Series
7-Day Shaolin Intensive · LA
A cinematic, immersive Shaolin experience for creators, storytellers, and culturally curious practitioners — rooted in discipline, lineage, and lived tradition.
Train daily, learn temple culture, and experience the integrated Shaolin practice of Chan (Zen Buddhism), Wu (Martial Arts), and Yi (Medicine) — without traveling to China.
What You’ll Do for 7 Days
Not random classes — a structured immersion built around daily discipline.
This is a guided week that blends physical training, temple culture, and inner practice. You’ll follow a real rhythm: 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, meaning behind training
- Optional creator layer: cinematic moments + collaborative storytelling
Meet the Master
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 the 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 — arriving without housing and unable to speak English, he exchanged 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 — creating a cultural home for training, practice, and preservation.
Chan · Wu · Yi
The integrated Shaolin system: mind, method, and healing.
Shaolin training isn’t only technique — it’s a complete practice. This intensive introduces participants to the tradition of Chan (Zen Buddhism), Wu (Martial Arts), and Yi (Medicine) as one integrated path.
- Chan: stillness, discipline, observation, mind training
- Wu: structure, repetition, strength, martial understanding
- Yi: breath, recovery, longevity, internal care
Built for creators: follower count isn’t the filter — curiosity, respect, and commitment are.
Training Schedule
A reference weekly rhythm supervised within the temple training culture.
| Time | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:30–6:30AM | Morning Workout | Morning Workout | Morning Workout | Morning Workout | Morning Workout | Morning Workout | Morning Workout |
| 8:00AM | Zen Meditation | Zen Meditation | Zen Meditation | Zen Meditation | Zen Meditation | Zen Meditation | Zen Meditation |
| 9:00AM | 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 |
| 10:00AM | 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 |
| 11:00AM–12:00PM | 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) |
| 1:00PM | Lunch Break | Lunch Break | Lunch Break | Lunch Break | Lunch Break | Lunch Break | Lunch Break |
| 2:00–4:00PM | Private Sessions | Private Sessions | Private Sessions | Private Sessions | Private Sessions | Private Sessions | Private Sessions |
| 5:00PM | Children Kung Fu & Gymnastics | Children Kung Fu & Gymnastics | Children Kung Fu & Gymnastics | Children Kung Fu & Gymnastics | Children Kung Fu & Gymnastics | Private Sessions | Private Sessions |
| 6:00PM | Open Training (Disciples Only) |
Open Training (Disciples Only) |
Open Training (Disciples Only) |
Open Training (Disciples Only) |
Open Training (Disciples Only) |
— | — |
| 7:00PM | 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 provided as a reference to the temple’s rhythm. Your 7-day intensive schedule is finalized after selection, based on temple programming and training focus.
Lineage & Community
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
Creator Examples
Reference videos to help creators understand the tone and storytelling we aim to produce.
How To Apply
Selective by design. Limited capacity to preserve depth and quality.
Submit the application with your background, goals, and availability (creative work 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 · Yi. Limited spots — apply to be considered.
Apply for 7-Day Intensive LA
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