STQI Downtown Toronto School
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Student Testimonial by Janet Csontos
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 (anterolisthesis) between my L4 and L5 vertebrae recently revealed in an MRI. In my efforts to heal myself while on a sick leave from work, I have tried a combination of approaches, including physiotherapy, psychotherapy, tapping, craniosacral therapy, massage, naturopathic treatment, herbal remedies, acupuncture, exercise, immersing myself in nature, connecting with community, yoga, and improved diet. While each approach is of value, I felt I was at a standstill in terms of unblocking what seemed to be hopelessly constricted muscles. My physiotherapist gave some stretches that were mildly effective, but they did not seem to get to the root of the pain. I am so grateful that she made the recommendation to try qigong.

At long last, after 10 years of increasing pain, I have found a source of relief that feels like it is getting to the heart of my discomfort. After only attending three times a week for the past 5 months, my muscles are actually loosening up and I can finally rotate my hips again. Amazing.

In both Qi Gong Foundation and Intermediate classes, I am learning how to get in tune with my nerves, and I am learning how to control and sustain my energy. This is profoundly significant for recovering from burnout. While the Qi Gong classes are invaluable, my favourite class is Stretch Therapy where I am learning a variety of decompression stretches that go deep into my lower back and hip area. The relief is incredible. In addition to the stretches, Master Dao focuses on a different area of the body each week providing explanations of the anatomy of different joints, as well as explanations of acupressure points from Traditional Chinese medicine. I am looking forward to the upcoming focus on how to take care of our organs as I am concerned about my liver. I did not expect the sessions to be so comprehensive in addition to the physical aspect. It has been truly fulfilling in terms of a mind/body educational experience.

When my doctor told me that there was nothing I could do about the pain and misalignment in my lower back because it was part of the aging process, I was reluctant to believe it and hopeful that I would be able to find a solution. Now, after going to Stretch Therapy, I am learning exercises to increase bone density and strengthen joints. I have learned that it is possible to realign my vertebrae, and I have acquired self-massage techniques to eliminate pain. In the Qigong classes I have learned that pain is a symptom of pathogens in the body that accumulate where there is stagnation, and I am acquiring the techniques to increase the flow of energy throughout the body to keep things moving. Aging does not mean I have to helplessly endure pain. Now I have the tools to alleviate it. Now, Dao’s words that “pain is not normal” echo in my mind as I utilize the stretches that I have learned to bring relief.

Master Dao’s commitment to his own ongoing learning is reflected in his ever-evolving curriculum. He is a cool guy who engages his classes in a laid back manner while being super focused and clear, with a highly informative instructional approach that is characterized by kindness and humour. He has created a welcoming and friendly environment for all ages to learn at their own pace. He also provides the option of online instruction for every Qi Gong and Stretch Therapy class, which has made it easy to attend when weather is unfavourable or if my schedule gets tight. While I prefer in-person classes, I appreciated the online sessions that I attended as I was able to clearly compare and correct my posture according to the instructor’s, visible on split-screen mode on my computer screen.

What a gift to have come across this place. Thank you Master Dao! You rock!

We have many options for you to learn the Shaolin arts:
In-Person and Live Zoom Classes
Learn with a qualified instructor. We have 3 Terms each year. Each term consists of 14 weeks of classes.
Fee is $20 per class with minimum 14 class purchase
$20 Trial Class option available when signing up
Commit to more hours each term and save!
Online Subscription Classes
Progressive content at LearnShaolin.com where you can learn at your own pace, any time from anywhere.
Subscription fees start at $25 per month
$1 Trial Class option available for 1st time
Commit to more courses and save!
Private Lessons
Want to get a head start or improve upon specific area? Take private lessons with a qualified instructor.
Private lessons start at $80/hr
Semi-Private lessons up to 4 students
Contact us for outreach engagements
Information for New Students

New Student Information

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You can then click enter the Student Portal where you'll be able to register for classes.

