basics
- Chan practice: meditation, mindset, discipline, ritual
- Culture layer: history, temple etiquette, the meaning behind training
- Optional creator layer: cinematic moments and collaborative storytelling
Venerable Shi Yan Fan
The Shaolin Temple of Los Angeles was founded in 2008 under a living Shaolin lineage.
Venerable Shi Yan Fan (Franco Testini) is a 34th generation ordained Shaolin Warrior Monk and cultural ambassador connected to the Songshan Shaolin Temple in China. He is a disciple of Shi Yongxin (30th Abbot of the Shaolin Temple) and serves as head abbot of the Los Angeles Shaolin Temple in Sherman Oaks, California.
Born in Brindisi, Italy, he began martial arts at a young age and progressed through decades of training and competition. He later took monastic vows in South Korea before moving to the United States to promote Shaolin culture and Buddhism.
His early years in the U.S. were defined by sacrifice. He arrived without housing and unable to speak English, exchanging martial arts instruction for meals while slowly building a community of students.
In the 2000s he entered formal Shaolin training and ordination in China, receiving the name Shi Yan Fan ("Powerful Sky"), and was given permission to establish a Shaolin Temple presence in Los Angeles: a cultural home for training, practice and preservation.
Chan · Wu · Yi
Shaolin training is not only technique. It is a complete practice of mind, method and healing.
Chan
Stillness, discipline, observation and mind training.
Wu
Structure, repetition, strength and martial understanding.
Yi
Breath, recovery, longevity and internal care.
Built for creators: follower count is not the filter. Curiosity, respect and commitment are.
The temple rhythm
A reference weekly rhythm supervised within the temple training culture.
| Time | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:30 to 6:30 AM | Morning Workout | Morning Workout | Morning Workout | Morning Workout | Morning Workout | Morning Workout | Morning Workout |
| 8:00 AM | Zen Meditation | Zen Meditation | Zen Meditation | Zen Meditation | Zen Meditation | Zen Meditation | Zen Meditation |
| 9:00 AM | Qi Gong · Tai Chi · Yoga/Pilates | Qi Gong · Tai Chi · Yoga/Pilates | Qi Gong · Tai Chi · Yoga/Pilates | Qi Gong · Tai Chi · Yoga/Pilates | Qi Gong · Tai Chi · Yoga/Pilates | Qi Gong · Tai Chi · Yoga/Pilates | Qi Gong · Tai Chi · Yoga/Pilates |
| 10:00 AM | Shaolin Culture Tea Intermission | Shaolin Culture Tea Intermission | Shaolin Culture Tea Intermission | Shaolin Culture Tea Intermission | Shaolin Culture Tea Intermission | Children Kung Fu & Gymnastics | Children Kung Fu & Gymnastics |
| 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM | Adults Kung Fu (Self Defense) |
Adults Kung Fu (Self Defense) |
Adults Kung Fu (Self Defense) |
Adults Kung Fu (Self Defense) |
Adults Kung Fu (Self Defense) |
Adults Kung Fu (Self Defense) |
Adults Kung Fu (Self Defense) |
| 1:00 PM | Lunch Break | Lunch Break | Lunch Break | Lunch Break | Lunch Break | Lunch Break | Lunch Break |
| 2:00 to 4:00 PM | Private Sessions | Private Sessions | Private Sessions | Private Sessions | Private Sessions | Private Sessions | Private Sessions |
| 5:00 PM | Children Kung Fu & Gymnastics | Children Kung Fu & Gymnastics | Children Kung Fu & Gymnastics | Children Kung Fu & Gymnastics | Children Kung Fu & Gymnastics | Private Sessions | Private Sessions |
| 6:00 PM | Open Training (Disciples Only) |
Open Training (Disciples Only) |
Open Training (Disciples Only) |
Open Training (Disciples Only) |
Open Training (Disciples Only) |
· | · |
| 7:00 PM | Qi Gong · Tai Chi · Yoga/Pilates | Adults Kung Fu (Self Defense) |
Qi Gong · Tai Chi · Yoga/Pilates | Adults Kung Fu (Self Defense) |
Qi Gong · Tai Chi · Yoga/Pilates | · | · |
This table is a reference to the temple's rhythm. Your seven day intensive schedule is finalized after selection, based on temple programming and training focus.
An authentic Shaolin cultural space in Los Angeles
This experience takes place within a living lineage and community that preserves authentic Shaolin culture while creating modern pathways for creators and practitioners.
Learn more about the temple at shaolintemplela.org
The tone we aim for
Reference videos to help creators understand the storytelling we produce together.
Selective by design
Limited capacity to preserve depth and quality.
Submit the application with your background, goals and availability. Creative work is optional.
Applications are reviewed for alignment, curiosity and group balance, not follower count.
Selected applicants receive dates, preparation guidance and next steps.
Experience Shaolin in Los Angeles
One focused week. An authentic cultural setting. A lived Shaolin experience rooted in discipline, history and the integrated practice of Chan, Wu and Yi. Limited spots. Apply to be considered.
Apply for the IntensiveThis program supports Shaolin Worldwide collaborations with temples, masters and schools, preserving authentic Shaolin culture while creating modern pathways for creators and practitioners.