Shi Yanqing
Born in Fuyang, Anhui Province, China, Master Shi Yanqing began his journey in traditional Shaolin disciplines at the age of 12, when he was accepted into the prestigious Shaolin Wushu Academy. Since then, he has dedicated his life to the practice and teaching of Shaolin Kung Fu, Chan (Zen) Buddhism, and meditation.
A former kung fu coach at the Shaolin Temple in Henan, Master Yanqing has earned multiple national martial arts championship titles in China, distinguishing himself as both a skilled practitioner and a respected instructor. In 2009, he was selected to bring his expertise to the United States, where he began teaching Shaolin Kung Fu and promoting Shaolin culture in Arizona.
International Experience
From 2003 until his arrival in America in 2009 Master Shi Yan Qing has travelled and performed in over 30 countries around the world. He has participated in many unique opportunities for cultural exchange, including:
· A Shaolin Kung Fu tour performing demonstrations in Austria, Britain, France and Czechoslovakia.
· Competing at national and international Kung Fu tournaments and championships.
· Travel to Cameroon, Africa on behalf of the Chinese Culture and Chinese Kung Fu exchanges.
· Travel to Australia and performing Shaolin Kung Fu at the Australian Wushu Festival.
· Joining a Shaolin Kung Fu team to visit and perform in various countries around the world including Germany, France, Ireland, Switzerland, and Philippines.
Master Yanqing has also had the distinct honor of representing the Shaolin Temple along side Abbot Shi Yongxin at The Italian Culture Festival and performing Shaolin Kung Fu at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Cultural Diversity Convention.
Founding STCCA
Shifu Yanqing, came to Arizona in 2009 at the request of the Ven. Abbot Shi Yongxin to help spread Shaolin culture and kung fu in the United States. He worked closely with several other organizations and, on a trip to the temple in 2012, he was granted permission to open an official Shaolin Temple Cultural Center in Arizona. To date, this is one of the few centers that are sanctioned by the abbot and Shaolin Temple in China.