Classes for Shaolin Kung Fu Martial Arts, Qigong, Tai Chi, and Meditation

This Temple is pure magic! Master Dao & all instructors teach with pure reverence, potency & mastery. The community is very welcoming & incredibly helpful specially to those with little to no prior experience. There is a true sense of camaraderie & unity, not competing for hierarchy. I notice immense improvements to my overall health ever since I started participating. There are people of every age in different health conditions that attend classes regularly. As a relative newbie, I always feel welcomed & supported by the incredible teachers & more exper ... [MORE]

Annie K.

I like doing the virtual classes during lockdown. I can attend more classes because there's no commute. Also, I'm doing more broadsword than during the regular classes. It's easy to follow Dao's instructions and we get individual attention in break-out rooms. At the beginning it's a little hard to get used to, but once you get used to it it's great! Dao shows you how to do everything in one spot if you don't have enough space. I recommend everyone try it to keep up your training during the winter.

Koan W.

Maintaining my Kung Fu studies online despite Quarantine has been a life saver, keeping both my sanity and my strength intact. Shifu Dao has done an amazing job of bringing the school experience into our living rooms with his live classes - deftly managing to preserve the feeling of individualized instruction, in-person inspiration, and class unity. There is no apparent loss of either sophistication of technique, or possibilities for growth in this format – if one just has the self discipline to press the button and show up! And as with the Shaolin ... [MORE]

Eric L.

Learning shaolin Kung fu has really changed my life. I have learned so much since I started. Even when we can’t go to actual in person classes, I still go to the online classes. Just because we can’t be at the school doesn't mean we can’t train. You can still learn so much , even in online classes. The Warm ups are modified so you can stay in one spot but other than that, the content has stayed pretty much the same. I definitely think it’s still worth going. There are even some benefits of online classes. For example, if you need to, you can go o ... [MORE]

Willem L.

Because of the lockdown, I didn't practice Qi Gong regularly at home: it was harder to find the motivation, to stay focus, etc. I made many excuses to not join the virtual classes: not enough space at home, hard to find the time with no distractions and maybe a bit shy too. But I was starting to forget what I had learned before and I decided to try one virtual class: it was simple, there was no judgment, it was nice to talk with everyone and to start learning again. After a few weeks, I can now say that it feels really good to be back in class! I had ... [MORE]

Isabelle B.

The school is really inclusive, offering a wide variety of classes and times that gives tremendous options for people of all ages to participate. I feel there is a class for everyone and the teachers really focus on making each class a worthwhile experience for each student. Whether you are looking for something energetic, to self-defence, to relaxing, there is a course for you, for all ages and genders. I truly feel welcome here as does my daughter who can't wait to come every week. Very people friendly! Thank you!

Shannon S.

We love STQ because it allows our girls to have fun while at the same time fostering a sense of integrity and respect in them. They both enjoy coming to Kung Fu so much - they hardly realize the valuable lessons of commitment and tenacity that they are learning. Thank you!

Madeline C.

Our son started training at the school in 2015 at age 6. Just as the school has grown and matured, so has he. His skill and confidence has progressed and he not only has fun but takes his training seriously. Dao Shi runs a wonderful school and an excellent kids program. The focus on the Shaolin virtues, such as perseverence and respect, provides admirable goals for the kids to strive for. All of the instructors are devoted and skilled and the sense of support and community is a real highlight of being part of the school. Our family wouldn't hesitate to h ... [MORE]

Liz W.

We put our children aged 6 & 8 years into Kids Kung Fu at STQI four years ago. They have been attending regular classes 3-4 times a week. We have seen such a positive change in both kids. They are much more focused when it comes to school work, their self-confidence has greatly improved and their over-all behaviour has improved at home and at school. Both kids are in the instructor program and competed in the Shaolin Wushu Competition in China in 2018. We highly recommend putting your kids into classes at STQI. You will see a huge difference and only pos ... [MORE]

Kristan L.

The school has made a difference to us as a family. Both my son and I take classes and my partner feels welcome and comes as support. We feel like we have joined a community that is welcoming and supportive and will help us advance both physically and spiritually.

Edan T.

I have two young kids enrolled at STQI. The teachers are great. They are strong and compassionate leaders. The facilities are clean and bright and easy to get to downtown. The school helps my kids with fitness and co-ordination as well as basic learning skills. I definitely recommend STQI.

Eric Y.

