Shaolin Life @ Deep Root Center for Spiritual Studies

Life Changing! I met Sheldon about 5 years ago when I was going through a very rough patch in my life. I had difficulties coping with traumatic events and I felt completely lost. By pure luck, I stumbled upon his Qigong and Kung Fu classes. With his openness, calmness, warmth, patience, and frankness, he managed to help me see the light at the end of the tunnel. He introduced me to kung fu as a way of living. Sheldon is multi-talented: he's a martial artist, a musician, and a technology-savvy entrepreneur who speaks multiple languages and has travelled the world. His life experience allowed him to build a solid martial arts program capable of expanding people's minds. His class is very approachable, relatable and enjoyable. With his high emotional intelligence, Sheldon taught me how to understand life at a deeper level, he helped me see the world with a better eye, and he helped me find the focus i needed to start really living. It completely changed the way i think, the way i work and the way i live. I will forever be grateful for having had the opportunity to learn from him and encourage anyone who is ready for true transformation to take one of his classes!
Sep 23rd, 2019

I've been a "full time" (3 days/week) student here for going on three months. I walk away inspired and having learned something new every time I go. Master Sheldon is an amazing teacher who knows everything from the forms to the history and culture behind Kung Fu and Qigong, yet still approaches the craft as a student who is always curious and interested in learning more. It's not the kind of place where you'll just throw a few punches to look cool - it's a class you go to to really immerse yourself in the art form in its entirety, deepening your understanding every day you come back. You also don't need any experience, and Master Sheldon is excellent at pacing his students and bringing patience to everyone's learning process. He will definitely make sure you're on point though! I highly recommend both the Kung Fu and Qigong class to anyone who craves and is willing to commit to this kind of learning process. I know I'll be around for a while!
Oct 10th, 2018

Jan 27th, 2018

Probably the best way to learn traditional martial arts in Oakland. Attended the Shaolin and Qi Gong class, learn a lot of new information every time I'm there.
Jan 12th, 2016

I was really impressed with the teacher Master Sheldon. As someone who has been coached in many sports growing up, I can see how good an instructor he is with one class. He teaches in a progression that makes things easy to learn. He makes technical corrections which I like, but also in a way that doesn't put any pressure on you. He attends to all the students equally, male and female, and all with respect. As someone new coming in I did not feel self-conscious. I just did a trial class and I had a really good workout feeling. I don't know if I would be able to attend regularly, because it is far from where I am, but I am considering it. Everyone there was really friendly and supportive. It is a good atmosphere.
Jul 10th, 2014