Shaolin Life

What Shaolin Life does

Shaolin Life is a Shaolin martial arts, Qigong, Tai Chi, and meditation instruction program operated under Deep Root Center for Spiritual Studies, a 501c3 nonprofit organization incorporated in California. The program is led by Master Sheldon Callahan, a Shaolin Master trained directly by Shaolin Monks with 30+ years of experience spanning northern and southern Kung Fu styles, and teaches the integrated ChanWuYi philosophy of Meditation, Martial Arts, Health, and Wellness. In-person instruction is delivered at the Shaolin Luohan Institute at 1244 23rd Avenue, Oakland, CA, with weekly Kung Fu, Qigong/Tai Chi, and Flexibility classes.

The core technology stack consists of a Kajabi-hosted online learning platform delivering digital courses (including the Three Treasures Qigong Series, 8 Step Golden Section Sequence, and the targeted 'Meditation and Qigong for Tech Workers' course), and an iOS/Android mobile app for class scheduling, sign-ups, promotions, and studio information. A Kajabi-based online community supports active student engagement, particularly formalized during the 2020 COVID-19 transition to virtual classes. Product surface spans in-person classes, lifetime and monthly digital subscriptions, rental access tiers, private 1:1 lessons with Master Sheldon, retreats, and a merchandise store.

Revenue is generated across multiple streams: recurring class subscriptions ($150-$249/month; $1,620-$2,149/year), drop-in class fees ($25) and class packages ($69 intro 5-class pass through $299 20-class pass), digital course fees ($9 rental, $15/month, $59 lifetime), private sessions ($150 each), one-time merchandise sales, and tax-deductible donations to Deep Root Center. Go-to-market combines direct-to-consumer in-person delivery, content-led digital funnels (free webinar, blog, YouTube, organic social), and event-driven activations (workshops at Athletic Playground, Maui Qi Fest, retreats in Redwood Regional Park). Customer segments include adult wellness seekers, tech/knowledge workers, health-focused individuals, and underserved youth who receive scholarships.

Name

Shaolin Life

Legal name

Deep Root Center for Spiritual Studies

Website

https://shaolinlife.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2006

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Shaolin Life, a 501c3 nonprofit program under Deep Root Center for Spiritual Studies, delivers Shaolin Kung Fu, Qigong, Tai Chi, and meditation training through Oakland in-person classes, Kajabi-powered online courses, and mobile apps, serving wellness seekers, tech professionals, and underserved youth.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Martial Arts Training

NAICS

Fitness and Recreational Sports Centers (71394), Sports and Recreation Instruction (61162)

akta.pro primary industry

Meditation Apps, Digital Courses & Online Communities (HSADAJAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Guided Meditation Instruction (1:1 & Group) (HSADAJAA), Mindfulness, Meditation & Stress Management Education (EDAAAHAD), Meditation Retreats, Workshops & Immersive Programs (HSADAJAF), Yoga & Meditation Experiences (Studio Classes, Guided Meditation, Mindfulness) (THAJAHAA)

Keywords

• Martial arts training
• Kung fu classes
• Qigong tai chi
• Meditation courses
• Wellness education

Headquarters

HQ city

Oakland Mills

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. In-Person Class Fees: Drop-in classes, class packages (5, 10, 20 class passes), and monthly/annual subscriptions for Kung Fu, Qigong, Tai Chi, and Flexibility classes. Auto-pay options with discounts up to 25%.
2. Online Courses and Subscriptions: Lifetime subscriptions ($59-99.97), monthly subscriptions ($15), and 3-day rentals ($9) for meditation and Qigong courses. Recorded workshop content available for on-demand access.
3. Merchandise Sales: T-shirts, hoodies, shoes, and uniforms sold through the Shaolin Life Store. Adult tees at $25-30, hoodies at $50.
4. Private Lessons: One-on-one in-person or online sessions with Master Sheldon, customized lessons for Kung Fu, Qigong, or Meditation at $150 per session.
5. Donations and Fundraising: Nonprofit donations to support Deep Root Center for Spiritual Studies mission and preserve nonprofit-owned land. Currently raising $77,992.36 for tax sale prevention.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Shaolin Life provides traditional Shaolin Kung Fu, Qigong, Tai Chi, flexibility, and meditation instruction through in-person classes at the Shaolin Luohan Institute in Oakland, CA, supplemented by online courses, private lessons, and a mobile app. The program is operated under the Deep Root Center for Spiritual Studies, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, and also sells branded merchandise and recorded music content.

Product overview

Shaolin Life is a martial arts school offering in-person Kung Fu, Qigong/Tai Chi, and Flexibility classes at the Shaolin Luohan Institute in Oakland, CA. The company also provides digital products through a Kajabi-based platform, including meditation and qigong online courses (with lifetime, monthly, and rental access tiers), the Three Treasures Qigong Series, the 8 Step Golden Section Sequence, and Transmissions music by Master Sheldon. Additional offerings include private lessons with Master Sheldon, a mobile app for class booking (iOS/Android), and merchandise including martial arts uniforms and branded apparel. The school operates in partnership with parent organization Deep Root Center for Spiritual Studies.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Shaolin Luohan Institute: Location where in-person Shaolin classes are held at 1244 23rd Avenue, Oakland, CA 94606.

