DEFENG CHEN – Shi Yanling

• 34th Generation Shaolin Warrior
• Shaolin Wushu 6th Dua
• Chinese Wushu 6th Duan

Defeng Chen, known by his Shaolin name Shi Yanling, is a 34th Generation Shaolin Warrior and a highly respected master of traditional Chinese martial arts. He holds 6th Duan in both Shaolin Wushu and Chinese Wushu, reflecting decades of dedicated training, teaching, and mastery.

An accomplished martial artist, Tai Chi instructor, and stage director, Master Defeng Chen has led executive Tai Chi programmes at the China National School of Administration. A Wushu Short Weapons Champion (1999), he has directed and performed in major martial arts productions across China and internationally.

Through his work in teaching, theatre, and film, Master Defeng Chen seamlessly blends authentic Shaolin tradition with creative innovation, bringing the true spirit, discipline, and power of Chinese martial arts to students and audiences worldwide.

Janine Brauer is the head instructor at UK Shaolin Portsmouth and the senior Little Dragon Kung Fu instructor at UK Shaolin Southampton. With over 15 years of experience in traditional Chinese martial arts, Janine brings an exceptional level of expertise and passion to her students. Trained under the renowned Master Shi Yan Ming, Janine has honed her skills in a variety of disciplines, including traditional and modern Kung Fu, Wushu, Sanda Kickboxing, Qi Gong, and Stretch. Her deep commitment to martial arts has taken her on multiple training trips to China, where she studied at the Shaolin Temple, immersing herself in authentic Shaolin teachings.

• Traditional & Modern Kung Fu and Wushu: Janine is highly skilled in both traditional Shaolin hand forms, such as the Shaolin Snake form, and modern Wushu routines. She combines these forms with powerful acrobatic and dynamic movements, bringing a well-rounded approach to her teaching.
• Weapons Mastery: Janine’s expertise in traditional Kung Fu weapons is extensive, including mastery of the Fan, Fochen (Horsetail Whisk), Broadsword, Straight Sword, and Shaolin Gun (Staff). She teaches these with precision, guiding students through the intricate and powerful movements of each weapon, ensuring they gain both technical skill and a deep understanding of their historical significance.
• Sanda Kickboxing: As an experienced Sanda instructor, Janine teaches both striking and defensive techniques, helping her students build strength, agility, and endurance.
• Qi Gong & Stretch: With a focus on balance, mindfulness, and flexibility, Janine integrates Qi Gong and stretch practices to enhance both physical and mental well-being.

Janine has been part of the UK Shaolin community for over 15 years and has spent the last four years as the senior instructor for the Shaolin Small Dragons program, focusing on developing the next generation of martial artists. Her teaching style emphasises discipline, focus, and resilience, creating a supportive yet challenging environment for children and adults alike.

Janine frequently demonstrates her Kung Fu expertise in public performances, stage shows, and cultural events, including Lion Dance displays, where she passionately promotes Shaolin traditions. Her dedication to showcasing these ancient arts has established her as a prominent figure in the UK martial arts community. Additionally, Janine serves as a senior traditional Kung Fu judge for the Chinese British Martial Arts Council, further solidifying her role as a leader in the field.

Janine’s teaching philosophy blends traditional Shaolin practices with innovative training techniques. She is committed to helping her students achieve their full potential, both physically and mentally, through the practice of martial arts. Her approach is rooted in building strength, confidence, and self-discipline, ensuring her students grow holistically.

Head Instructor at UK Shaolin Bournemouth, Senior Instructor at UK Shaolin Southampton, 35th Generation Shaolin Disciple

Martine is a highly experienced martial artist and instructor, with over 20 years of teaching experience in Shaolin Kung Fu. A disciple of Shifu Shi Yan Ming, Martine has dedicated her life to Shaolin martial arts, health practices, and the philosophy of Shaolin. She was formally inducted into the 35th Generation of Shaolin disciples in 2013, taking the name “Chen Miaoshan.” Her extensive training includes time spent studying full-time in China, where she trained under Shaolin Masters in the Shaolin Temple region.

Martine’s martial arts expertise spans a wide range of disciplines, including:

• Shaolin Kung Fu: Both traditional and modern forms
• Qi Gong: Hard and soft energy cultivation practices
• Tai Chi: Internal martial arts with a focus on movement and mindfulness
• Sanda Kickboxing: Chinese full-contact combat sport
• Traditional Shaolin Weapons: Including Shaolin Mantis, Straight Sword, Spear, Fan, and Nine-section Chain Whip

Her specialisations also include traditional hand forms and modern wushu routines, offering a comprehensive and well-rounded approach to martial arts education.

