Upcoming Events in 2026

Amituofo!!!!!!!

The Ikigai Centre is excited to announce that registration is now open for the Shaolin Retreat Bulgaria 2026!

During this five day Shaolin Retreat Shaolin Head Master Shi Yan Lu will guide you on your very personal path of Shaolin Kung Fu including:

• Kung Fu

• Qi Gong & Tai Ji

• Mental training

• Meditation

• Buddhist Psychology

• Nutritional theory & practice according to the five elements of traditional Chinese medicine

Shaolin Retreat Bulgaria 2026

5-Day Shaolin Retreat Program

Location: The village of Zgorigrad, near Vratsa City, a serene mountain setting in Northwestern Bulgaria

Dates: 1-5 April inclusive

Daily Schedule: 6:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (with breaks for mindful meals and regeneration)

(6.00am Transport from your accommodation to the retreat)

This intensive, yet balanced retreat, combines authentic Shaolin training, qigong, meditation, and traditional Chinese medicine-inspired nutrition to strengthen body and mind, cultivate inner peace, and deepen understanding of Shaolin philosophy, discipline, and wisdom.

Daily Training Overview (All 5 days will follow the same core structure)

6:30 – 7:30 a.m.

Morning Endurance & Willpower Building

Start the day with disciplined exercises to forge resilience, patience, and mental strength — a true Shaolin foundation.

7:30 – 8:30 a.m.

Morning Qigong, Breathing & Meditation

Gentle joint mobilization, dantian breathing, flowing stretches, and seated Chan (Zen) meditation.

Focus: Concentration, inner peace, and grounding energy.

8:30 – 10:00 a.m.

Breakfast Break

Shared cooking and eating together according to Traditional Chinese Medicine principles.

Conscious, healthy, nourishing meals — enjoyed in mindful silence or light conversation.

Enjoy the communal, healing aspect of TCM-inspired breakfast.

10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Shaolin Fundamentals (Ji Ben Gong)

Basic stances, strikes, body alignment, and foundational exercises to build strong structure and power.

12:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Lunch Break

Silent meal or relaxed social time + full regeneration and rest in the peaceful mountain surroundings.

2:30 – 4:00 p.m.

Main Training Block – Daily Focus Theme

Progressive deepening of skills under the Shifu's guidance.

• Day 1: Basics – Establishing strong foundations

• Day 2: Strength & Tendon Energy – Building internal power

• Day 3: Flow of Movement & Martial Arts – Fluidity and application

• Day 4: Kung Fu Forms / Weapons – Including staff (stick), sword, and more

• Day 5: Integration – Bringing it all together for holistic mastery

4:00 – 4:30 p.m.

Closing Ritual & Cultivation

Gentle stretching, short meditation, personal reflection, and daily closing ritual to seal the practice. End each day in calm reflection and group harmony.

5.00pm Transport back to your accommodation.

Overall Goals of the Retreat

1. Strengthen body and mind through disciplined movement, concentration, and endurance

2. Cultivate calmness, reduce stress, and achieve inner balance via mindfulness and meditation

3. Gain profound insight into traditional Shaolin wisdom, nutrition, discipline, and philosophy of life

This retreat offers an authentic, transformative experience in the tranquil Balkan Mountains — perfect for deep personal growth and reconnection with nature. Welcome to your Shaolin journey!

Shaolin Retreat registration and costs

The fee for the entire five day retreat is €600. This includes:

• Mental training

• Kung Fu Basics Elements

• Qi Gong according to TCM

• Shaolin Self-Defense

• Teachings in Buddhist Psychology

• Teachings in Shaolin Meditation

• Daily transport to and from local accommodation to the training area(s)

• 3 x TCM meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) prepared by Shaolin Master Shi Yan Lu

• Sofia Airport collection and drop off if required (within period 31 March to 6 April)

• Accommodation is Excluded

There are limited spaces available for the Shaolin Retreat so please book early to avoid disappointment. To register for the Retreat please click on the “Register” tab below. Confirmation of your place will be issued on registration and receipt of the required deposit.

Shaolin Master Shi Yan Lu

Master Shi Yan Lu belongs to the 34th generation of fighting Shaolin monks. Through years of intensive training, he achieved complete mastery of Shaolin Kung Fu. His special abilities include not only various fist and weapon forms, free sparring, and rigorous Qi Gong, but also exceptional mental strength, extreme physical power, and inner stability.

Master Shi Yan Lu possesses not only comprehensive knowledge but also invaluable life experience, which lends him depth and wisdom.

His life experience is like a quiet compass, guiding him safely through the storms of everyday life.

His eyes reflect not only his experiences but also the serenity that comes only with age.

At his Shaolin Centers in Schorndorf and Stuttgart, Master Shi Yan Lu teaches traditional Shaolin Kung Fu, Shaolin Tai Chi, and Shaolin Qi Gong for beginners and advanced students. He also offers training to become a Shaolin teacher in almost all areas.

