Shaolin transmissions
About Master Yan Man
Master Shi Yan Man (释延满) is a Shaolin warrior monk and Buddhist master from Shaolin Temple, China.
Master Yan Man is a 34th generation Shaolin disciple under his master, Abbot Shi Yongxin. He holds a 6th Duan from the Chinese Wushu Association and is a 4th generation inheritor of the Bu family’s Che style Shanxi Xingyiquan under his Master, Professor Li QiaoLing. He is also a National Level 2 Athlete, National Level Wushu Coach, and National Level Wushu Judge.
Master Yan Man was born into an esteemed scholarly family. From an early age, he developed a deep interest in traditional Chinese culture. At the age of nine, guided by his mother, he began studying traditional Chinese culture and Pure Land Buddhism. This early foundation eventually led him to Shaolin Temple, where he studied and practiced Shaolin Kung Fu, Chan Buddhism, traditional Chinese culture and arts. As a Shaolin monk, he has traveled extensively throughout China and internationally for performances and cultural exchanges.
His education also included studies at Beijing Sport University and at a Buddhist Academy, deepening his understanding of Chinese martial arts, Chinese Buddhism, and traditional Chinese culture.
Master Yan Man currently resides between China and France and travels regularly throughout China and internationally, visiting fellow monks and senior masters at their respective temples. These visits foster lasting relationships and create opportunities for the exchange of experiences, knowledge, and teachings.
Today, his mission is to preserve and transmit the richness of traditional and contemporary Chinese culture and the living heritage of Shaolin culture with people around the world. Through his teachings, practices, and cultural activities, he promotes greater understanding, exchange, and appreciation of Chinese Buddhism, Shaolin tradition and Chinese culture.
Learn with Master Yan Man
Training · Retreats · Summer camps · Workshops · Seminars · Events · Lectures
Master Yan Man teachings encompass a wide range of traditional Chinese arts and disciplines, including Shaolin culture, traditional Shaolin Kung Fu, Wushu taolu, Chan (Zen) meditation, Buddhism, Qi Gong, Chinese calligraphy, tea ceremony…
Master Yan Man is regularly invited to teach and share his knowledge at various Shaolin cultural centers, martial arts schools, Buddhist temples, and cultural institutions throughout China and internationally. Depending on the occasion, he leads seminars, workshops, lectures, and training programs.
In France, Master Yan Man resides and teaches at the Water and Land Chan Temple (水陆禅寺), located near Paris. Alongside the temple’s daily Buddhist prayers and ceremonies, a variety of classes are available throughout the year, including Buddhism, Chan (Zen) meditation, Chinese calligraphy, Qi Gong, Kung Fu…
At the Water and Land Chan Temple in France, Master Yan Man regularly leads retreats, typically from Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon. These retreats combine spiritual practice and training. Retreats are open to practitioners of all ages and levels, and includes accommodation and vegetarian meals.
Each summer, Master Yan Man organizes summer camps in both France and China, at the Water and Land Chan Temple in France, and at Shaolin Temple or other Buddhist temples in China. During the summer camps, he leads teachings and traditional Shaolin practices, while participants engage in daily practice, structured training, and cultural activities, providing an immersive experience in Chan Buddhism and Shaolin culture. The summer camps are open to practitioners of all ages and levels, and includes accommodation and meals.
Through these exchanges, Master Yan Man preserves and transmits the authentic traditions of Shaolin while promoting its core values of discipline, respect, compassion, and harmony between body and mind. Encouraging students to develop not only their skills, but also a deeper understanding of Chinese and Shaolin culture and heritage.
Online courses
Ongoing filming
Master Yan Man is currently developing a series of introductory online courses in Shaolin Kung Fu, Qi Gong, and Buddhism. Designed for students of all ages and levels, these courses will provide a foundation of practical skills and knowledge, enabling students to deepen their understanding of these traditions.
Master Yan Man aims to make the authentic teachings of Shaolin accessible to students around the world. Through the online courses, he seeks to share the wisdom and practices of Shaolin Kung Fu, Qi Gong, Buddhism, and traditional Chinese culture in a practical way for modern learners.
Books
Ongoing writting
Master Yan Man is currently writing a book on Chinese culture, Shaolin culture, and Buddhism. Drawing on his years of monastic practice, study, and teaching, he seeks to share the wisdom, values, and rich cultural heritage of the Shaolin tradition.
