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Martial Arts Training in China
Learn Chinese martial arts where they come from. At our school in the Yuntai Mountains of Henan, the home province of the Shaolin Temple, you train Shaolin Kung Fu, Wushu, Sanda, Tai Chi, Qi Gong or Lion Dance with English-speaking Shifus. Up to four sessions a day, six days a week, for beginners and experienced international students. You choose the styles, we build your training plan.
No experience neededCombine stylesStart any weekAll-inclusive
6martial arts styles
6+hours a day
6days a week
1price, all-inclusive
All-inclusiveTraining in all styles, room, 3 meals a day and free pickup
$690 / month (VIP)Less per month for longer stays · All prices ›
Martial arts stylesWhich style suits you?Culture classesA training dayYour training planWhat’s includedChinese martial artsBenefitsWhy train in ChinaStudentsFAQ
Chinese martial arts you can learn
Six styles, one school.
At our martial arts school in China, you choose one style or combine several. Many students train Shaolin Kung Fu during the day and add Tai Chi or Sanda in the evening classes. All martial arts classes are taught by English-speaking Shifus and are included in your price. Click a style to learn more.
Shaolin Kung Fu
The traditional martial art of the Shaolin monks: basics, forms, weapons and Hard Qi Gong.
Shaolin Kung Fu ›
Qi Gong
Breathing, standing and moving exercises such as Baduanjin and Yi Jin Jing, to build energy and recover from training.
Qi Gong ›
Lion & Dragon Dance
The traditional Chinese dance with drums, performed at festivals. Teamwork and strong legs.
Lion & Dragon Dance ›Which martial art suits you?
The styles at a glance.
| Style | Focus | Good for you if |
|---|---|---|
| Shaolin Kung Fu | Forms, weapons, strength, flexibility | You want the traditional Shaolin training |
| Wushu | Speed, jumps, acrobatics | You like athletic, spectacular movements |
| Sanda | Fighting, sparring, fitness | You want practical self-defence and hard sparring |
| Tai Chi | Slow forms, balance, calm | You want an internal martial art at your own pace |
| Qi Gong | Breathing, energy, health | You want to recover, relax or train gently |
| Lion Dance | Dance, drums, teamwork | You want to try a classic of Chinese culture |
Not sure yet? You do not have to decide when you apply. Your Shifu plans the training with you once you have arrived.
Chinese culture classes
More than martial arts. Included in your stay.
Chinese Mandarin
Learn the basics of Chinese for daily life, in small groups next to your training. Free and voluntary.
Chinese Mandarin ›
Tui Na & TCM
Chinese massage and Traditional Chinese Medicine, taught by teachers who work in local hospitals.
Tui Na & TCM ›
Tea ceremony
Prepare Chinese tea the traditional way and get to know the different kinds of tea.
Tea ceremony ›There is also a Buddhism class every Saturday. All culture classes are optional.
A typical training day
Four blocks, six days a week.
06:20–07:10Early morning conditioning: coordination, strength, core or Qi Gong, depending on the day
08:00–11:30Morning training: basics, flexibility, combinations, acrobatics and forms
14:20–17:30Afternoon training: the same building blocks with a different focus, forms every day
19:00–20:30Evening class, open to all: Tai Chi, Sanda, flexibility and forms or training with the Shifus
Meals at 07:10, 11:30 and 17:30. Wednesday morning is free, Sunday is your rest day. Full training schedule
Your personal training plan
Same schedule, training made for you.
Everyone is welcome, whatever your age, gender, fitness, background or religion. Groups are formed by what you want to learn, then by your level and the length of your stay. International students train together in small groups and, the longer you stay, also alongside our Chinese students. Your Shifu plans the content with you and adjusts it as you progress.
Beginners
You start with basics, flexibility and two simple forms, practised on both sides. No experience needed.
Experienced
More forms, weapons and acrobatics. If you want to learn a specific form or style, talk to your Shifu.
Older students
More Tai Chi and Qi Gong, fast walking instead of running and plenty of stretching.
- English-speaking Shifus who talk to you directly
- Small groups, split by goal and level
- Combine styles and change your plan at any time
- Certificate on request after an exam, from 2 months of training
“True martial arts can never be rushed.”
Shifu Zhao Zhenghao · Meet our masters
Coming for a short or a long stay? See our training programs. To get more out of the first weeks, start working on your endurance, strength and flexibility at home: how to prepare.
What’s included
One price, no hidden costs.
- Full-day training, 6 days a week, in all styles we teach
- Room with private bathroom, air conditioning, fridge, washing machine and drinkable tap water
- 3 meals a day, 7 days a week, vegetarian and vegan options
- Free pickup from Zhengzhou airport or train station
- Chinese classes and culture classes: Tui Na and TCM, Buddhism, calligraphy and tea ceremony
- Free Wi-Fi and PC room
- All school facilities: training hall, new football pitch, basketball court, table tennis and Chinese chess
- Free invitation letter for your visa
Not included: flight or train to Zhengzhou, visa fees, travel insurance, trips and entrance fees, drinks and personal items, the transfer back to the airport ($70) and a single room (from $220 per month).
No application fee and no deposit: you pay once you have arrived. If you leave earlier than planned, we refund the difference or keep it as credit for a later stay. See all prices and rooms.
Chinese martial arts at a glance
Kung Fu, Wushu and the main families of styles.