My son max has been coming to Classes at the STQI for a year and a half, since he was 3 years old. he has made great friends and loves the environment at the school. I like the discipline offered in class, and he even meditates at home!

Joanna S.

We have been training for six months. I found my son gained a lot of flexibility and became a lot stronger. The lessons are good for not only physical health, but they are also good for mental training. I highly recommend parents try Shaolin Kung Fu for their kids!

Hathaitip T.

I have been with the STQI for 3 years, starting from level I and transitioning to Adult level II. My STQI experience has been a very rewarding one. My mental and physical well being are improving every week. My social network has expanded by meeting so many Shaolin members and sharing each other's life experiences. STQI provides excellent training, learning, and mental therapy environment and I encourage others to try it during our open house. You would like it.

Aimin L.

I am overwhelmed with stories about how the teachers, class and school have impacted my children, and ultimately my family. Over the past years, the stories are countless. My son's attention and ability to self-regulate has dramatically improved. He has taken the principles and values into all walks of life. On one recent occasion, he mastered a BMX that I thought may be a little above his physical capabilities. When I inquired how he manged, he stated, I remembered Kung Fu Focus and Strive - I was shocked. My daughter just started to practice. At 4 year ... [MORE]

Maureen S.

Most authentic Kung Fu classes in Toronto! If you are looking for an enriching experience, look no further. I've learned Kung Fu practical skills, and a healthy mentality with meditation and Qi Gong. Classes at STQI have given me an overall learning experience. There's no better school!

Florabelle R.

My family has been thrilled with the experience at the school. The family-centered, community-oriented nature of the school has made it a place of learning, support, and growth. I can see the growth in my children in terms of strength, discipline, and patience, and look forward to continuing this journey over the next several years.

Michelle B.

I've been here for over 3 years and I have been in Level II Kung Fu. Though I am in my mid-fifties, I am able to achieve so much more than when I was in my twenties. My arthritis and rotator cuff no longer hinder those things I still do; hockey, cycling, etc. The strength of all parts of my body has increased dramatically as well as my flexibility! I have never felt better!

Michael M.

Training at STQI Toronto has completely changed my outlook on life. Four years ago, doing any of the Kung Fu drills would've been next to impossible in my mind. Yet, through the virtues of perseverence and strive, I'm now quite prolific at many of the drills. I feel touched by Chan philosophy, to always look beyond the limitations of the mind. Highly recommended for all ages.

Andrew C.

I attended one of my first Gentle Kung Fu Classes. My back had hurt for the past week, prior to class. I was very pleased to find that all the pain was gone by the end of class. Shifu Dao explained that it was probably because I released all the tension in my lower back during class. I felt great as soon as the class was over, and was able to return to my regular workouts.

Sam J.

Qi Gong and Gentle Kung Fu have been great forms of exercise and stretching, and help me relax during the week. I enjoy learning the forms and appreciate the encouraging and patient nature of the intructors.

A. L.

Qi Gong is very relaxing and I get a great stretch. All of the Qi Gong instructors are very knowledgeable and correct my movements when something is out of place. Gentle Kungfu is a great class to attend when injured but still provides a different kind of challenge than regular kungfu. Gentle Kungfu is taught by patient, caring instructors who take teaching seriously and make it fun to learn. Both are great classes to attend.

A. A. Y.

In the last four months, I have spent over 100 hours training at STQI Toronto and it has been an amazing experience. The teachers and the community are truly exceptional. In my time at the school, I have;

• practiced the moving meditation, body awareness, and energy cultivation of Chi Gong and worked on understanding the power of momentum, core, and breath chi in Gentle Kung Fu with the head master of the school, Shifu Dao;
• worked on harnessing the raw power of my mind and body through the intense physical and mental training of Women's ... [MORE]

Kelly C.

Doing the Qi Gong classes makes me feel positive towards approaching life's daily challenges. I also notice an improvement in my posture and have more energy overall. I also feel at peace with everything and everyone.

Pam G.

The live online are very similar to in-person classes. Shifu Dao will show you how you can easily do all the same drills and forms in a small space. In some ways it is even better online. You can do the classes from the comfort of your own home. Shifu Dao teaches all the classes himself, and you can watch your own techniques and forms in your video feed to see how well you are doing.

Steve S.

