Shaolin Kung Fu Retreat · 12 days
Train traditional Shaolin Kung Fu at its source. Open to beginners and experienced practitioners alike, this immersive retreat brings you authentic training, culture and discipline, taught by lineage masters near the Shaolin Temple.
A real academy. Real training.
Watch what daily life and training looks like at Shaolin Yongzhi, then secure your place for April 2027.
In their own words
Students from the United States, Poland and Scotland joined the first Shaolin Worldwide retreat. Here's what they said at the end.
"It was absolutely extraordinary. The people, how welcoming they are, the environment, the nature — it felt like home. Being far from all the distractions is ideal. I would do this again and even more."
"I came knowing nothing about Shaolin, with a number of health issues. My physicality, balance and nimbleness improved in just ten days. If you've never done anything, you can do this. This is a new start for me."
"I was looking for silence, discipline and a chance to reconnect with what matters. Shaolin teachers show that strength starts in the mind. I recommend this, but not as a vacation — for people who want to challenge themselves."
"The training was very intense, which is a good thing. Two runs a day, two sessions a day. We learned complicated stances and techniques in a short time. The environment is a real creek, a real mountain. I've tested Shaolin balance work and haven't fallen once. That's huge."
"I'm terrified of heights, and getting up on those pillars was a huge deal for me. By the end I did it alone. The intensity of training is fabulous. If you want the authentic thing, this is where you need to be."
Moments from the retreat
Real photos from our students in China — training, sightseeing and temple life.
Everything you need. Nothing left out.
Daily training balanced with internal practice and cultural immersion — a complete introduction to the Shaolin way.
Daily Kung Fu training
~4 hours a day of forms, conditioning, kicks, stances, stretching, sparring drills and traditional Shaolin techniques.
Daily internal practice
Qi Gong, Tai Chi, breathing work, meditation and mindfulness, guided by Shaolin masters.
Cultural immersion
Calligraphy, tea ceremony, Chinese language, philosophy, temple visits, guided tours and traditional medicine insights.
Two sightseeing days
Luoyang City (Longmen Grottoes and White Horse Temple) and a full day at the Shaolin Temple with demonstrations.
Accommodation & all meals
Hotel accommodation (shared or private options) with three traditional Chinese meals each day throughout the retreat.
Airport transfers
Group pickup and drop-off between Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO), the academy and the hotel.
Secure your spot with a deposit
Limited availability. Spots are confirmed only once the deposit is received.
The $500 deposit is non-refundable and required to confirm your place. Remaining balance due before the retreat begins.
Shaolin Yongzhi
This is not a tourist programme. Shaolin Yongzhi Traditional Martial Arts Academy is a working school where Chinese students train full time, year round, just minutes from the Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng.
You don't need to be a martial artist
Open to all levels. What matters most is the willingness to train, rest and be present.
Ready to train at the source?
Complete the application and submit your $500 non-refundable deposit to reserve your place. The 2027 retreat runs 21 April to 2 May in Dengfeng, China. Spaces are limited.