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.

Kim-Leng helps manage the running of Hu Long Temple, its administration, as well as the graphic design, web-development and assist classes and workshops. She is also the designated Safeguarding Lead, working closely with the NSPCC Child Protection in Sports Unit, and writes the policies for Hu Long Temple.

Kim-Leng originally trained in traditional Shotokan Karate at 5 years old, training diligently eventually becoming an assistant instructor after many years of practice. She eventually stopped training to find other forms of Martial Arts. Kim-Leng was bought up in a Tao Buddhist family and has always practised a Buddhist way of life, taking refuge in 2009 under Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche and given her temple name of “Karma Lamdron”. It wasn’t until she moved to Devon that she found Shi Heng Liang, and felt like it was coming back to her roots. Kim-Leng trains with Shi Heng Liang every day and does her own training in the morning and/or evening. Her professional background is working in safeguarding and referral units for vulnerable young people with mental health and emotional behavioural difficulties. Kim-Leng is THRIVE trained and is currently training as a BACP member within Integrative Therapeutic Counselling/Psychotherapy. She is also a clinical asthma research advisor to the NHS and EU, so she is able to utilise her knowledge and experience in all aspects of her life.