STQI has had an extraordinary impact on my physical and mental well-being since I joined in January 2019. Each class is packed with drills and exercises that challenge my cardio, stability, flexibility, balance, coordination, strength, and endurance. The school's philosophy teaches discipline and perseverance, two virtues that were essential to surviving this tumultuous year. As I write this in December 2020, it is more important than ever to maintain our physical and mental well-being. Dao's Live Virtual Online Classes have been invaluable, especial ... [MORE]

Yan J.

When we went into lockdown I was so sad because I knew how much I would miss training in person with our classmates! Then Master Dao told us he would be teaching live classes! Elijah and I were so excited, but we have a small place! We quickly found out that didn’t matter! We train as hard as we did when we were outside! Both of us do! We get an excellent workout and we are still progressing in all aspects of our training! Forms, weapons, punches, kicks, stances, all of it! Master Dao gives us feed back during class and Shaolin theory as well. I have ... [MORE]

Val B.

I have tried meditation before, and this is the most comfortable I have ever felt meditating! Master Dao has a calming presence and creates a safe, respectful and sacred space for meditation. He uses straight-forward language, and sets simple ground rules to help guide the practice. His questions and discussion topics create rich material for reaching a clearer sense of self and a more peaceful mind.

Andrea N.

As a Generation X participant, I can attest to the life-changing effects of Qigong and Stretch Therapy classes at the Shaolin Temple Quanfa Institute. I began these classes after my physiotherapist recommended that I try qigong to alleviate the persistent pain I was experiencing in my lower back. The pain had been accumulating for the past ten years in conjunction with stress factors that have led to burnout and problems with my liver (I don’t drink alcohol, yet liver enzymes have increased in my blood), and also, possibly, from a 3mm misalignment (a ... [MORE]

Janet Csontos

I started the Stretch Therapy class as an investment to improve my own health but most importantly, to remedy an existing knee pain which made it hard to climb the stairs. I very nearly decided to visit a chiropractor for the pain but what held me back was the lack of really good, affordable doctors. One term into the practice and I found my overall flexibility improved tremendously; however, that was when I kept on twisting my ankle because of the increased flexibility (but the muscle/tendon/ligament strength hasn't had the time to catch up with the fle ... [MORE]

Pau L.

Under Master Dao's leadership, the Downtown STQI School uniquely positions itself as an authentic Shaolin school for North Americans. The philosophy and exercises come straight from Shaolin's 1500-year tradition in Dengfeng, China. But the lessons are communicated in clear English with an appreciation for Canada's values and culture. As a result, the Downtown STQI School is a place where people can train happily while building discipline and striving to be their best selves.

Andrew C.

After 10 years of practice, I continue to believe Shaolin Kung Fu is the best workout that exists in the world. In a 2-hour class, you develop your strength, endurance, cardio, explosive power, balance, flexibility, coordination, reaction time, and breathing. The classes are fun, the Taolu Forms are beautiful, and there's always a new way to challenge yourself.

Andrew C.

I believe Shaolin Qigong has helped me reduce the bouts of sickness throughout the year. Once I learned Master Dao's net qi theory, I could always find ways to maintain a positive energy balance. As a result, my body has the strength to fight the seasonal pathogens ... most of the time :)

Andrew C.

I started Stretch Therapy sessions at the Shaolin Temple School in summer 2025, and they have been truly excellent. I have a degenerative cervical condition and spend many hours in front of the computer for work. Since attending the sessions and practicing daily, my posture has improved significantly, and the discomfort in my neck has reduced amazingly—there are even days when I have no pain at all. I highly recommend these sessions to anyone looking to improve posture, relieve pain, and enhance overall well-being. Thanks a lot for the sessions! Lookin ... [MORE]

Romina C

STQI Toronto has been very very good to me????????… Seriously, Master Dao, Luka and all the other coaches and staff have been fantastic. My son and I have had the best life experience at STQI. My son has been a student for the past 5 years and his passion for this art form has been unwavering and that is unique for a 14 year old. He is looking forward to competing in China this coming Oct. ‘26. I have been a life long athlete (‘88 & ‘92 Olympics) but the COVID years put me in a comprising situation with my health. Starting Kung Fu two years ago h ... [MORE]

Curtis H

I started Shaolin practices 3 years ago and have been doing more and more ever since. My health improved so much as a result: Tai-Chi has helped my balance and ability to relax; QiGong has improved my breathing and body awareness, Stretch therapy reduced pain and improved mobility specially in my shoulders and hips, and Kung Fu has really built my strength and resilience. Truly recommend.

