As this remarkable year concludes, we are grateful for the growth, connection, and resilience in our community. Initiatives like the Three Treasures Workshop Series, the Temple Guardian newsletter debut, the 8 Piece Workshop, and our role in the World Resilience Summit have strengthened our practice and sense of belonging. New offerings such as the Stance Course and Reset Your Body online program, along with the return of uniforms and streamlined booking, have enhanced our experience. Through travel, collaboration, and dedication, we’ve continued to learn, support, and evolve. Thank you for being part of this journey. We look forward to another year of growth and inspiration.
Bruce Lee Legacy & Community Spotlight
This year, Master Sheldon was honored to perform at Bruce Lee celebration events in San Francisco, supporting Jeff Chang’s new book, Water, Mirror, Echo. These gatherings brought together martial artists, artists, and community leaders to honor Bruce Lee’s legacy as a cultural bridge-builder and Asian American icon.
The events promoted cross-cultural unity and supported the Bruce Lee Statue Project in partnership with the Chinese Historical Society of America and Gold House. As a bonus, Master Sheldon made a cameo in a music video connected to the celebration—watch the video here.
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Three Treasures Workshop
Every year, we look forward to the Three Treasures Workshop Series, a highlight on our calendar. These aren’t average classes; each session is a three-hour deep dive into working the whole body from the inside out. Whether new or returning, there’s always something fresh to discover. This year, we had a mix of familiar faces and newcomers, with feedback saying they learned “a great deal” or "more than expected,” and that each session built on the last. Participants found the practices interesting and valuable in daily life, regardless of skill level.
A few words from our community:
- “Blew me away!”
- “Life-changing series. Appreciated the knowledge, enthusiasm, and overall quality of the teaching. Also benefited from interacting with my fellow students and the community. A truly wonderful experience.”'
- “The Three Treasures workshop is a great way to bring in the New Year, get through the Winter, and welcome Spring. The breadth and depth of the practice ensure a different experience and something new to take away from each workshop. Highly recommended—I say check it out.”
Master Sheldon makes the material clear and practical, responding to every question. The sense of community was a highlight—people felt supported, inspired, and ready to return. The workshop's timing at the year's start allowed everyone to reset, recharge, and begin the months ahead energized and focused. We’re grateful for everyone who joined us and eager for what next year brings.
The Temple Guardian Newsletter
This year, we launched something new for our Deep Root community: the Temple Guardian newsletter. If you’ve seen it in your inbox, you know it’s a little different from your typical update—it’s our way of sharing what’s happening behind the scenes, spotlighting community stories, and offering inspiration rooted in our shared practice.
What’s the purpose?
Temple Guardian is more than just news; it’s a space for reflection, connection, and keeping our community in the loop. Through stories, comics, and thoughtful updates, we aim to nurture the same sense of presence and stewardship that we bring to the temple itself. It’s about celebrating small wins, shining a light on volunteers, and inviting everyone to take part in the ongoing story of Deep Root.
What’s inside?
- Updates on classes, events, and community happenings
- Original kung fu comics and creative features
- Spotlights on volunteers and behind-the-scenes moments
- Reflections on practice, inspiration, and what it means to be part of Deep Root
Early response:
The feedback has been encouraging; readers appreciate the mix of updates, reflections, and community features. The newsletter helps members stay connected even if they miss events. As we enter the new year, we’re excited to grow the Temple Guardian—sharing stories, celebrating our journey, and maintaining a connection to Deep Root.
Thank you for reading, sharing, and being part of our story. If you haven’t subscribed yet, you can join us here.
The Temple Guardian Newsletter: Roots of Change Comic Strip
This year, we were excited to launch a new feature in the Temple Guardian newsletter—Roots of Change, a lighthearted but deep comic strip series inspired by real stories from our community.
Each episode dives into the everyday journey of practice at Deep Root, exploring themes like starting your training, building self-awareness, and the ongoing process of transformation. The comics have quickly become a favorite, offering a fresh, visual way to reflect on the lessons we share in class.
