Suitable for all levels. Starts August 17th 2026. 2 weeks. All sessions taught by Shifu Yan Lei.
Train like the Shaolin Monks at the Shaolin Temple. Take the Shaolin Challenge!
What's the difference between someone who exercises and someone who trains as a martial artist? A bodybuilder may look strong but be inflexible. A yoga practitioner may be flexible but without power or speed. This is why in Shaolin training we do not separate these qualities. Every exercise, every form, trains the whole body. Power, speed, flexibility, endurance, and reaction time in one fully contained unit. This is the foundation of the Shaolin Summer Camp.
Many people dream of training like a Shaolin monk. But when the opportunity comes, they hesitate. If you love training, if you love martial arts, then this training is for you.
We train three sessions a day, six days a week. You test your limits. You learn what your body and your mind are capable of. Students come from different countries, different ages, different levels. It doesn't matter. What matters is your willingness to train.
Many athletes understand the importance of the mind. But they don't understand Qi. When the mind gives up, the body stops. When the internal energy is not trained, the body declines. Shaolin monks train as hard as professional athletes, but their training deepens with age. Why? Because of Shaolin Qigong. Through Qigong, you develop an internal energy that supports and strengthens your external training
Do not wait for the future. Do not say “later” or “when I have time.” There is only now. Now is where your training begins. Now is where your future is built.
If you train with focus and determination, you will discover that you are capable of much more than you think. Two weeks of training will stay with you for a lifetime.
What you will experience:
- Authentic Shaolin Qigong
- Fitness & Conditioning Workouts: Gentle to moderate Shaolin body conditioning — strength, flexibility, and stamina.
- Combat Training Sessions: Efficient, stamina-building rounds designed for fitness improvement.
- Restorative Qigong & Stress Release: Sessions focused on health from the inside out through Qigong.
- Time for meditation, nature, and reflection in beautiful Crete.
The Shaolin Temple is a temple of Zen therefore the classes are not theoretical. Theory doesn't transform. You'll be taught through body language so that you gain personal experience and muscle memory. This is not about reading a menu, it's about tasting the food.
Schedule: 3 sessions per day
Session 1: 7:00 am – 8:30 am
Running, flexibility, and Longevity Qigong
Breakfast: 9:00 am
Session 2: 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Traditional Kung Fu forms
Lunch: 12:30 pm
Session 3: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Shaolin Combat
Dinner: 6:00 pm
We will be staying in a villa in the beautiful island of Crete. Exact location to be confirmed prior to attendance.
What You Get
- 3 training sessions per day
- 3 vegetarian meals per day.
- Shared accommodation (shared with one other person)
What You Need to Provide
- Flights and taxis to and from the retreat location
- Training clothes, running shoes, and training shoes
- Instant Health Massage brush
Price
- £2,600 for 2 weeks
Single room supplement:
- £300 extra for 2 weeks
This retreat is limited to a maximum of 20 participants. Early booking is recommended.
To reserve your place, please email info@shifuyanlei.co.uk. You will be sent an application form along with payment details. Payment is made via bank transfer.
Departure Information
- Arrive: 16th August in the afternoon to start training on the 17th August.
- Depart: 29th August 11 am.
Letter from Shifu's students at his immersive retreat in Crete: 
This is a video of student testimonials from the Shaolin Summer Camp so you can get an idea of what training in person with Shifu Yan Lei is like.
Cancellation: If you cancel 2 weeks before your arrival date, there is a cancellation fee of 50%. If you cancel less than 2 weeks before your arrival date, there is no refund.
Getting there: The nearest airport is Heraklion in Crete, Greece.