Explore Shaolin
News
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Posted on Saturday, March 16, 2024
Summer Term Begins Monday, April 29th, 2024. Register online at www.stqitoronto.com. Join us for an exciting summer with many popular events! New Classes for the 2024 T2 Summer Term We are excited to announce that we will have a new class for the upcoming 2024 T1 Winter Term called Shaolin Performance Class (see below for more information). It will be held on Mondays at 6pm for 1 to 1.5 hours. Shaolin Performance Cl... [more]
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Posted on Tuesday, February 27, 2024
!! GIVEAWAY !! This March, witness a furry kung fu master’s return to the big screen! #KungFuPanda4 will be in theatres March 8th and thanks to @UniversalPicturesCanada, we are giving away passes to an EXCLUSIVE advanced screening of the film in Toronto on March 6th! To enter, reserve a spot for our kung fu classes on Friday, March 1st at 6pm. Only students (adults and children) who attend will be considered. ... [more]
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Posted on Monday, January 22, 2024
Our ability to understand and manage our perceptions is one of the principal ideas of Chan-Dao for achieving self-wisdom. The focus of this blog is to understand what perceptions are and how our brain organizes them. By taking this step, we begin the journey to develop ‘clarity’. Perceptions A 'perception' is one aspect of interpreting the world and your reality. You can also think of it as an id... [more]
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Posted on Saturday, December 23, 2023
Winter Term Begins Tuesday, January 2nd, 2024. Register online at www.stqitoronto.com. The Winter is a popular time for new students to register and we expect to continue to meet our base student target of 200. New Instructors This Term! We are very thankful for the following students joining our Instructor Team this term: Candice BrodeurChris NiElizabeth RidingHossein Saeidi (tentative)Katherine ApplebaumSaul O'Gorman P... [more]
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Posted on Wednesday, November 29, 2023
This holiday season, consider giving the gift of health! Available in $25, $50, $100, $250, and $500 amounts. Suitable for all classes including Shaolin Kung Fu, Shaolin Tai Chi, and Shaolin Qigong. It may be used for classes in-person at our downtown Toronto school, including live Zoom classes (for Tai Chi and Qigong), as well as online subscription classes at LearnShaolin.com. To make a purchase, login by clicking on 'Student' at the top and the... [more]
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Posted on Saturday, November 18, 2023
Experience the life of a Shaolin Warrior! The Shaolin Winter Retreat is a two-day program for adults to experience Shaolin Martial Zen, which is an immersion in the traditional Shaolin arts. It is held on Saturday, December 23 and Sunday, December 24, 2023, from 9am to 5pm, at the downtown Toronto STQI school at 393 Dundas Street West, second floor. Participants will learn how to develop Self-... [more]
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Posted on Wednesday, November 15, 2023
Participate with Master Dao in this Recorded Shaolin Chan Dao Meditation Workshop The written blog about Wisdom for this workshop can be found here: https://www.stqitoronto.com/index.php/wisdom... [more]
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Posted on Monday, November 13, 2023
What is wisdom, and why is it important? Learn what the ancient Shaolin teachings have to say about it, and how we can renew our passion to actively pursue wisdom. You can watch a recorded workshop session with Master Dao on this subject here: https://www.stqitoronto.com/index.php/s/b/learn-about-wisdom-with-clarity What is ? In the English dictionary, wisdom is generally defined as having good judgement about a particular idea or action. For example, one may qu... [more]
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Posted on Tuesday, November 07, 2023
Your Shaolin Team Canada 2023 Champions! Congratulations to Yan Jing for winning the Shaolin Taolu Champion of the competition, and to Michelle Zhao for winning the Shaolin Timed Event Champion of the competition! Yan Jing won the title for placing 1st in Shaolin Hand Taolu Form, 1st in Shaolin Weapon Form, and 1st in Shaolin Tai Chi form. Michelle Zhao won the title for placing 1st AND breaking the world records for ... [more]
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Posted on Tuesday, October 10, 2023
Come support your athletes! You’re invited to come watch our martial arts competition on Sunday, October 29th from 10am to 4pm. There will be exciting taolu forms and timed event competitions all day long. Event Details Scadding Court Community Centre 707 Dundas St W, Toronto ON M5T 2W6 (Bathurst and Dundas, Toronto) Doors open to the public at 9:30am. Opening ceremonies begin at 10am sharp. Guest... [more]
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Email: info@stqitoronto.com
Phone: 647-724-8004
Mailing Address:
  STQI TORONTO
  393 Dundas Street West, 2nd Floor
  Toronto, Ontario M5T 1G6
  Canada
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