Who We Are

Matt Bindon – Headteacher of Hu Long Temple

Shifu Matt BindonHeadteacher & Chairman

Shi Heng Liang is Matt Bindon’s given buddhist temple name. He is a 35th Generation Shaolin Warrior Disciple. Matt is the first Westerner to ever have been sworn in to the North Shaolin Temple, China, recognised for his dedication to traditional Chinese martial arts including Shaolin Kung Fu, Weapons, Hard Qi Gong, Taiji, Soft Qi Gong and Sanda. With over 30 years of dedication to Shaolin training which commenced when he was a young boy, Matt eventually obtained a 4th Degree master level in 2006 being one of few granted this level of dedication and skill.

He began his training in Long Fist Kung Fu at the age of 14 under Master Chet Alexander who had trained under the renowned teacher, Master Chang. Matt trained in Buddhist and Taoist Soft Qi Gong for 28 years (Yi Jin Jing, Ba Duan Jin, Shibashi, Five Animals, and other forms of Qi Gong) whilst also training in Hard Qi Gong (Iron Body, Head, Neck and Limbs) for 25 years. He has trained in Tai Ji for 25 years, having only taught after 20 years of practice. Sanda Chinese Kickboxing and Free Fighting have been particular areas of focus over many years, where he has trained with semi-pro and professional fighters. Matt has coached fighters to compete both nationally and internationally within Sanda. He has trained students in Long Fist to successfully compete both nationally and internationally, and has performed with students in several Chinese martial arts festivals, events and showcases.

Matt trains diligently, everyday without fail, and teaches all the classes and workshops for Hu Long Temple.

Achievements

Successful students reach Gold, Silver and Bronze in Talou and Sanda at BCCMA National competitions.
Students achieving in International Competition in Talou at SENI.
Numerous successful students in Sanda competitions including 2016 Gold Medalist in the BCCMA National Championships.
Featured in the Wisdom of Shaolin production — the first Shaolin performance comprised of all-Western participants.
Has taught successful workshops throughout the UK, Europe and USA.
The first Western person to be granted Discipleship at the North Shaolin Temple.
Shi Heng Liang has demonstrated his Kung Fu which was approved by the North Shaolin Temple Abbot and Senior Monks.
Teaching self protection skills for 20 years to charities and corporate organisations.
Has worked and supported vulnerable adults implementing strategies in how to keep safe.
Trained in Child Welfare and Child Safeguarding by the NSPCC:CPSU

Senior Students

Shi-Xiōng Rob WellingtonClub Secretary

Robert has worked for Devon County Council for 20 years and has been Chairman of Follaton Resident’s Association for many years. Robert has spent time and continues to do so, working with a local charity including the most recent project of developing a community therapeutic access garden for people with learning disabilities, mental health needs and the general public. Robert has trained in Chinese Marital Arts for many years and has a keen interest in helping others within all walks of life. His wife and two daughters have all trained in Chinese Martial Arts including meditation and Qi Gong, and continue to support others in the community within their training.

Shi-Jiě Kim-Leng HillsWellbeing Counsellor and Safeguarding Lead

Kim-Leng (Chinese: “金龍”) is the designated Safeguarding Lead and Wellbeing Counsellor, working closely with local authority and other agencies in relation to the safeguarding of vulnerable children, young people and adults. She is a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and has worked extensively within mental health needs, from complex psychiatric disorders through to less severe mental health difficulties for young people and adults. Her martial arts background began at the age of 5 in Shotokan Karate, training daily for 8 years as a senior student under her traditional teacher. Having been brought up Tao Buddhist she wished to train within the Shaolin discipline she had witnessed as a child but had no access to due to being female and where she lived. After many years and relocating, Kim-Leng eventually began to train under Shifu Matt Bindon, who she continues to train under daily.