Chan & Gong Fu Retreat with Shifu Wu Nanfang: 10-24 October, 2026
For the first time, the Gulun Chan Academy opens its doors for a dedicated retreat.
Shifu Wu Nanfang will personally teach Gong Fu and give talks every day. This has never happened before. Shifu does not transmit lightly.
The theme is Chan and Kung Fu.
This will be a meditative retreat, with more standing meditation, Chan talks and sitting meditation.
We focus on Gulun Kung Fu basics and Ba Duan Jin; however, if more experienced students join, we will teach more advanced practices.
Each evening, Shifu and Ben will give a talk — a series on the heart of the tradition: where Chan and Kung Fu meet.
This retreat is for those who want to sit with themselves. To find stillness.
The Daily Schedule
6:00–7:00 — Standing meditation & pay respect to Bodhidharma
7:00 — Breakfast
7:30–8:00 — Chan in life (sweeping the floor, cleaning)
9:00–11:00 — Gulun Kung Fu
11:45 — Lunch
12:30–13:20 — Calligraphy (optional)
13:30–14:20 — Rest
14:30–16:30 — Gulun Kung Fu
17:30 — Dinner
18:00–19:00 — Evening talk with Shifu / Ben
19:00–20:00 — Meditation
21:00 — Lights out
Special Trip
On the weekends, we will take special trips to:
Shaolin Temple and in particular the cave where Bodhidharma sat in meditation for nine years
The birthplace of Gulun Kung Fu, where founder Wu Gulun lived.
There will also be space for you to take alone time in nature.
What's Included
Daily teaching from Shifu Wu Nanfang, lead teacher Hufei and Ben
Accommodation in our newly renovated rooms
Three meals a day
Training uniform
Weekend excursions
Local food
All meals will be vegetarian.
8,000 RMB for the full two weeks.
Who Should Come
Anyone looking for a deep experience of internal martial arts with a Zen flavour.
You don't need prior experience with Gulun Kung Fu.
This retreat will be meditative, not suitable for those looking for fitness workouts, flashy moves or a photo-taking tourist experience.
Book Your Place
For booking, questions, or an invitation letter, contact LiJuan:
wugulunacademy@hotmail.com
We look forward to seeing you.
Amituofo 🙏
Europe Retreats [Sold Out]
‘Bodhidharma travelled from India to teach the Chinese. So I can travel to Europe to teach Westerners.’
August 2026. For the first time.
Shifu Wu Nanfang is 63 years old. Fifty years of practice. His entire life devoted to preserving Gulun Kung Fu.
He has never taught outside China.
This August, that changes.
Shifu wants to transmit everything in the next few years.
This is his first trip to Europe. It may be his last.
Three Retreats
Retreats 1 & 2: Shaolin Temple Europe
14–16 August (3 days): €545 17–23 August (6 days): €995
At Shaolin Temple Europe itself — where Shifu Shi Heng Yi trained with Shifu Wu Nanfang years ago. They've invited us back.
Daily schedule:
6:30–7:30 — Morning meditation
9:00–11:00 — Gulun Kung Fu training with Shifu Wu Nanfang
14:00–17:00 — Gulun Kung Fu training with Shifu Wu Nanfang
Plus: Discussion with the master. Zen teachings.
These retreats will attract beginners and those new to the lineage.
Accommodation in temple dormitories. Private rooms available nearby.
Retreats at Shaolin Temple Europe always sell out. Book early.
Who Should Come
Anyone serious about internal practice.
You don't need prior experience with Gulun Kung Fu. You need willingness to show up at 6:30am and train.
Not suitable for those primarily seeking fighting, fitness, or flashy moves.
Discounted Online Training
Send me your booking confirmation to ben@benlucas.co
I'll set you up with 40% off Enter the Lineage — our online programme — so you can begin training before August.
The door is open.
Retreat 1: With Shi Yan Lu & Shifu Wu Nanfang
3–9 August 2026 | Near Stuttgart
The intimate one. An organic farm surrounded by nature. Tiny homes. Traditional Chinese Medicine cooking prepared daily by Shi Yan Lu himself.
Daily schedule:
6:30–8:30 — Shaolin Basic Training with Shi Yan Lu
10:00–13:00 — Technique & Forms with Shifu Wu Nanfang
15:00–17:00 — Training with Shifu Wu Nanfang
All meals included. Small group.
€999 (€899 for Enter the Lineage members or those who've trained in China)
Arrival: 2 August. Training begins 3 August, 6:30am.
Travel: 50km from Stuttgart airport. Shuttle €30 return. Free pickup from Schwäbisch Gmünd station.
To book: Transfer €399 deposit to: Shaolinzentrum, Schulstrasse 17, 73614 Schorndorf IBAN: DE78 6025 0010 0015 102041 BIC: SOLADES1WBN Reference: Retreat in Germany
Remainder in cash on arrival.
Questions: 0176 60802900