On July 1, 2018, Yan Deng, the founder of United Studios of Self Defense of US, led 230 foreign disciples to return on a pilgrimage to Shaolin temple. They were enthusiastically received by Shi Yongxin, Temple Abbot of Shaolin Temple and the monks. At 9:00 am, 4 foreign disciples including Yan Deng clasped their palms and followed ritual procedure to invite Yong Xin monk to go to the gate of the temple. On the well prepared counter in front of the gate were placed fragrant flowers and fresh fruit to worship the Founder of the Chan sect, Bodhidharma. The monks of Shaolin Temple stood in queues to welcome disciples coming from afar. 230 American disciples queued up in front of the gate of temple. A red banner with the sentence “Welcoming Disciples of United Studios of Self Defense of US to Worship Shaolin Temple” was put up, and Shaolin Temple was enveloped in joy.

As sandalwood incense burnt and monks chanted Buddhist scriptures, Shi Yongxin, the Temple Abbot of Shaolin Temple, led disciples including Shi Yandeng to worship the statute of Bodhidharma. Shi Yongxin made a few remarks: “Today is a good sunny day. Shaolin Temple warmly welcomes you. The United Studios of Self Defense of US is committed to promoting Chinese culture, and has made unremitting effort to improve the health of people of all circles in US. Now it has developed into the biggest alliance of Shaolin martial clubs which is widely recognized. Since 1997, Yan Deng has led foreign disciples to worship Shaolin Temple for many times. He also invited Shaolin martial monks to perform in the US and translated books of martial arts. He remained interested in the cause of public goods and made contributions to the development of Shaolin culture overseas.” “Shaolin kung fu is the result of the research of generations of Shaolin monks. It is the product of oriental philosophy and culture. It is also the permanent home of Shaolin disciples across the world. Welcome home! I hope every one of you could feel comfortable and at home in Shaolin Temple.”

Yan Deng said passionately: “Shaolin Temple is our home. We have not been home for a while. Today, I led Shaolin disciples from US to return to worship Shaolin Temple. It is a dream fulfilled. We are grateful to the monks of Shaolin Temple for your reception.” Later, disciples of the United Studios of Self Defense of US showcased Shaolin Boxing, weapon routines, and pair exercises, winning the applause of Shaolin monks and tourists from home and abroad. Later, Shaolin martial monks performed kung fu, and the atmosphere reached climax. Chinese and American Shaolin disciples conducted exchanges on what they learned in a warm atmosphere.

Kung Fu Exchanges and Demonstration

At the welcoming ceremony, Yong Xin, the Temple Abbot of Shaolin Temple, presented a statute of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva to the United Studios of Self Defense of US, and encouraged them to stay true to their original aspirations and forge ahead with great endeavor to continue to spread Shaolin culture overseas and benefit more people. Amidst the chanting by disciples of the United Studios of Self Defense of US of “I love China and I love Shaolin”, the ceremony for disciples of the United Studios of Self Defense of US to worship Shaolin Temple came to a conclusion. In the following 2 days, they will stay in Shaolin Temple, the source of the Chan sect, and be examined and trained in Shaolin kung fu under the guidance of the monks of Shaolin Temple. They will practice martial arts and conduct cultural exchanges.

Group Picture of Disciples of the United Studios of Self Defense (USSD) of US Who Worshiped Shaolin Temple in Front of the USSD Monument

The USSD of US was founded in 1972. In 2002, its founder, Charles Mattera led a delegation to visit Shaolin Temple. He was converted to Buddhism and called Shi Yongxin, the Temple Abbot of Shaolin Temple, his teacher. He was given the Buddhist name “Yan Deng”. Entrusted by his teacher, for many years, Yan Deng has continued to be committed to spreading Shaolin culture. He established hundreds of martial arts clubs in 17 states in the US. The registered membership exceeds 1 million. Through all the years, Yan Deng has stayed in touch with Shaolin through constant cultural exchanges. In 2003, Yan Deng invited Shi Yongxin, the Temple Abbot of Shaolin Temple to give lectures on Shaolin culture in the US and tens of thousands of disciples prostrated themselves and worshipped the abbot. In 2004, Yan Deng led 300 foreign disciples to worship Shaolin Temple. In 2006, Yan Deng led another 500 foreign disciples to worship Shaolin Temple and was interviewed by CCTV. In 2008, after learning about the major earthquake in Sichuan, Yan Deng raised a total of USD15,000 and donated it to the disaster-hit region through Shaolin Temple. In 2011 and 2013, Yan Deng led hundreds of Shaolin disciples to worship Shaolin Temple. He said everybody should trace his root and the root of USSD is in Shaolin Temple.