Highlights from the First Three Episodes
Episode 1: "The Hidden Gem"
We kicked things off by capturing the magic of discovering Deep Root in the Oakland San Antonio District—a place where hard work and community help us polish what’s precious within and shine together.
Episode 2: “The Golden Sequence: Internal Awareness”
This story explored how building an internal relationship with ourselves can support our relationships with others, and how sharing these practices leads to real breakthroughs in our community.
Episode 3: “Transformation: Time & Effort”
We closed out the year by reflecting on the truth that transformation takes time, patience, and a willingness to let go—reminding us all that the real magic happens when we keep showing up.
Early Response:
The feedback from our community has been fantastic! Readers have shared that the comics feel relatable, insightful, and even fun—making the deeper lessons of our practice more accessible to everyone.
As we move into the new year, we’re excited to keep the stories coming and continue exploring what it means to grow together.
Single Platform for Payments and Booking
We’re excited to share a big upgrade to your Deep Root experience: you can now handle all your payments and bookings through a single, streamlined platform. The same system you already use to log in to our website and connect with our community is now your go-to spot for monthly payments, class registrations, and event sign-ups.
No more juggling multiple accounts or platforms—everything you need is in one place. This means a smoother, simpler experience for everyone, whether you’re renewing your membership, booking a workshop, or joining a special event.
Thank you for your patience as we’ve made this transition. We hope this change makes participating in Deep Root’s offerings even easier and more accessible. If you have any questions or need help with the new system, just reach out—we’re here to support you every step of the way!
Uniforms: Returning to Our Roots
This year, we brought back uniforms in our classes—a simple change with a big impact. By returning to uniforms, we’re helping everyone focus more fully on their training and fostering a stronger sense of belonging within our community.
Wearing the same attire reminds us that we’re all on this journey together, no matter our background or experience level. It’s a way to set aside distractions, honor our shared practice, and show up for ourselves and each other.
Thank you to everyone for embracing this tradition and helping create an environment where everyone feels welcome and supported.
Southern Temple Trip & BootCamp
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This year, we had the privilege of traveling to our southern temple—“The Village with Sifu Gus Gates.” It was more than just a change of scenery; it was a chance to sharpen our combative skills, dive deep into intensive training, and connect with our Southern temple family.
These bootcamps are truly special. The focused environment, hands-on instruction, and sense of camaraderie make for real breakthroughs—both on and off the mat. Everyone who attended came away stronger, more confident, and more connected to the larger Deep Root community.
If you haven’t joined us for one of these intensives yet, I can’t recommend it enough. Don’t miss the next opportunity to grow, learn, and experience the heart of our tradition alongside friends old and new.
Stance Course Launch
This year, we introduced a brand new Stance Course—because every journey in Kung Fu, Qigong, or Taichi begins with the basics. In this course, you’ll dive into the core stances and stepping patterns that form the foundation of all three arts.
Drawing on decades of authentic Shaolin training, we designed this course to give you clear, step-by-step guidance. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your fundamentals, you’ll build the skills to root, move, and grow with confidence.
If you haven’t checked it out yet, now’s the perfect time to strengthen your foundation and set yourself up for progress in every aspect of your practice.
Co-Hosted World Resilience Summit
This year, Deep Root had the honor of co-hosting and sponsoring the World Resilience Summit—a global gathering of thought leaders, practitioners, and changemakers focused on building resilience in every aspect of life.
We brought our technical expertise to the table, helping ensure the event ran smoothly behind the scenes. I also had the privilege of co-hosting and delivering a talk on Organizational Resilience, sharing insights from our journey at Deep Root and exploring what it takes for communities and organizations to adapt, recover, and thrive in the face of challenges.
The summit brought together renowned speakers from around the world (see presenters), and it was inspiring to connect with so many people dedicated to personal and collective growth. Being part of these conversations reinforced just how important it is to cultivate resilience—not just as individuals, but as a community.
Thank you to everyone who tuned in, supported, or helped make this event possible. We look forward to bringing more of these learning and connection opportunities to our Deep Root family in the future.
Reset Your Body: Online Course
This year, we launched the Reset Your Body online course—a flexible, on-demand program guiding you through the Golden Section Sequence to help you move, restore, and reconnect with your body.