Through his personal experience and insights, Master Yan Man hopes to offer readers a deeper understanding of Shaolin culture, Chan Buddhism, and the richness of Chinese culture, making these timeless traditions more accessible to a modern audience and encouraging their integration into daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate?
Retreats in France are open to everyone of all ages and levels, from beginners to experienced practitioners. Each retreat focuses on a specific theme or set of practices, allowing participants to choose the retreat that best matches their interests.
Summer camps in France are designed specifically for children from 8 to 16 years old of all levels.
Summer camps in China are open to everyone of all ages and levels, from beginners to experienced practitioners. Some training sessions will be organized in small groups, allowing a more personalized guidance according to ages and levels.
Can children participate?
Retreats in France: Some retreats are designed specifically for children and do not require parental attendance. For retreats open to all ages, participants under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Summer camps in France: Summer camps are specifically designed for children and do not require parental attendance.
Summer camps in China: Summer camps are open to all ages. Participants under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Can I participate if I don't speak Chinese?
Yes, you can participate in retreats and summer camps without speaking Chinese. Although some traditional concepts may be explained in Chinese, French or English translation will be provided so that all participants can fully follow the teachings and activities.
Do I need previous experience to participate?
No previous experience is required. Everyone is welcome, including complete beginners. The teachings and training are adapted to each participant’s age, level, and experience, allowing everyone to learn and progress at their own pace. Every practitioner begins as a beginner, and the most important qualities are openness, commitment, and willingness to learn.
What do I need to prepare or bring?
Participants should bring comfortable clothing suitable for training and activities, personal toiletries, and any personal items they may need during their stay. Good physical and general health is recommended. Training and activities may be adapted according to individual physical abilities and circumstances.
Is there free time during retreats and summer camps?
Yes, of course. There is free time during the retreats and summer camps, allowing participants to rest, connect with others, and share their experiences.
Can I use my phone during the retreat or summer camp?
Yes, of course. You can bring and use your phone during your free time. However, during training sessions, meditation, and other activities, participants are encouraged to limit phone use in order to remain fully engaged in the practice.
How intensive is the training?
The intensity of the training is adapted to each participant’s age, level, physical condition, experience, and individual needs.
What is the curriculum?
What does a typical day look like?
Retreat
How long do the retreats and summer camps last?
Retreats in France usually last 3 days and 2 nights, from Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon. Some retreats may be extended to 4 or 5 days, generally around the weekend.
Summer camps in France and China typically last around 2 weeks, depending on the schedule.
How much does it cost and what is included?
Retreats in France usually cost around 388 euro for 3 days and 2 nights (from Friday afternoon to Sunday afternoon). The price includes accommodation at the Water and Land Chan Temple, three vegetarian meals per day, teachings, training and cutlural activities. International flights and personal expenses to the Temple are not included.
Summer camps in France usually cost around 900 euro. The price includes accommodation at the Water and Land Chan Temple, three vegetarian meals per day, teachings, training, cultural activities, and one set of training clothes. International flights and personal expenses are not included.
As the Water and Land Chan Temple is located away from the city center, participants will generally remain at the temple throughout the retreat or summer camp, with no opportunities for personal spending outside.
Summer camps in China usually cost around 1600 euro, although the price varies each year according to the location, duration, and activities. The price includes accommodation, local transportation, three meals per day, teachings and training, cultural activities and visits, and one set of training clothes. International flights and personal expenses are not included.
Please note that the contribution is based on the costs of organizing and hosting the program. As these costs vary each year depending on the location, duration, activities, transportation, cultural visits, and invited masters or teachers, the final contribution may vary accordingly. Apart from international travel and personal expenses, the contribution covers the costs of the program, with no additional payment required.
How do I make a reserevation?
You can make your reservation by email at shaolin.yanman@gmail.com.
A 30% deposit is required to secure your place. The remaining 70% is due at the start of the retreat or summer camp.
Payment can be made by bank transfer, credit or debit card, or cash.
Once your deposit has been received and confirmed, your place is secured. You will receive a confirmation email with all the practical information you need, including the schedule, location, arrival details, and what to bring.
What is the cancellation / refund policy?
If you need to cancel your reservation:
- More than 30 days before the camp: 100% refund
- Less than 30 days before the camp: No refund
You can also transfer your reservation to another retreat or camp date, subject to availability.
If we cancel the retreat or camp, you will receive a full refund.
Contact information
If you have any questions about teachings, retreats, summer camps or other activities, feel free to contact me!