Martine Niven

Head Instructor at UK Shaolin Bournemouth, Senior Instructor at UK Shaolin Southampton, 35th Generation Shaolin Disciple

Martine is a highly experienced martial artist and instructor, with over 20 years of teaching experience in Shaolin Kung Fu. A disciple of Shifu Shi Yan Ming, Martine has dedicated her life to Shaolin martial arts, health practices, and the philosophy of Shaolin. She was formally inducted into the 35th Generation of Shaolin disciples in 2013, taking the name “Chen Miaoshan.” Her extensive training includes time spent studying full-time in China, where she trained under Shaolin Masters in the Shaolin Temple region.

Martine’s martial arts expertise spans a wide range of disciplines, including:

• Shaolin Kung Fu: Both traditional and modern forms
• Qi Gong: Hard and soft energy cultivation practices
• Tai Chi: Internal martial arts with a focus on movement and mindfulness
• Sanda Kickboxing: Chinese full-contact combat sport
• Traditional Shaolin Weapons: Including Shaolin Mantis, Straight Sword, Spear, Fan, and Nine-section Chain Whip

Her specialisations also include traditional hand forms and modern wushu routines, offering a comprehensive and well-rounded approach to martial arts education.

Martine has been teaching Shaolin Kung Fu and related disciplines for over two decades. As the Head Instructor at UK Shaolin Bournemouth and Senior Instructor at UK Shaolin Southampton, she has guided students of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in self-development, personal cultivation, and the traditional values of Shaolin martial arts.

In her classes, Martine incorporates both the physical and philosophical elements of martial arts, helping students develop not only their technical skills but also their mental discipline and focus. She has been teaching Little Dragons Kung Fu for many years and is dedicated to empowering her students to reach their full potential through structured and engaging classes.

Martine is a highly respected figure in the UK martial arts community, regularly performing in public Kung Fu demonstrations, cultural events, and stage shows. As an integral member of UK Shaolin’s Lion Dance and Performance Troupe, she brings the rich traditions of Shaolin to life, captivating audiences with her skill and dedication.

Her accomplishments in martial arts are notable, having competed in numerous Chinese Martial Arts Competitions where she has excelled in traditional hand forms, weapons categories, and Sanda kickboxing. Martine’s exceptional abilities have not only made her a top competitor but also a respected authority in the field. She is one of the senior traditional Kung Fu judges for the Chinese British Martial Arts Council, where she plays a key role in evaluating and overseeing competitions to ensure the highest standards of Shaolin martial arts are upheld in the UK.

Notable Achievements:

• Gold medalist in Women’s Sanda Kickboxing at the British National Championships in 2017 and 2018.
• Gold medalist in Traditional Hand Forms and Weapons at the British National
• Championships in 2017 and 2019.
• Senior judge for Traditional Kung Fu Competitions with the Chinese British Martial Arts Council.

In addition to her martial arts expertise, Martine is also an accomplished actress, having performed in numerous theatres and stages across various countries. Her acting career spans appearances in well-known TV series and films, including Casualty, My Uncle Silas, The Cry, The Menace, Murder in Mind, Theatre Shakespeare performances, and God is a DJ. Her ability to combine her passion for performance and martial arts has made her a versatile and prominent figure in both worlds.

Martine believes that the practice of Shaolin Kung Fu offers a path to both physical and mental growth. Her advice to students is to be patient, focused, and disciplined, taking the time to master the foundational movements and embrace the philosophy of Shaolin. She encourages her students to remain open to learning, to be present in their training, and to approach each class with determination and balance.

“Stay in the moment, absorb the teachings, and approach your training with focus and determination. Shaolin Kung Fu will reward your hard work with growth in both body and mind.”