Products and services

• Kung Fu Classes Traditional Shaolin Kung Fu boxing instruction covering forms, mind-body coordination, self-defense, weapon training, and Zen Philosophy. Training begins with stance work broken down into patterns that build into complex forms and self-defense methods. Delivered in-person at the Shaolin Luohan Institute in Oakland, CA.
• Qigong / Tai Chi Classes Slow gentle movements of Zen and Taoist energy practices teaching cultivation of energy, vital-energy terminology, and healing and energetic applications. Qigong is a system for health maintenance, healing, and increasing vitality. Delivered in-person in Oakland, CA.
• Flexibility Classes Class focusing on improving flexibility, range of motion, and balance at any level using breathing and relaxation techniques. Delivered in-person at the Shaolin Luohan Institute in Oakland, CA.
• Meditation and Qigong for Tech Workers (Lifetime Subscription) Online course using ancient Shaolin monk methods adapted for modern tech and knowledge workers to become more aligned, clear, self-aware, and productive. Includes 1 hour 33 min of content, 9 Core Lessons, and meditation and Qigong techniques. Lifetime access at $59.
• Meditation and Qigong for Tech Workers (Monthly Subscription) Monthly subscription access to meditation and Qigong content for tech professionals, providing ongoing practice resources for alignment and productivity at $15/month.
• Meditation and Qigong for Tech Workers (3-Day Rental) Short-term rental access to meditation and Qigong content for tech professionals, offering 1 hour 33 min of content with 9 Core Lessons at $9 for 3-day access.
• Three Treasures Qigong Series: Volume 1 3-workshop series with 9 hours of recorded content led by Master Sheldon of Shaolin Life at Deep Root Center for Spiritual Studies, designed to balance and harmonize mind, body, and spirit. Lifetime access at $99.97.
• 8 Step Golden Section Sequence Qigong sequence based on the Golden Ratio, a sitting exercise done on the ground to regulate and relax the back's central nervous system and muscles, align the spine, and reduce back pain. One-time purchase at $20.
• Private Lessons with Master Sheldon In-person or online 1:1 customized lessons in Kung Fu, Qigong, or Meditation with Master Sheldon. Individualized instruction at $150 per session.
• Transmissions Music Collection Handcrafted healing Zen Music by Master Sheldon for relaxation, contemplation, and concentration, suitable for martial arts, yoga, meditation, and study. One-time purchase at $10.
• Martial Arts Merchandise Martial arts uniforms, tee-shirts, hoodies, shoes, and children's apparel available for purchase from the Shaolin Life Store. Adult tees at $25–30, hoodies at $50.
• Shaolin Life Mobile App Mobile application for iOS and Android enabling users to view class schedules, sign-up for classes, view promotions, access studio location and contact information, and connect to social pages.

Quantifiable outcome

• 4 scholarships awarded to underserved children
• +1 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Shereel Washington (ixalted natural body care & botanicals)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 July 2024Creative force behind ixalted natural body care & botanicals, dance instructor and curator of Move: Spirit & Rhythm Dance. Co-facilitator of Herbs, Qigong & Hula 1-Day Retreat at Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park.
• Athletic PlaygroundminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 6 April 2019Emeryville venue hosting Shaolin Life Qigong workshops including the April 6, 2019 'Harmonious Movement Through Qigong' workshop from 6-9pm.
• Dr. George LoveminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Instructor at Maui Qi Fest 2017, teaching traditional Chinese medical concepts and Qigong with dance and songs.
• Deep Root Center for Spiritual StudiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerShaolin Life is operated under Deep Root Center for Spiritual Studies, a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Deep Root Center provides the organizational structure and nonprofit status that enables fundraising, grants, and tax-deductible donations. Master Sheldon serves as Executive Director.
• The Village with Master Gus GatesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSister school that co-traveled with Master Sheldon on the September 2017 pilgrimage to the Shaolin Temple, Chen Village, and Loman Grottos in Hunan, China.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Calm: Leading digital meditation and mindfulness subscription platform competing directly with Shaolin Life's online meditation/Qigong courses on price tier ($14.99/month) and content library breadth.
• Glo: Subscription yoga, Pilates, and meditation platform offering on-demand classes with mobile app — competing with Shaolin Life's Kajabi-based online Qigong and flexibility class delivery model.
• Tai Chi Foundation: Nonprofit dedicated to teaching Tai Chi and Qigong for health, with classes and teacher trainings that overlap with Shaolin Life's Qigong/Tai Chi curriculum and nonprofit instructional model.
• Shaolin Kung Fu Centers: Multi-location Shaolin martial arts school chain offering Kung Fu, Tai Chi, and Qigong classes for children and adults with similar pricing and community-driven marketing approach.
• Insight Timer: Free meditation app with the world's largest library of guided meditations, music tracks, and talks — competing with Shaolin Life's Transmissions music and online course library on price and content scale.
• Dragon's Way Martial Arts: Multi-style martial arts school offering Kung Fu, Tai Chi, and Qigong instruction across locations with similar adult/youth programming and community event strategy.
• US Shaolin Temple: New York-based Shaolin martial arts and cultural center offering Kung Fu, Qigong, Tai Chi, and meditation classes with direct lineage ties to the Shaolin Temple in China — the closest direct comparable to Shaolin Life's authentic-lineage positioning.
• Headspace Health: Digital meditation and mental wellness platform with guided sessions, courses, and B2B employer offerings — a direct competitor to Shaolin Life's tech-worker-focused meditation course and overall online meditation positioning.

Broad incumbents

• YogaWorks: Established multi-location yoga and wellness studio chain with online classes — broader incumbent in the studio-based mind-body wellness space serving overlapping student demographics.

Emerging players

• 10 Thousand Waves: Wellness retreat center in Santa Fe offering Qigong, Tai Chi, and meditation workshops with spa experiences — comparable to Shaolin Life's retreat and workshop events (Herbs, Qigong & Hula).

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/shaolinlife
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/shaolin-life

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Shaolin Life