Shaolin Temple of Canada offers qigong and kung fu classes to KPU students

The Shaolin Temple of Canada and Kwantlen Student Association have joined forces to offer kung fu and qigong classes to students at the Blossoming Lotus Yoga Studio at Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Richmond campus every Wednesday .

The classes are designed to promote physical fitness and foster mental wellness, community engagement, and cultural awareness. The collaboration, spearheaded by a KPU Chinese medicine student and kung fu enthusiast, aligns closely with the temple’s mission to promote holistic well-being.

“One of our kung fu students, who is currently studying Chinese medicine at KPU, initiated the idea of offering free qigong and kung fu classes for KPU students in partnership with the KSA,” Shi Yandi, abbott and headmaster of Shaolin Temple of Canada, wrote in an email statement to The Runner. 

The temple was eager to join the effort to recognize the unique benefits qigong and kung fu offer for both physical and mental health. Yandi wrote the initiative will not only introduce students to Shaolin culture, but also allow them to learn more about Canadian culture, creating a mutual exchange. 

“Shaolin Temple of Canada decided to get involved because it aligns with our mission to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual fitness,” he wrote.

In an email statement to The Runner, Active KSA Coordinator Connor McCann, wrote that on-campus activities give students more to do than just attending classes. 

“We do hope to continue more of these activities and classes as we believe they provide a great opportunity for students to improve their physical and mental health, as well as to maybe make a few friends,” he wrote. 

The drop-in classes are led by Yandi and Shi Yanyan, both 34th-generation disciples, who began training under the mentorship of Abbot Shi Yongxin at the Shaolin Temple in Songshan, China.

Qigong and kung fu offer a wealth of benefits that extend beyond physical fitness, Yandi wrote. As a gentle exercise, qigong helps improve energy flow, physical strength, flexibility, and balance in addition to reducing stress, promoting emotional balance, and helping with focus.  

Kung fu, on the other hand, is a vigorous martial art that builds strength, endurance, and agility.

Together, the practices create a balanced approach to physical health and mental clarity, addressing the demands and stressors of student life. 

“From these classes, we hope students take away a sense of physical and mental well-being, especially since being a university student can be very stressful,” Yandi wrote. 

The initiative may expand to offer more classes and activities if there is enough student interest — something both KSA and Shaolin Temple of Canada are keen to pursue. 

Whether students are new to martial arts or are simply looking for a healthy outlet, these classes can offer a unique opportunity to experience the benefits of qigong and kung fu while engaging in a cultural tradition.