Leticia F.

I love this place. It not only taught me to defend myself in a street fight, but also gave me a whole new mentality, and perspective of life. Most instructors are really nice and supportive, and teach us very well. You really should try STQI, you will make a lot of friends, everyone here is really nice too. :)

Alex A.

This class is a wonderful global stretching class accessible for anybody. Dao knows how the body works and makes us understand how we can recover wellbeing by doing body stretching. Interesting to include in a daily routine to reduce pain in general!

Catherine P.

I started to follow the Shaolin courses online during the pandemic from France, Europe, and never stopped to practice since then. The stretching courses are a truly efficient practice to enhance the full effect of all the Qi gong and Tai chi courses. I feel able to develop my implication in the courses, knowing that I'll stretch efficiently the muscles. It is a never ending story : there is always something possible to improve, and the energy and well-being are fantastic, even when getting older past 60 ! Who said it was not possible to improve the state ... [MORE]

Florence C.

Master Dao’s stretch therapy, Tai Chi, and Qi Gong lessons have truly been a lifestyle change for me. Each class offers something unique, and with Master Dao’s thoughtful guidance and clear teaching, they’ve become more than just exercise—they’re a way to recharge, manage stress, and reconnect with both body and mind. Since starting, I’ve lost weight, slept better, and have more energy throughout the day. What began as simply trying out a class with my kids has grown into a routine I genuinely look forward to, making a lasting difference in m ... [MORE]

Susan S.

After practicing Shaolin Stretch Therapy for about a year, I have come to see it as a foundational component of my personal practice and required maintenance that allows me to maintain a regular and fairly intense training regimen. I find that I can move more fluidly, stretch more deeply, carry myself with better posture, and even see farther over my shoulder than previously. The core exercises are great to do regularly and the weekly focus provides additional exercises to use when specific parts of your body need attention. I particularly love Stretch T ... [MORE]

Garrry N.

Shaolin Stretch Therapy is my favorite class at the school. It is extremely accessible and the benefits can be felt immediately. In this class, you will learn about the human body, feel great from going through the stretches, and go home with simple, effective practices. The various stretches can be performed from a seated position and provide targeted treatment/relief/pleasure. I like to pick a few to do before bed with the lights off for a good night's sleep. Highly recommended for all.

Patrick S.

Tai chi. Kung Fu. Qi Gong. Stretch Therapy. Which one to choose? I didn't. I did them all and I discovered that it was the best choice I didn't make. I am a runner. I run middle distances: 10-15 km. When I began taking classes at the STQI school, I become more aware of my breath, my posture while running (thanks to stretch therapy), and how far and how hard I could push myself and especially my legs. Stance practices in kung fu--especially ma bu--for 3 or 5 minutes, and kicks, brought new found strength and stamina to my legs. In kung fu classes especial ... [MORE]

Steven L.

Qi Gong stretch therapy has significantly improved my spinal health, flexibility & reduced intense pain from frozen shoulder & hip tightness from sitting behind a desk for 8-9 hours a day in the relatively short period of time that I have been practicing regularly. I notice remarkable flexibility in my hamstrings & knees as well. Practicing some of the key stretches before going to bed at nights immensely helps with sleep quality & my body’s ability to recover & even reverse some of the damage done over the years from sitting for extended periods of ti ... [MORE]

Annie K.

I began training at STQI with Master Dao in the spring of 2018. For quite some time, I had been thinking about getting back into martial arts training, but nothing I found truly appealed to me. In the past, I had practiced Taekwondo, Shotokan Karate, and even Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as an adolescent and into my twenties. However, none of them seemed to address what I was really looking for. I realized that if I wanted something deeper—something that connected mind, body, and spirit—I wasn’t going to find it in a typical strip mall dojo. Then, in 2017, ... [MORE]

Stephen R.

Dès que j’ai découvert les étirements thérapeutiques Shaolin, j’ai tout de suite été impressionnée par leurs bénéfices. Session après session, j’ai observé des changements concrets dans mon corps : plus de mobilité, moins de tensions, une meilleure circulation de l’énergie, etc. Chaque fois, je retrouve de nouveaux bienfaits, tant immédiats que durables. Cette progression m’a donné envie d’aller plus loin, d’en apprendre davantage et, naturellement, de transmettre ces enseignements. Ce que j’aime particulièrement, c’e ... [MORE]

Sabrina A.