The USA Shaolin Temple, according to its website, “teaches Chan Philosophy through the core Shaolin disciplines of martial arts or action meditation: Gongfu (Kung Fu), Taiji Quan (Tai Chi) and Qigong (Chi Kung). Students of all backgrounds, religions, ages, and athletic ability can train at Temple. Students come to the USA Shaolin Temple from all around the world to learn and grow from traditional Shaolin training. ‘Heart to Heart’ and ‘Mind to Mind’ is the essence of Shaolin Chan Philosophy–and this system of training spans the differences between language and culture as a direct form of growth and understanding.”

That excerpt is kind of exhausting to read, but all sounds like a noble goal.

Kung fu was one of the things I wanted to try out to give my Chinese studies some cultural context, so I went with my husband to a class here that was open to beginners.

The workout was extremely vigorous and rigorous, but if you are the physically adventurous type, I recommend it. People whirled through the air!

It was obvious that numerous students were basically in love with the place. The head of the temple, Shifu Shi Yan Ming, is an attractive, personable, and freakishly flexible man. He taught much of the class himself, with some help from what appeared to be more advanced students.

On the first Friday of every month, the temple has kung fu movie night!