In addition, he writes books, regularly gives seminars, makes public appearances, and supports the scientific research into the potential, teachings, and methods of the Shaolin masters.

Shaolin TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) Cooking

"The foundation for both a healthy body and a healthy mind is a healthy diet. If you want to train like a Shaolin monk, if you want to become as strong as a Shaolin monk, then you must also eat like a Shaolin monk.

The Five Elements diet, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, is our secret. Don't try to lose or gain weight. Simply try to eat the way we have for over 1500 years, and you will develop a well-shaped and powerful body."

A body in which your mind will feel at home will grant you both external power & inner strength!

As a certified nutritionist in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shaolin Master Shi Yan Lu knows exactly what matters when it comes to nutrition. During the Shaolin Retreat he will teach you everything you need to know to become and remain slim, fit, and healthy.

Shaolin Master Shi Yan Lu will cook for and with you at the Shaolin Retreat, teaching you the ways of TCM cooking, and giving you the energy and nutrition to enjoy and immerse yourself in this retreat fully.

If you are under heavy stress - mentally, physically, or emotionally - then ensure you have a stable foundation.

Give your body what it needs so that it can support your mind and can be a good home for your soul.

Shaolin Master Shi Yan Lu will cook for and with you at the Shaolin Retreat, teaching you the ways of TCM cooking, and giving you the energy and nutrition to enjoy and immerse yourself in this retreat fully.

If you are under heavy stress - mentally, physically, or emotionally - then ensure you have a stable foundation.

Give your body what it needs so that it can support your mind and can be a good home for your soul.

Training Location

The Shaolin Retreat will take place in a serene, secluded location in the mountains just outside the peaceful village of Zgorigrad, a charming small village in northwestern Bulgaria, nestled at the foot of the stunning Balkan Mountains (Stara Planina).

Participants will immerse themselves in the breathtaking natural scenery and profound tranquility of the area, far from the distractions of everyday life. Daily training sessions will be held outdoors, allowing you to connect deeply with nature and the Shaolin principles of harmony between body, mind, and spirit.

Shared meals—nourishing breakfast, lunch, and dinner—will be prepared with care and attention by the Shifu and enjoyed together, fostering community and mindful presence.

In the event of inclement weather, training will take place in the Ikigai Centre, a dedicated, purpose-built martial arts training centre in the nearby town of Vratsa (only 10 minutes away by road).

Convenient transport to and from all training locations will be provided by the organizers, ensuring a smooth and focused experience throughout your retreat.

This unique setting offers the perfect blend of authentic Shaolin practice, mountain serenity, and warm Bulgarian hospitality.

Vratsa, Bulgaria

The Shaolin Retreat will take place in the region of Vratsa (also spelled Vraca or Vratza) in Bulgaria. Vratsa is a captivating mountain town in the northwest of the country, nestled dramatically at the foot of the Vrachanski Balkan (part of the Stara Planina range). With a population of around 50,000, it's an ideal destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, hikers, and those interested in history and culture. Often called the "gateway to the Balkan Mountains," Vratsa offers stunning natural scenery, outdoor activities, and a peaceful, authentic Bulgarian small-town vibe — far less crowded than major tourist spots like Sofia or the Black Sea coast.

Vratsa is famous for its dramatic karst cliffs, waterfalls, deep gorges, forests, and caves — the surrounding Vrachanski Balkan Nature Park is one of Bulgaria's largest protected areas, with over 500 caves, unique rock formations, and rich biodiversity.

Top nearby natural attractions include:

• Vratsata Gorge — Towering vertical limestone cliffs (up to 400m high, among the tallest on the Balkan Peninsula), perfect for rock climbing, paragliding, and scenic walks.

• Ledenika Cave — One of Bulgaria's most famous and beautiful caves, known for its stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and icy formations (especially impressive in winter). It's easily accessible and often called a "natural wonder." Step inside this magical underground world:

• Skaklya Waterfall — Bulgaria's highest seasonal waterfall at 141m — a rewarding hike after heavy rains.

Vratsa is perfect for a relaxing getaway, active outdoor trips, or as a base for exploring the region. It's about 1.5–2 hours from Sofia by car or bus, making it an easy add-on to any Bulgarian tourism itinerary. Whether you're drawn to epic mountain views, cave exploration, or cultural discoveries, Vratsa delivers serene beauty and authentic charm! If you're planning a visit (especially for a retreat), the area's tranquility is unbeatable.

Contact Details

For all questions regarding the Shaolin Retreat - location, content, cost, reservations, cancellation policy, travel/accommodation recommendations or any other details - please feel free to contact us:

Email: ikigaivratza@gmail.com

🌐 www.ikigaivratza.com

📞+359 896 763 902