About this Retreat
Shifu Yan Xin is a 34th Generation Shaolin Warrior Disciple, a master teacher, and the living heart of KungFu.Life. His presence is quiet but powerful, his teachings ancient yet deeply alive—rooted in the wisdom of the Shaolin Temple and expressed through the fullness of his life experience.
From a young age, Shifu Yan Xin was drawn to the martial path. A spirited and fearless boy in a northern Chinese village, he would leap off walls pretending to be a ninja and challenge his friends to playful duels. When he begged his parents to let him train at the Shaolin Temple, they warned him of the hardship, the loneliness, and the discipline it would require. Without hesitation, he answered: “I’m not afraid. I want to go.”
And so he did. At the age of 10, he left home and began his journey in the Song Shan Mountains, training first at the renowned Tagou Martial Arts School near the Shaolin Temple. He quickly rose to the top of his class and was soon selected by the abbot, Shi Yong Xin, to train within the sacred temple itself—becoming a 34th Generation Shaolin Warrior Disciple.
His years at the temple were marked by rigorous discipline and deep dedication. As head trainer monk, he not only honed his own skills but guided the next generation of monks. He led international performances as part of the Shaolin Wheel of Life world tour in the late 1990s and early 2000s, sharing the spirit and artistry of Shaolin with audiences around the globe.
In 2024, Shifu Yan Xin served as the guiding master on the Dutch reality series Shaolin Heroes, filmed in a temple in Thailand and aired in the Netherlands in March 2025. Alongside two other Shaolin masters, he trained ten celebrities in the discipline, spirit, and philosophy of Shaolin Kung Fu. The experience was a life-changing journey for the participants—one of challenge, transformation, and deep inner awakening. His presence, rooted in compassion and clarity, helped guide them through both the physical demands and the inner shifts of the training.
But for , the true temple is life itself.
Over the years, he has forged a unique path—one of quiet wisdom, presence, and profound inner strength. As the Headmaster of KungFu.Life, he transmits more than just technique; he offers a living, breathing experience of Shaolin—embodied, immersive, and transformative.
Every class with Shifu is a transmission of essence. His teachings are rooted in centuries-old tradition yet fluid and responsive to the present moment. Students often say that simply being in his presence awakens something within them—clarity, stillness, strength.
Amy Jennings is a botanist, conservationist and beekeeper with a deep appreciation for plants and nature. A masters in biodiversity conservation allowed Amy to further explore her interest in ethnobotany, which looks at the connection between people and the plant kingdom.
This research took her to countries like Afghanistan, Iraq, Jordan, India, Tibet and Tanzania. Amy runs an organic farm, Glendalough Organics, where she practises sustainable growing methods, Amy also runs meditation retreats where she teaches mindfulness techniques that help connect people with the natural environment.
Isis Neal has been working with food for over thirty years. Classically trained in French method her style of cuisine and approach to cooking and health evolved over time. Influenced by the places she’s lived and exceptional people she’s worked with. Formative years spent in Southern California, Dublin, time spent in Brazil and Paris as well as a passion for ethnic flavours have culminated in a unique culinary style. With a focus on health and vitality her food is colourful, seasonal and delicious while also being nutritious and nurturing. The first half of her career her craft was honed in busy restaurants in Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and Dublin. She also worked as a private chef for individuals in the music, fashion and entertainment industry. Rainbow fusion comes close to describing what Isis creates now for The Deerstone’s retreats.
Suphi, a native of Alabama, loves nothing more than growing and cooking fresh, soulful food. She also offers Pirtis Sessions—a cosy, heart-warming sauna experience to relax and connect. Both passions let her share warmth, nourishment, and a little Southern sunshine wherever she goes!
Details of this retreat
Description:
As winter slowly loosens its grip and the first hints of spring begin to show, The Deerstone invites you to take a pause, breathe, and reconnect with yourself and the world around you.
Awakening is a gentle and grounding seasonal retreat inspired by Brigid’s Day and the Celtic festival of Imbolc, a time of renewal, creativity, and inner fire.
This team-led retreat offers a chance to experience a variety of teachers and experts, each bringing their own approach to movement, mindfulness, and connection with nature. Over four days, we’ll create space to slow down, move mindfully, and reflect - whether through guided yoga, forest walks, sauna rituals, or simply sitting quietly and noticing the world around you. There’s no need to do everything; you’re invited to follow your own rhythm, joining the experiences that feel right and taking time for stillness where it’s needed.
This retreat is about softening, renewing, and celebrating the subtle transformations that come with the season; a chance to leave with a little more lightness, hope, and energy for the months ahead.
The Itinerary
Monday, 2nd February
This first evening is about softening the edges,
letting go of what you’ve carried in and preparing to begin anew.
3:00 pm: Check-in and welcome to The Deerstone
Time to settle - explore the grounds, use the sauna, or enjoy quiet reflection
4:30 pm: Opening: Shaolin Wholistic Experience
6:30 pm: Nourishing Dinner
8:00 pm: Brigid's Crosses around The Fire
Tuesday, 3rd February
A day to move, explore, and reconnect with nature’s rhythm. The focus is on flow and renewal, awakening your energy and grounding it in the beauty of the Wicklow hills.
8:30 am: Morning Meditation & Energising Yoga Practice
10:15 am: Breakfast
11:30 am: Forest Bathing & Plant Folklore
2:00 pm: Lunch
3:00 pm: Piritis Sauna Experience (Group 1)
4:00 pm: Piritis Sauna Experience (Group 2)
6:30 pm: Nourishing Dinner
8.00 pm: Guided Bedtime Relaxation
Wednesday, 4th February
This is a day of deeper reflection, balancing stillness with movement, and fire with flow. It’s an opportunity to turn inward before re-emerging renewed.
8:30 am: Morning Meditation & Energising Yoga Practice
10:15 am: Breakfast
11:30 am – 1:30 pm: Free Time: Use of Facilities, Rest, Book a Massage
2:00 pm: Seasonal Lunch
4:00 pm: Dusk to Dark Night Hike
6:30 pm: Nourishing Dinner
8:00 pm: Evening Fire & Ice
Thursday, 5th February - Renewal & Departure
As dawn breaks, we gather one final time to honour what has shifted, to carry forward a sense of lightness, intention, and renewal.
8:30 am: Closing: Shaolin Wholistic Experience
10:15 am: Breakfast
11:00 am: Check-out
A Retreat for the Senses
Throughout your stay, you’ll enjoy nourishing, seasonal meals designed to support energy and balance.
Guests have access to The Deerstone’s spa facilities, forest bathing trails, and quiet rest spaces.
Pricing:
€1,195 Private Ensuite Room in Cottage
50% deposit upon booking
€995 per person Shared Ensuite Room in Cottage
50% deposit upon booking
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