How Do I Get Started in Shaolin Martial Arts Kung Fu, Shaolin Tai Chi, Shaolin Qi Gong, or Shaolin Meditation?

Welcome to our school! Whether you have prior experience or none at all, you’re probably wondering how best to get started and this is the place to start! With the information here we hope we can encourage you to join our school, choose the right programs, and get the most out of it.

Choose the Best Learning Environment for You

Taking Classes in Person

We highly recommend you take classes in person at any of our STQI schools across Canada. The presence of a teacher to overlook your training is important because it prevents you from developing bad habits which will take longer to correct later. Teachers can asssess your development and also offer insights into areas to focus on.

At the downtown Toronto and Mississauga locations, we also have Virtual Classes as a backup to ensure uninterrupted training.

Taking Classes Online

Where travel is not possible or impractical, then taking classes online or virtually is your next best option. We have the LearnShaolin.com platform designed especially for this.

What’s great about our LearnShaolin.com online classes is that it simulates progressive learning according to the traditional methods. You can learn and take online classes from Master Dao on-demand and submit videos for review to ensure you are ready for more content. All at the convenience of learning from home or anywhere with an Internet connection.

About Learning Shaolin Martial Arts Kung Fu

Beginners can start with either Shaolin Tai Chi or Shaolin Kung Fu. If you are uncertain about your physical capability, starting with Shaolin Tai Chi is your best bet because many of the movements and techniques are the same and at a much slower pace.

If you would like to start with Shaolin Kung Fu, there are 2 levels of in-person classes:  Shaolin Kung Fu Level 1 and Shaolin Kung Fu Level 2. Here are the differences between all three classes:

Shaolin Tai Chi Level 1: 1 hour gentle kung fu class with no running or jumping similar to other forms of Tai Chi chi but more dynamic. This is great for those who want to work towards the regular kung fu classes but feel they are out of shape or just want to slow things down.

Shaolin Kung Fu Level 1: 1 hour kung fu class – a quick and challenging 1 hour class. Involves high intensity workout and calorie burn. It is suitable for anyone who is able to jump and run.

Shaolin Kung Fu Level 2: 2 hour kung fu class – more intense than the Shaolin Kung Fu Level 1 with more drills and time for taolu hand forms; great to start with if you are in great shape or determined! There is no requirement to pass any test to take this class.

Learn Shaolin Qigong

Beginners may start with the Qigong Level 1 program and also start right away with the Qigong Level 2 program (the pricing for Level 2 includes Level 1).

We’ve made improvements to the way we teach these classes so it’s more about your time and goals. The Level 2 includes more advanced forms and is a bit more physically demanding. Students are encouraged to adjust the forms and movements according to their physical requirements.

Learn Shaolin Tai Chi

Beginners will need to start with Level 1 program as you learn key foundation techniques and theory.

Although Shaolin Tai Chi appears to be easy and slow, the concepts and theories are difficult to apply and master. Shaolin Tai Chi also focuses more on healing the body and joints, similar to Shaolin Qigong.

The Level 2 Shaolin Tai Chi involves advanced forms and weapons. It is recommended that students progressing to Level 2 also take Shaolin Qigong to enhance their learning and breadth of understanding.

Learn Shaolin Meditation

Beginners and advanced practitioners can attend in-person workshops approximately every 2 months at the downtown Toronto school. These workshops are free and require online registration. You can view the upcoming events through our store.stqitoronto.com website.

You may want to also consider learning online at LearnShaolin.com at your own convenience for just $1 every 3 months. The most important theory and techniques are well explained with our online platform.

Shaolin Meditation may be very difficult for some people to start with because some may find the practice ‘too simple’ and as a result too difficult to stay focused. In that case, you can try Shaolin Qigong which is a kind of ‘moving meditation’ and is a great intermediary step towards Shaolin Meditation. If you find it too difficult to stay focused in Shaolin Qigong because you feel your mind is too active, then you will want something engaging and challening such as Shaolin Kung Fu or Shaolin Tai Chi.