At the Shaolin Temple, our masters taught us that real change comes from consistent practice. You have to give your mind and body enough time to adapt, become stronger and develop new habits.
You may have seen me on the TV show Shaolin Heroes, where ordinary people were taken out of their everyday lives and immersed in Shaolin training. They were challenged physically and mentally, and over the course of the programme you could see them change. They became fitter, stronger and more confident, but the biggest change was often in their minds.
You don't need to go to a temple to experience this. You can recreate your own Shaolin challenge at home.
Whether you're just starting out or have been working with my teachings for many years and want to reinvigorate your practice, the 30-day challenge Live Masterclass is for you.
For the next 30 days, put a stronger emphasis on your training. Push yourself a little more than you normally would. Find time to train, even when you are busy. Add some extra mind training throughout the day.
This is your chance to step out of your normal routine and give yourself 30 days of Shaolin training. You don't need a temple, a special gym or expensive equipment. You need a space to train, the commitment to follow the practice and the willingness to see what you are capable of.
Thirty days is long enough to make a difference, but short enough to keep your focus. At the end of the 30 days, look back and see how far you have come. Your mind and body will not be the same as when you started.
These are my 6 Guidelines to your 30-day challenge
- Attitude Of Mind. Train where you are with what you have. You don't need a perfect gym or a large space. All you need is the belief that you can do it and your bamboo or metal brush. Just follow my online program. You can train in a small flat, outside in the park or on top of a mountain.
- Surrender to the teachings. I know that your education is different from mine, but coming from a Zen Temple, we emphasise practice. If I asked my Master too many questions, he would beat me! The more answers I give, the more I detract from your experience. Everything you seek is in the teaching if you can only surrender to it.
- Be A Shaolin Warrior In Your Life. Breath is the link between the mind and the body. It’s the key to a powerful martial arts practice. A Shaolin Warrior is grounded and focused. During the day, take a moment to stop and breathe. If you have a digital watch, set a few alarms or get it to beep on the hour to remind you.
- Eat Right. Check out my blog post about food. For these 30 days, put an emphasis on eating well. Make sure you eat a big breakfast every day, don’t drink any sugar drinks or eat processed food. Cook your own food. Your training starts with what you put into your body.
- Train Intelligently. The beauty of Shaolin is in its many exercises. What do I practice every week? The five basic kicks, the five stances, some traditional kicks and punches, bag work, pad work, followed by Qigong. Once you know the exercises, mix them up so your body never gets used to any workout. Keep challenging yourself and your body will continue to adapt and improve.
- Schedule Your Challenge. Write in your diary the day you will start. Make the next 30 days your own. Throughout the challenge, note the changes you experience and what happens to your fitness levels. How many press-ups and squats can you do now? How many can you do after 30 days? How flexible are you now? How flexible will you be after 30 days? How about your focus and your peace of mind?
Commit to the 30 days and see what changes. Starts November 9th.
Want to do a different challenge at your own pace. Click here.
A message from my students because this is about you, your own personal experience, your own transformation.