Martine has been teaching Shaolin Kung Fu and related disciplines for over two decades. As the Head Instructor at UK Shaolin Bournemouth and Senior Instructor at UK Shaolin Southampton, she has guided students of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in self-development, personal cultivation, and the traditional values of Shaolin martial arts.

In her classes, Martine incorporates both the physical and philosophical elements of martial arts, helping students develop not only their technical skills but also their mental discipline and focus. She has been teaching Little Dragons Kung Fu for many years and is dedicated to empowering her students to reach their full potential through structured and engaging classes.

Martine is a highly respected figure in the UK martial arts community, regularly performing in public Kung Fu demonstrations, cultural events, and stage shows. As an integral member of UK Shaolin’s Lion Dance and Performance Troupe, she brings the rich traditions of Shaolin to life, captivating audiences with her skill and dedication.

Her accomplishments in martial arts are notable, having competed in numerous Chinese Martial Arts Competitions where she has excelled in traditional hand forms, weapons categories, and Sanda kickboxing. Martine’s exceptional abilities have not only made her a top competitor but also a respected authority in the field. She is one of the senior traditional Kung Fu judges for the Chinese British Martial Arts Council, where she plays a key role in evaluating and overseeing competitions to ensure the highest standards of Shaolin martial arts are upheld in the UK.

Notable Achievements:

• Gold medalist in Women’s Sanda Kickboxing at the British National Championships in 2017 and 2018.
• Gold medalist in Traditional Hand Forms and Weapons at the British National
• Championships in 2017 and 2019.
• Senior judge for Traditional Kung Fu Competitions with the Chinese British Martial Arts Council.

In addition to her martial arts expertise, Martine is also an accomplished actress, having performed in numerous theatres and stages across various countries. Her acting career spans appearances in well-known TV series and films, including Casualty, My Uncle Silas, The Cry, The Menace, Murder in Mind, Theatre Shakespeare performances, and God is a DJ. Her ability to combine her passion for performance and martial arts has made her a versatile and prominent figure in both worlds.

Martine believes that the practice of Shaolin Kung Fu offers a path to both physical and mental growth. Her advice to students is to be patient, focused, and disciplined, taking the time to master the foundational movements and embrace the philosophy of Shaolin. She encourages her students to remain open to learning, to be present in their training, and to approach each class with determination and balance.

“Stay in the moment, absorb the teachings, and approach your training with focus and determination. Shaolin Kung Fu will reward your hard work with growth in both body and mind.”

Yanmin Chen – Shi Yan Ming

• 34th Generation Shaolin Warrior
• Shaolin Wushu 6th Duan

Yanmin Chen, also known by his Shaolin Temple name Shi Yan Ming, began his extraordinary journey at the legendary Shaolin Temple in China. There, he became a 34th Generation Shaolin Warrior, dedicating his life to the study and practice of Shaolin martial arts, Chan (Zen) philosophy, and meditation. In this sacred birthplace of both Chinese martial arts and spiritual cultivation, he trained not only his body but also his mind and spirit, embodying the timeless Shaolin principles of wisdom, discipline, and compassion.

Through years of rigorous training and commitment, Yanmin Chen excelled in Shaolin Kung Fu, Tai Chi, and Sanda kickboxing. His skill and perseverance led him to achieve the title of 1998 Henan Lightweight Sanda Champion, a testament to his mastery and warrior spirit. Yet, for Yanmin Chen, true success extended far beyond victory in competition — it lay in the cultivation of inner strength, balance, and self-awareness.

As a member of the first official Shaolin Temple troupe to perform in the United Kingdom, Yanmin Chen played a key role in introducing authentic Shaolin culture to international audiences. His artistry shone brightly when he starred in the acclaimed stage production “Shaolin Wheel of Life” in London’s West End, where his performances captivated audiences and celebrated the spirit of Shaolin on a global stage.

Between international tours, Yanmin Chen worked as a stage show director in China, creating breathtaking performances that showcased the beauty and depth of martial arts. His creative expertise later expanded into film and television, where he served as an action director, blending precision, energy, and cinematic storytelling.

After settling in the UK, Yanmin Chen founded UK Shaolin, an organisation dedicated to sharing the transformative wisdom of Shaolin martial arts and preserving authentic Chinese cultural traditions. Through his teaching and leadership, he continues to inspire students of all ages to discover harmony between body, mind, and spirit.

His remarkable life and expertise have earned him recognition on major media platforms including BBC, ITV, CCTV, and CNN, where he has represented the values and culture of Shaolin to audiences worldwide.

Today, Yanmin Chen (Shi Yan Ming) stands as a living bridge between ancient Shaolin heritage and modern life. His journey continues to inspire countless individuals, guiding them towards health, mindfulness, and spiritual balance through the timeless art of Shaolin.