What makes it special?
On-demand access: Practice anytime, at your own pace.
Step-by-step support: Shaolin-based guidance, live coaching, and meditations for all levels.
Practical tools: Self-massage, posture tips, and learning to listen to your body.
Student feedback:
“Paying attention daily shows where you are and what you need.”
“Going off script felt good—permission to listen to my body.”
Results members notice:
Less soreness, more flexibility
Progress that builds over time
New ways to self-soothe—one called it “such a gift.”
Why it matters:
Reset Your Body is more than exercise—it’s about building a kind relationship with yourself and finding new ways to release tension. Accessible, flexible, and designed to support you wherever you are.
Thank you to everyone who shared their stories. If you haven’t tried it yet, discover the benefits at your own pace!
The 8 Piece Workshop
This year, we were honored to be part of a truly special event: the 8 Piece Workshop. Three schools shared insights on Baduanjin Qigong. It was a rare collaboration that combined diverse lineages, enriching the practice for all.
Why is the 8 Piece methodology significant?
The Eight-Piece Brocade is a cornerstone of our curriculum—a time-tested system for cultivating strength, flexibility, and inner balance. By exploring it alongside teachers from Shaolin, Wudang, and Silk Road traditions, we deepened our understanding of both the shared roots and unique approaches within each lineage. The result? A practical, no-nonsense framework that helps students cut through the noise, test their practice, and experience real change.
Workshop structure and experience:
- The pop-up spanned three days, kicking off with an intimate tea and talk session where participants connected with inspiring masters and set intentions for the weekend.
- The following days were filled with hands-on workshops, where attendees practiced, tested, and refined their Qigong under the guidance of master teachers.
- Our own Master Sheldon Callahan joined David Wei (Wudang West Cultural Heritage Center) and Matt Lucas (The YAMA System), each bringing decades of experience and a genuine spirit of cooperation.
Impact on students and community:
- Students described the event as “a game changer”—noting how learning to test postures for structure and stability influenced their entire practice.
- First-timers appreciated the step-by-step guidance and welcoming environment, while seasoned practitioners found new layers of depth and integration.
- The atmosphere was lighthearted, fun, and deeply supportive. As one participant put it, “I’ve never laughed or smiled in a qigong class before—I was immediately primed for learning.”
- The workshop fostered a sense of unity and possibility, reminding us all that when different traditions come together, everyone benefits.
We appreciate the chance to collaborate and share this experience. If you missed this year’s workshop, stay tuned—such cross-school learning will continue and grow.
Inner Circle Package
This year, the Inner Circle Package at Deep Root Center has grown, offering members wisdom, connection, and inspiration. Members receive monthly inner circle digest articles, exclusive podcast episodes with insights and stories, a private community for discussion and Q&A, new mastery interviews with master teachers, and immediate access to two courses—Abundance Through Limitation and Chan Wu Yi—combining Qigong, Tai Chi, and Shaolin Kung Fu with practical insights.
Early members are recognized for helping shape the community. Membership has increased, with high engagement in discussions and challenges, and the addition of interviews sparking new conversations. Members describe the space as inspiring, challenging, and supportive, with new tools making resources easily accessible. The community fosters growth in physical, mental, and emotional areas. For those seeking deeper connection and support, the Inner Circle offers a meaningful path. Learn more or join here.
Conclusion
As we close out this remarkable year, we are filled with gratitude for the growth, connection, and resilience we’ve witnessed across our community. From the transformative Three Treasures Workshop Series and the debut of the Temple Guardian newsletter to collaborative events like the 8 Piece Workshop and our role in the World Resilience Summit, every initiative has deepened our shared practice and sense of belonging. New offerings such as the Stance Course and Reset Your Body online program have made our teachings more accessible, while the return of uniforms and streamlined booking have strengthened our collective experience. Through travel, collaboration, and the dedicated spirit of our members, we’ve continued to learn, support one another, and embrace change. Thank you for showing up, sharing your journey, and making this community what it is. We look forward to another year of discovery, growth, and inspiration together.
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