STQI Toronto School Testimonials

Thank you so very much for this online program you have created. I have never done Shaolin training in my life (I've never tried Kung Fu or Qi Gong before), so I was nervous to learn online. But, recently I became curious about this kind of training and this ancient practice. I found your school through an online search and was so excited to see you had a full program all online. I am practicing in my 3rd week now and have found the setup of the online platform very straightforward, fun and motivating. In fact, my Shaolin lessons are now my favourite part of the day. Thank you for all the hard work you put into creating this platform. It is extremely well thought out and makes it a wonderful experience for a new student like myself.

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.

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 Self Defense with lead instructor Rosemary;
• watched my 4-year-old son be influenced by great role models and have fun while learning how to meditate and focus on his Kung Fu training in the kid’s classes.

Four months ago, I was overworked, stressed, out of shape, overweight and really not in a mindset where any spiritual growth would have been possible. Over the last four months I’ve become visibly leaner, stronger, more flexible, and have more cardiovascular endurance. I’m regaining the muscle definition I had pre pregnancy and have lost four inches off my waist!

There are many logical or rational reasons why I choose to follow the path of training in martial arts, but ultimately, in my time at the school, I have learned that there is also something deeper... something spiritual to be attained through dedicated practice. It is not just that my head understands the benefits and feels the pull to train, but also that my other two centers of consciousness, my heart and my gut are lit up while training leading to a more joyful and creative experience that is now working its way into my life more broadly.

I am grateful for the school and all of the teachers that have helped me on my journey so far. I'm excited for the next four months and my next 100 hours of training!

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 monks who – as Dao teaches us - once had to overcome persecution and practice their art in secret in a confined space, so too this unique phase of our training actually feels like it’s providing a deeper understanding of Kung Fu. The icing on the cake, is that training side by side with my son in our home has been a fantastic bonding experience!

While there's no substitute for attending classes physically at the school, this website provides the next best thing. I just tried the full class today and, believe me, it's as intense of a home workout as you can get. The best part is that you get instructional videos of Master Dao performing each of the moves. It's a reference I would frequently use to touch up my techniques. Highly recommended.

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.

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!

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.

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 Therapy as a warm-down from Kung Fu, but anyone with any experience level would gain a lot from this practice.

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, I happened to walk past the Lucky Moose and discovered STQI. I knew right then and there that this was where I needed to be. Training here slowly and steadily began to give me more mental clarity. Two years in, when the pandemic hit, it was the training at STQI that provided me with the tools I needed to face the years ahead without despair. Nearly eight years on, I can say that Shaolin has helped me turn my life around. It has allowed me to reconnect with passions I had neglected—music and painting—and to discover new ones I never knew I had. I can truly say that the last decade has been the best of my life.

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.

I'm a keen practioner of Tai Chi and Qigong, when possible, I practice with masters from China, invited by our teachers here in Normandy, France. I wanted to enjoy intensive practice during my staycation. I was so intimated to register on-line! Well, the results went beyond my expectations. Thankfully to an excellent pedagogy and progression, I could achieve a lot more than I had contemplated. I have moved on the the next level now, and again the progression allows improvements in the posture, in the quality of the circulation of energy,in the relaxation of the muscles in coordination with the breath, and so much more ... The on-line courses, with a user-friendly website, permit to work at your own pace and this is absolutely wonderful. I'm looking forward the coming years to become a dedicated practioner!

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!

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, especially as the weather got colder. Initially, I thought that training on Zoom would be no different than training on my own. However, the reality is that simply the VIRTUAL presence of Dao and other students pushes me to train harder. They provide a source of motivation without the distraction that may come with in-person classes, which allows me to focus more. With the use of "breakout rooms", there is also more one-on-one training with Dao. Since starting online classes, I have stayed active, grown stronger, and progressed faster than ever before. Even though they can't replace the social benefits of in-person classes, they're certainly the best option in the current circumstances. I would encourage everyone to sign up and start training again soon!

Finally - an excellent online resource to learn Shaolin kung fu!

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.

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 especially I was pushed outside of my comfort zone, but this humbling experience only made me work harder and I believe it was because of this, in combination with my other classes, that when I ran a 10 k race this past Spring, I did it 5 minutes faster than my previous fastest time! Sure I had been running regularly, but I believe that the Shaolin practice has made me a better runner. My running will always be informed by the work I have done and will continue to do in my STQI classes.

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.

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!

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.

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 my overall well-being.

