
The 2014 Shaolin Cultural Festival which is just days away promises to be truly enlightening! It will kick off this Saturday 11th October at London’s Soccerdome, beginning a monumental celebration of all things Shaolin. The event, which comes right on the heels of the recent SENI Combat and Strength Show, is sure to be one of most awesome martial arts events this year, both in the UK and the wider world! Attendees can expect to see practitioners of Shaolin martial arts from around the world, as well as current monks from the Shaolin Temple itself, displaying the power of their ancient art – everything from forms and Shaolin history to Qigong and the first ever fighting competition to be held at the festival, with participants coming all the way from China! On top of all of that, filmmaker Jason Ninh Cao and the headmasters of London’s U.K. Shaolin Temple will be launching a Kickstarter to solicit funds for the film “Iron Monk”! If you plan on being on the same island as London this weekend, the Shaolin Cultural Festival is one event that you simply cannot allow yourself to miss!
Take a look below for more on what attendees can expect from the festival, as well as how and where the get tickets.
Before we give you more of an in-depth run-down of what to expect, let’s take a look at this promo video.
What to expect
Shaolin cultural treasures
Many years ago, an overseas Chinese family found in their family storeroom a set of precious art collections. Among them was a complete set of bronze Chinese Zodiac Statues, preserved in good condition.
With the help of Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council and China Cultural Relics Protection Foundation, the bronze Zodiac statues were escorted to their motherland.
After that, under the arrangement of China Cultural Relics Protection Foundation, experts from the Museum of Chinese History worked on the maintenance of the bronze statues, and experts from the National Museum of China corroborated that these statues date back to the late Qing Dynasty, and have a history of more than 200 years.
Chinese cultural relics
They will also be 45 other rare ancient art pieces from China on display, accompanying the Zodiac Exhibition. These were for Emperor’s eyes only and are now on display for you all to see for a limited time here in London.
In addition to these pieces, leading Chinese artists will be sharing their latest collection of artworks, displaying the relationship between the ancient Chinese artists and today’s contemporary artists.
Spectacular performance by Shaolin Temple Warriors
Masters of Shaolin Kung Fu will take the audience on an exciting journey through the incredible world of this ancient martial art.
Spectacular weapons and combat performances, as well as breathtaking Qigong demonstrations will be giving you insight into the harmony between the inner energy, Qi, and the outer power, Gong – a unity of body and mind.
Come and experience Shaolin culture on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th of October! Here are the highlights
Shaolin Cultural Festival invites you to see the breathtaking kung fu displays and the Chinese treasure Zodiac exhibition. (Exclusive – never before seen outside of China)
International kung fu competition: see martial artists of all ages participating in Shaolin kung fu competitions.
Awards consist of: open hands forms, weapon forms, team forms.
Fighting competition: for the first time in the festival we are hosting a fighting competition with special participants from China.
Shaolin exhibition and free workshops: try our free meditation and Qigong workshops that promote peaceful and healthy living. Traditional Shaolin kung fu workshops are also available free for all ticket holders.
Chinese tea: tea tasting exhibits showcasing some of the best tea China has to offer.
Chinese calligraphy: have a go at this ancient art form with Chinese calligraphy masters. Learn how to write your name.
Experience and learn about Shaolin traditional medicine – Tuina massage, acupuncture, meditation, Qigong, herbs.
Exhibits on Shaolin philosophy: Ch’an Wisdom, Confucianism, Daoism and much more.
Shaolin kung fu show: this is a demonstration by the Shaolin schools from around the world, displaying their talents in a variety of martial arts styles.
Shifu Yanlei Workshops: Shifu Yanlei is world renowned for his skill in the Shaolin Steel Jacket. He will be demonstrating this ancient technique by withstanding multiple strikes from monks and a variety of weapons.
Closing ceremony: To conclude this festival, Abbott Shi Yongxin will be leading the Prayer for world peace. Followed by a spectacular display of the Shaolin Monks Warrior show.
This great festival will bring people of all nations together and help strive towards a better and peaceful future for our world.
Ticket Prices (day ticket/weekend ticket)
Adults: £25/£40
Children (5-15): £12.50/£20
Children under 5: free/free
Telephone: 020 7341 6277
Ticketmaster
Goldentours.com
Links & Contact
Official Website
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The Venue
London Soccerdome
East Parkside
Greenwich Peninsula
London
SE10 0JF