Student Profiles

We are adding student profiles to our website to help show what some students have accomplished by training after work and on the weekends.  Not only does it help our students track their progress, but it gives you a view into what you can achieve without moving to China and becoming a full-time monk.

Ben J (Heng Guang)

I'm 30 years old and have been part of the Chicago Shaolin Temple since August 2007.  I have no previous martial arts experience.  I'm a computer programmer, so being active and relatively stress free are two challenges I typically face.  The training has gotten me in great shape and, in doing so, has made me more at ease and more able to handle a busy schedule.  I enjoy learning everything I can from the masters including kung fu, qigong, san da, qin na, and ch'an buddhism.

I still have a long way to go, but I'm amazed at the changes I am seeing in my agility, endurance, strength, and speed.  I have learned several fist forms and have studied the straight sword, broad sword, fan, and staff.  I will continue to try to perfect all the basic forms I know, and I'm hoping to add some more advanced weapon and fist forms as I progress.  I took Shaolin Disciple oaths to Master Yan Ju on November 4th, 2010 and was given the name Heng Guang.  I highly recommend training under Master Yan Ju and the other masters in Chicago.