About us

30 years of Shaolin in Aurora

A family-run school and official Overseas Shaolin Temple Cultural Center, dedicated to discipline, respect and lifelong learning.

Book an Intro Class Meet the instructors

Years teaching in Aurora: 30+
Google rating: 4.9★
Sq. ft. purpose-built facility: 6,200
Years training, every instructor: 10+

Our story

Bringing Shaolin tradition to Canada

Our journey began in 1995 in Aurora, where a passion for traditional martial arts and community first took root. As our programs and student family grew, we expanded our curriculum and deepened our commitment to excellence in training and character development.

Aligning closely with the Shaolin Temple, our school became an official Overseas Shaolin Temple Cultural Center. For over 30 years we have served Aurora and surrounding communities with authentic Shaolin Kung-Fu, Sanda and Chan philosophy — fostering discipline, respect and lifelong learning in every student who walks through our doors.

495 AD
The Shaolin Temple is founded on Mount Song in Henan, China.
1995
Tim Wakefield opens the school in Aurora, Ontario.
2016
Tim is accepted by Abbot Shi Yongxin as a 34th Generation Shaolin Disciple.
2018
Awarded the 9th Degree Black Belt and the title of Grandmaster.
Today
An official Overseas Shaolin Cultural Center with students of every age.

Shaolin heritage

1,500 years of wisdom, strength & tradition

Founded in 495 AD, the Shaolin Temple became a centre of Chan (Zen) Buddhism. Physical training methods introduced to help monks stay strong and focused during meditation grew into the legendary Shaolin martial arts — a complete system of movement, philosophy and inner development.

As an official Overseas Shaolin Cultural Center, we're honoured to carry that living legacy in Canada, promoting the authentic practice of Shaolin Kung-Fu, Sanda and Chan philosophy with cultural recognition and guidance from the Shaolin Temple in China.

“Shaolin is not only a place, but a spirit. We share it with the world not only through martial arts, but through compassion, wisdom, and peace.”

— Venerable Abbot Shi Yongxin, Shaolin Temple

Our instructors

A team of experienced coaches

Every instructor has been training for 10+ years and is a certified coach — and they're known for making class fun.

Owner · Shifu · Grandmaster

Tim Wakefield

34th Generation Shaolin Temple Disciple

Grandmaster Tim Wakefield has trained for almost 40 years and has taught martial arts in Aurora and across Ontario and Quebec since 1994. He has coached multiple provincial and national champions and is one of the highest-ranking martial arts instructors in Canada.

In 2016, Master Wakefield was tested and accepted by Abbot Shi Yongxin of the Shaolin Temple as a 34th Generation Disciple, receiving the name Shi Yan Feng (释延枫). In 2018 he was awarded the 9th Degree Black Belt and the title of Grandmaster by the International Kenpo Council of Grandmasters.

Tim brings over 10 years of experience in law enforcement as a Security Specialist, as well as service in the Canadian Armed Forces, and takes a practical, pragmatic approach to martial arts. He currently serves as Vice-President on the Board of Directors of Wushu Ontario and Chair of its Sanda Committee.

Shaolin Temple Gong-Fu — 34th Generation Warrior Disciple
Traditional Wushu — Level 8 Accredited Master Coach (Wushu Canada / IWUF)
American Kenpo — 9th Dan Grandmaster (IKCG)
Shaolin Kempo — 8th Dan Senior Master
7 Star Northern Praying Mantis Kung-Fu — 9th Gen. Grandmaster
Vice-President, Wushu Ontario · Chair of the Sanda Committee

Shifu / Sanda Coach
Daniel Wakefield
Level 7 Black Sash, Shaolin Kempo Kung-Fu
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Jiaolian Daniel has trained in Shaolin Kempo Kung-Fu since he was 5 years old. He has placed in countless regional and international tournaments, attended over 45 seminars across the USA and Canada, and holds a 2nd Dan in Kobudo.
A founding member of our Sanda program, an international gold medallist and provincial silver medallist — and a favourite with the kids, always quick with a joke to make any class fun.
Shifu / Sanda Coach
Rocco Colarossi
Level 7 Black Sash, Shaolin Kempo Kung-Fu
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Jiaolian Rocco is a certified personal fitness trainer and sport combat fighter with years of experience in Iaido, Jodo and Kobudo.
He is co-founder of our Shaolin Sanda program and works alongside Grandmaster Wakefield to take Shaolin Kempo Kung-Fu into the ring.
Jiàoliàn
Ethan Wakefield
Level 6 Black Sash, Shaolin Kempo Kung-Fu
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Jiaolian Ethan is a highly decorated tournament champion with over 30 medals and trophies, and a senior practitioner in traditional weapons.
An elite performer, trainer and choreographer for the Shaolin Warrior Action Team — and our resident tricking expert. Students love his high-energy classes.
Zhùjiào
Saeed Soubra
Level 5 Black Sash, Shaolin Kempo Kung-Fu
Zhùjiào
Paiten Kopecny
Level 5 Black Sash, Shaolin Kempo Kung-Fu

Our facility

A purpose-built space for the whole family

Our 6,200 sq. ft. school in the heart of Aurora is designed for martial arts training, cultural education and community — bright, clean, temperature-controlled year-round and fully padded.