Introduction to the Academy

Introduction to Gulun Chan Yuan

     Gulun Kungfu’s fifth-generation successor, Wu Nanfang (Shi Defang), great-grandson of Wu Gulun, began teaching Gulun Kungfu to the public in the 1990s to share this Chinese cultural treasure. Responding to societal needs, he later established the "Gulun Chan Yuan." Situated in the scenic Songshan area of Dengfeng, Henan, the Chan Yuan lies west of the Shaolin Temple, the ancestral home of Chan Buddhism, and east of the ancient Huishan Temple, with Tiger Mountain to the north. Surrounded by lush greenery and verdant grass, it combines the majesty of famous mountains with the spirit of nature, offering a serene and elegant environment ideal for practice.

     Master Wu Nanfang's years of teaching have culminated in a unique method of practice, emphasizing the cultivation, training, and utilization of qi (vital energy) through the practice of Shaolin Gulun Kungfu. These practices, focused primarily on the stance work (zhuang gong), integrate every aspect of life: walking, standing, sitting, and lying down. Each activity becomes a form of meditation and practice.

Key components include:

- **Walking Stance (Xing Zhuang):** Involves exercises like Ba Duan Jin, Yi Jin Jing, various foundational steps, Dragon Qigong, Rooting, Vajra Fist, Small and Large Red Fist, Cannon Hammer, and various weapon forms.

- **Standing Stance (Zhu Zhuang):** Traditional standing meditation, including Shoulder Relaxation, Fixed Posture, and Continuous Stance.

- **Sitting Stance (Zuo Zhuang):** Primarily sitting meditation, focusing on techniques such as Mind Observation and Soothing Methods.

- **Lying Stance (Wo Zhuang):** Meditative lying postures.

     The unity of health preservation and martial arts is emphasized through slow practice for health and fast practice for combat. By cultivating stillness, sinking qi, and strengthening bones and muscles, practitioners achieve a state of physical and mental unity, embodying the principles of "Wu's Xin Yi Ba," where Chan (Zen) and martial arts are one.

     Gulun Chan Yuan integrates traditional practices with contemporary needs, allowing practitioners to experience Gulun culture in every aspect of life. This integration enables students to incorporate the refined, wise, and healthy culture into their daily lives, realizing the true meaning of "Buddhist practice in the secular world."

     To date, over 200 students from nearly 20 countries, including the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Japan, Italy, and South Korea, have trained here. Many overseas students return annually, drawn by the profound cultural heritage and enduring legacy of Gulun Kungfu.

Introduction to the Training Department

     To create a more suitable living and educational environment for younger students, Gulun Kungfu's headmaster, Wu Nanfang, established the "Gulun Kungfu Training Department." Located in Xishilipu New Village, a 15-minute walk from Gulun Chan Yuan, it is adjacent to the village clinic and basketball court, ensuring safety and convenience. The training department is a three-story enclosed courtyard with an office, two classrooms, a meditation hall, ten dormitories, a clothes-drying area, and public restrooms on each floor, open daily.

     The training department caters to minors who can manage daily living and have no severe health issues. Under the supervision of teachers and senior students, it aims to develop self-care skills, independence, and good living habits to better adapt to communal life. Stable living conditions allow students to focus on their studies and martial arts practice. Improved daily behavior reflects true educational success. Parents are encouraged to work with us to help their children develop good character and habits, ensuring they gain both physical health through martial arts and a bright future through moral cultivation.