About ZenCamp Shaolin Arts

MY NAME IS BREE GIBBONS

Welcome to my website!  I am the Founder and Execute Director of ZenCamp.

ABOUT ME: I've been immersed in the Shaolin Arts since 2011 and have been teaching martial arts for over 13 years. I hold a 5th Degree Black Sash in Northern Seven Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu. I am a certified Martial Arts Therapist through Kids Kick Cancer Canada. I am also currently pursuing a formal instructor training and an authentic Shaoiln Discipleship under Master Shi Chang Dao of the Shaolin Temple Quanfa Institute (TORONTO). I want to help bring this 1,500+ year-old living tradition and curriculum to Niagara Falls, Canada.

WHY SHAOLIN? The Shaolin Arts have been key to my healing journey and life-path, helping me gain courage, strength, resilience, and discipline in the face of personal hardship. It has also shown me the power of holistic-minded community. I’ve been so fortunate to be a part of bringing people together to make movement, mindfulness, and learning fun. I’ve had the privilege of helping others rediscover the joy of movement, mindfulness, and growth through kung fu. Learning and training this art in a positive environment makes you feel like a kid again, in the best way. I chose kung fu as a career when I felt first-hand the health benefits and symptom relief I gained from my training, and feel strongly that it is my mission to share it with others.

WHY ZENCAMP? As the founder of ZenCamp, my mission is to spark a grassroots movement that blends traditional martial arts (ZEN) with outdoor and community recreation (CAMP). ZenCamp is a container where people can reconnect with their bodies, with each other, and with nature, through accessible classes, seasonal events, and learning-based gatherings. ZenCamp is about reclaiming joy, discipline, and togetherness in a world that often feels disconnected and chaotic. I hope you enjoy all that is to come.

Thank you for reading!

-Bree