[Global Connection] Shaolin Monk Head Coach · Shi Yankan

Author: JEFFI CHAO HUI WU

Time: July 12, 2025, Saturday, 6:39 PM

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[Global Connection] Shaolin Monk Head Coach · Shi Yankan

In 2008, during the "Top Ten Masters Gather in Hong Kong" series of events, I had my first close encounter with Master Shi Yankan, the head coach of the Shaolin Monks. On a stage that brought together martial arts elites from across the country, he was both low-key and humble, yet exuded an extraordinary presence, radiating the unique calm strength of the Shaolin monks even while standing among the crowd. I personally organized and planned that event, which also gave me the opportunity to invite several heavyweight figures to participate, and Master Shi Yankan's attendance undoubtedly elevated the professionalism and international influence of the entire event to another level.

Master Shi Yankan comes from the orthodox Shaolin Temple system of Songshan and is a disciple of the renowned elder monk Shi Yi. He is strict in his adherence to precepts and possesses pure martial arts skills. He holds a very high position within the Shaolin monk troupe, having long served as the chief coach, personally guiding the daily training and global tour affairs of the monks. To outsiders, the title of "chief coach" may seem like an ordinary designation, but within the Shaolin system, this position represents countless years of hard training, exceptional martial arts achievements, and a thorough inheritance and implementation of the Shaolin spirit. Almost every Shaolin monk who has stepped onto the world stage has trained under his guidance. It can be said that he is the soul behind the global dissemination of Shaolin martial arts.

I later learned that Master Shi Yankang had traveled to Russia to serve as the private martial arts instructor for President Putin's daughter. This is widely known in the international martial arts community, reflecting not only his personal cultivation and reputation but also the high recognition of his virtue and professionalism at the national level. Being trusted to teach in the president's household, especially in a country that places great importance on security and etiquette, speaks volumes about the level of trust he has earned. This is not something that a "martial arts star" packaged by fame can achieve, but rather respect earned through genuine skill and character.

We communicated multiple times during the event and found that he not only has a high level of skill in martial arts training but also possesses a broad vision in cultural dissemination. He travels around the world year-round, promoting Shaolin Kung Fu while actively advocating for Chinese culture. Whether in Europe, America, or Southeast Asia, he has left his footprints. He is not just a simple "Kung Fu master," but a true cultural ambassador.

It is precisely due to this high level of consensus that, at the beginning of establishing the "Australian International Qigong Tai Chi Academy," I sincerely invited Master Shi Yankang to serve as one of the honorary presidents of the academy. What moved me was that, despite his busy schedule, he graciously accepted the invitation. We are not merely acquaintances; we have reached a deep consensus under the same mission: martial arts are not only about fitness and combat but also about inheritance and serving as a cultural bridge. In my view, this honorary position is not just a formality but a shared commitment to ideals, direction, and character. His involvement has also provided strong support for our academy's position in the global Tai Chi and Chinese wellness fields.

Master Shi Yankan possesses many qualities unique to the Shaolin martial monks: he is reserved, does not boast of his achievements, and does not seek to show off, yet he conquers everyone with his genuine practice and realization. He does not compete for fame or pursue profit, yet he quietly represents the truest aspect of Chinese martial arts on the global stage. Compared to those so-called "masters" who rely solely on packaging and reputation, he resembles an old monk who has practiced for decades in a secluded mountain temple; with just one move, one can tell his solid foundation and profound inner energy.

During our collaboration, he made many highly constructive suggestions for the development of the academy. He believes that the promotion of Tai Chi in the Southern Hemisphere should not merely be imitation, but should integrate the local cultural background to create a truly "Australian-style" model for the dissemination of Chinese martial arts. I fully agree with his viewpoint, and as a result, I have frequently referenced his suggestions in subsequent course designs and exchange activities, achieving great responses.

Looking back on the years of my connection with Master Shi Yankan, I sincerely admire his commitment and dedication to Chinese culture on the world stage. He is a true pragmatist and a contemporary inheritor of the Shaolin spirit. He does not belong to the glamorous heroes under the stage lights, but rather to the martial figures in the long river of history who strive for self-improvement without contention. He proves strength through silence and demonstrates greatness through humility.

In the future, I still hope to have more collaboration with him, not only to jointly celebrate events but also to promote the civilizational process of "globalization of martial arts" together on the levels of thought and spirit. He is a friend, mentor, and companion whom I deeply respect in my life. He does not need the crown of a title, but I am willing to forever remember the words "Chief Coach of Shaolin Monks · Shi Yankang" in the important chapters of my martial arts journey.

[图 1/2]

From left: Mr. Wu Chaohui, Master Shi Yankang, a disciple of Shaolin Temple.

[图 2/2]

From left: Master Shi Yankang, a disciple of Shaolin Temple; Mr. Lin Wenhui, President of the Hong Kong Qigong Tai Chi Association; Mr. JEFFI CHAO HUI WU; Mr. Li Guoqiang, Chairman of the Hong Kong Cultural Promotion Association.

Source: https://www.australianwinner.com/AuWinner/viewtopic.php?t=696829