USA Shaolin Temple — Local services in New York

One of the most incredible experiences I have ever had as a martial arts practitioner! Shifu Shi Yan Ming is true to the essence of martial code and an AWESOME teacher! I have noticed some rather negative reviews posted on other sites and it really made me think… The essence of our training is based on who we are, as an individual, and what we bring to the table(temple). Mirrors are everywhere! Mirrors casting back reflections of self. We too are teachers the moment we walk thru the revolving doors. We teach fellow students by our positive and or negative behavior. We even teach our Shifu in over-standing who we are as individuals and pray that he nor anyone else would cast judgement upon us! We go with the hopes of just being free to be self while enhancing the mental, physical and spiritual selves. I am so proud to have become a disciple to Shifu because I over-stand that just like while learning a form, the mirror is becoming polished the more I PRACTICEand TRAIN. He has been an incredible source of wisdom in my life! In moments where I would question what exactly was being taught or not being taught became the moments when I truly recognised All the questions and doubts resided within my soul and Shifu showed the path in the walking contemplation. i.e. Life's moments of sipping from each drinking well. I have had some "negative" moments there as well but that had nothing to do with the temple. These moment were manifested by some individuals who came with a completely different agenda. Pointing a finger at something should help you see 3 fingers pointing back at self but nonetheless, I know they were teachers as well. To me, the very basis of Chan Meditation. Flatten Your Heart! I once had a person denounce me as a true practitioner of the arts and as a healer because of a piece of poetry I had recited, Shifu has heard so much poetry spill from my soul on EVERY LEVEL! His words to me were quite simple, First he named me Fo (Buddha) then emphatically said "NEVER STOP EXPRESSING YOURSELF! VERBALLY OR PHYSICALLY!!!" The mirror became polished even more! Only Judge Thy Self! The Universe returns what you choose to release within it. How do I rate Shifu Shi Yan Ming and USA Shaolin Temple? There aren't enough stars on this page or in the galaxy! Forgive my ranting on and on! I could easily write a novel about my...

I have been training at Temple for over a decade, and, while initially, I started with a 'I want to be a better fighter' mindset, over the years, through the course of training, I have ended up becoming a better person. Physically, I am definitely stronger, and more flexible than when I started (even though I am 10+ years older), but, more importantly, my mind has become more agile, I can concentrate for longer periods of time, and have developed a mental endurance and self reflection where I can think myself into better frame of mind. This is truly what martial arts is about, in my opinion.

Specifics about class: Physically challenging, but fellow students are generally very supportive. First half of class is aerobically intense, as you practice what you have learnt, at a very fast pace. Middle of class is a short stretch break where, since the body is already warmed up, you can actually push yourself into deeper stretches without injuring yourself (think Bikram Yoga, but you have produced your own, internal heat!). Second half of class is spent either polishing what you have learnt previously, or learning new movements/techniques, etc.

In closing, I have trained Karate (middle-school), Aikido and Kungfu (college), Wing Chun and Kickboxing (early professional life), and then came to USA Shaolin Temple. Every place was different, and special in its own way.

Any school, including the teacher, is evolving, as are you. It's not a static situation. So, The key to finding a school that is appropriate for you is to try it, spend some time there, and then, to decide if you are co-evolving harmoniously. If yes, then you have found the right place!

Good luck on your personal...

I have a decade-long relationship with the Shaolin Temple in NYC. I was introduced to the practice, philosophy, students, and Sifu through my brother who has been training here since more than ten years. Here is what I have experienced. The Temple -- The steps leading up to the Temple are a perfect contrast to what you see when you enter the Temple. It's a beautifully decorated place with vibrant colors and loads of positive chi. There are two changing rooms for each sex. They are large enough and kept clean by the students. The Training -- The classes are long enough for you to warm up, practice basic stances, move on to complex forms, and cool down. While the class may seem intense, it is highly rewarding. There are two levels and people move up based on their individual capabilities. I respect this philosophy because I believe that everyone's best cannot be the same. Some students are chosen by Sifu to teach complex forms to newer students and this is training time for everyone. If you think Sifu isn't watching, you are very wrong. Sifu is highly aware of his surroundings. The Students -- Everyone at the temple is very supportive. They will encourage you to find your best and will work with you to achieve it. Our friendships go beyond training and we often hang out with each other inside and outside the temple. Shaolin Temple is like a home to me in NYC. Sifu has always welcomed me and my family with an open heart. He has trained me and enabled me to be more expressive. I have the utmost respect for him and the Shaolin...