L.A. residents have an opportunity to improve their overall physical and mental health with the same methods used by the famous Shaolin monks of China for over 1,500 years.

Shaolin Temple Los Angeles. the first official branch in the L.A. area of the famous Shaolin Temple is now offering daily classes for adults and children (ages 8-13) in traditional Qi Gong (pronounced "chee goong), Tai Chi, and Gong Fu (or Kung Fu).

Shaolin is a philosophy that unifies Ch'an (Zen) Buddhism with martial arts. Class members will learn how to develop their Qi, or life energy to control and relieve daily stress, anxiety, depression, improve strength, and increase stamina.

Shaolin Temple Los Angeles is a non-profit organization officially recognized and sanctioned by the venerable Abbot Shi Yong Xin, of the Shaolin Temple at Song Mountain in Henan Province, China, and it is currently only one of two official branches in the United States.

The temple's Abbot and founder, Master Shi Yan Fan, a Sherman Oaks resident, is a fully-ordained 34th-generation Shaolin Warrior Monk and disciple of Abbot Shi Yong Xin.

He is also the first Westerner in the temple's 1,500-year history to receive "Jieba," the official branding of a monk. His mission as an ambassador for The Abbot and Shaolin Temple is to share and pass on the heart of Shaolin and to bring Ch'an Buddhism to the people of Los Angeles.

Shaolin Temple Los Angeles is located at 13457 Ventura Blvd in Sherman Oaks.

Call 818-789-5185, email to info@shaolintemple.org, or go to www.shaolintemplela.org for more information.