Emituofo! This site is like a dream come true for me. It encourages me to develop self-discipline with the brilliant XP system. When I have questions on how to do something, now I can watch Shifu again and again until I figure it out. This has become an indispensable resource for my home training regimen. Emituofo *clasped hands*

During the pandemic, I was looking for a program to learn a new skill that would improve my physical fitness as well as my mental well being. I researched Qi Gong and Tai Chi and began practicing through online resources. I came upon Shifu Dao's online program one day in my search for a deeper curriculum on Shaolin Qi Gong and Tai Chi. I tried out the sample week available. I enjoyed it so much that I am now currently enrolled in both the Tai Chi and the Kung Fu program! Shifu Dao has created a wonderful platform for learning Shaolin Kung Fu, Tai Chi, and Qi Gong as well as a free meditation course available to all students enrolled. The lessons are clear, precise, and very well structured. There is an XP system in place that unlocks new chapters and lessons once you achieve a certain number of points. This is a very excellent system in my opinion as it has kept me regimented in my training. The best part of the program is the assessment points where you post a video of yourself doing the forms and Shifu Dao critiques back on your progress with detailed feedback and points of improvement. I really feel that I'm being coached for improvement in my training as Shifu Dao guides you through each video lesson and each video feedback assessment. Thank you for sharing the knowledge and training of Shaolin to us!

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!

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! Looking forward to attending the up-coming ones.

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 :)

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.

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!

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 highly recommend STQI to anyone interested in Kung Fu.

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.

During this pandemic, I, as many others as well, have had my ups and downs. I had decided to use the time to learn something new and thus tried several online courses in martial arts. This program is by far the best I have come across and the only one I subscribed to. The experience-gain system helps me so much to keep motivated. The mandatory assessments force me to really take my lessons seriously. The step-by-step structure gives me all the tools to learn this beautiful martial art in an efficient way. Every evening after work I am already excited about my kung fu class. Thank you for this amazing course. I am looking forward to the more advanced classes.

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 years old, a shy introvert comes out of her shell at the school. The school is welcoming, warm, and inclusive. I have noticed improvements mentally, spiritually, and physically. My family plans to practice for a long time. The effects and impacts are limitless and extend far beyond the classroom. Thank you for embracing us - we are grateful.

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’est l’approche inclusive des étirements thérapeutiques Shaolin. Que l’on soit peu actif ou très sportif, chacun peut y trouver une pratique accessible, équilibrée et adaptée à son rythme. C’est pour moi un véritable outil de bien-être, un besoin réel que beaucoup de personnes ressentent sans toujours savoir par où commencer. Aujourd’hui, je suis heureuse d’intégrer ces techniques dans mon quotidien — et bientôt dans celui des autres — afin d’offrir un espace de soin, d’outils concrets et de transformation douce.

Just a quick note to say many thanks for making the meditation course something that can be accessed by past students and those who sign up for other online classes. I am getting a great deal of value from it and i've only just begun!

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 positive changes.

If you are serious about your Shaolin training, the LearnShaolin.com platform is an essential resource. I personally believe you must practice at home as well as go to classes to optimize your training. It's great to be able to open LearnShaolin.com on any online platform to review a Taolu form. Whenever I want to challenge myself at home, I can count on any of the structured LearnShaolin.com kung fu classes to push my cardio.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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 of fitness past a certain age is definitely wrong !

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.

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 flexibility). I am now persevering into my 4th term and my overall strength has improved. The range of motion for nearly all major joints are at its optimal condition and my muscles are now strong enough to support the wide range of motion. The persisting knee pain has also been subdued! Together with Qigong practice, which I took on later, I see major health improvements (increased focus and mental alertness, better immunity, stronger joints, better posture, warmer hands, to name a few). If done correctly and with the right intention, each class in itself is extremely holistic, helping to balance the mental, physical, emotional and energetic aspects that give rise to good health.

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 time & not stretching regularly. I now am starting to understand how vital & essential this practice is for our bodies in our modern sedentary lifestyles.

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.

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.

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 experienced students. I feel very grateful to have found this precious space & this amazing lineage.

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 to say training online live with Dao it has been great , you sweat like crazy, get a great work out and you get to continue to move forward with your Kung Fu! Elijah and I have a really good time. Even with our small space we’ve managed to figure out a way to run and kick and do our forms, everything we need to do for class. We are even able to continue learning Yin Shou Gun with a short staff that we got from Master Dao. We train hard! I really enjoy training with Master Dao live and we feel it gives us that much needed sense of community because you’re not training alone. Your fellow students and Master Dao are there training with virtually . You can say hi, ask questions and chat at times! I highly recommend training live, it’s the next best thing to being there in the school. I’m so thankful we have this option to keep training even in lockdown so we don’t loose our momentum!

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.

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 off separate from the class and practise something on your own

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. :)

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!

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 has helped me regain some of my physical abilities and has brought back a mind set of hard work will results in physically and mentally wellbeing. I also love the fact STQI system are not base a belt system. STQI training keeps you engaged and allows you to perform Kung Fu for a life time.