In China, martial arts are called Wushu (武术), which simply means “martial art”. In the West, the word Kung Fu (功夫) became common. It means “skill achieved through hard work”. Today, Wushu often also refers to the modern competition sport. There are hundreds of Chinese martial arts styles, which are usually divided into these groups:
External styles
Strength, speed and power. The best known is Shaolin Kung Fu from the Shaolin Temple in Henan.
Internal styles
Calm, breathing and inner strength, for example Tai Chi, Baguazhang and Xingyiquan. Qi Gong is closely related.
Modern sport
Competition Wushu with forms (Taolu) and Sanda, the Chinese full-contact fighting sport.
At our school, you can learn the external Shaolin style, the internal arts Tai Chi and Qi Gong, and the modern disciplines Wushu and Sanda, all in one place.
Read more: Northern and Southern styles, history
Northern and Southern styles
Chinese martial arts are also divided by region. Northern styles, like Shaolin Kung Fu from Henan, use long stances, high kicks and big, fast movements. Southern styles, like Hung Gar or Wing Chun, use shorter stances and powerful hand techniques at close range. Our school teaches the Northern tradition.
A short history of Chinese martial arts
Fighting arts have been practised in China for thousands of years. The Shaolin Temple in Henan, founded in 495 AD, became one of the most famous centres of martial arts. In the 17th century, Tai Chi developed in the village of Chenjiagou, also in Henan. In the 20th century, Chinese martial arts were organised as a sport: modern Wushu with standardised forms, and Sanda as a full-contact fighting sport. Today, Chinese martial arts are practised all over the world, for self-defence, fitness, health and competition.
Martial arts in China today
In China, martial arts are taught at schools, universities and specialised martial arts schools (Wuxiao). Every morning, people practise Tai Chi and Qi Gong in parks. Henan, with the Shaolin Temple and Chenjiagou, is still the centre of traditional Chinese martial arts, and that is where our school lies.
武德Did you know?
Wude means martial virtue: respect, humility and self-discipline. In Chinese martial arts, it comes before technique, and many of our Shifus name it as the heart of their teaching.
Benefits of martial arts training
What the training does for you.
FitnessEndurance and strength from training every day.
CoordinationBalance, footwork and body control in every style.
Self-defencePractical skills from Sanda and Kung Fu.
ConcentrationLearning forms trains memory and focus.
CalmTai Chi and Qi Gong balance hard training.
DisciplineA clear daily rhythm, far from everyday life.
Why train martial arts in China?
Learn where it all started.
- Train full-time: more training in one week than in months at a club at home
- Learn from Shifus who grew up with Kung Fu, led by Headmaster Shi Yanlin, a 32nd-generation Shaolin monk
- Our school is in Henan, the home province of the Shaolin Temple, with regular, optional trips to the temple and other places in China
- Quiet location at the foot of the Yuntai Mountains in Jiaozuo, away from city noise, with free pickup in Zhengzhou
- Live Chinese culture every day: food, language, festivals and traditions
Student experiences
Students of every style.
“Overall, this experience was truly inspiring.”
Pierre & Laura, France · several weeks · Read more (Pierre & Laura)
“I learnt that I can do more than I thought. I had a wonderful time and will definitely come back for a longer time.”
Doris, Switzerland · almost 5 weeks · Read more (Doris)
“Before coming here, I never did any Kung Fu. It was so nice to see how much progress I could make within this short amount of time.”
Anne-Sophie, Switzerland · 5 weeks · Read more (Anne-Sophie)
Free & without obligation
Ready to start your training?
No deposit and no application fee. You only pay after you arrive at the school.
- Start any week
- Invitation letter for your visa
- Free pickup in Zhengzhou
FAQ
Martial arts training in China: your questions.
Which martial arts can I learn at your school in China?
Shaolin Kung Fu, Wushu, Sanda, Tai Chi, Qi Gong and Lion & Dragon Dance. You can focus on one style or combine several. On top of that, you can join Chinese, Tui Na & TCM, calligraphy, tea ceremony and Buddhism classes.
Can I learn martial arts in China as a beginner?
Yes. Most of our students start without any experience. Beginners learn the basics, flexibility and two simple forms first, and the training is adapted to their level.
Can I combine several martial arts?
Yes. Many students train Shaolin Kung Fu during the day and join Tai Chi or Sanda in the evening classes. You can adjust your training plan with your Shifu at any time.
How many hours a day do you train?
Three to four sessions a day, more than six hours on average, six days a week. Sunday is your rest day. See the training schedule.
Do the masters speak English?
Yes. Our Shifus speak English and explain the techniques to you directly, without a translator.
How long should I stay?
You can start any week and stay as long as you like. We recommend at least four weeks, because most students need about two weeks to get used to the training.
What is the difference between Kung Fu and Wushu?
Both words mean Chinese martial arts. Kung Fu is the term common in the West, Wushu the Chinese term. Today, Wushu often refers to the modern, athletic competition style with jumps and acrobatics, while Kung Fu usually means the traditional styles like Shaolin Kung Fu.
Am I too old to learn martial arts in China?
No. There is no age limit, and students of all ages train with us. Children can join from 6 years old with at least one parent, teenagers from 12 also alone with their parents’ permission. Older students train more Tai Chi and Qi Gong and less running.
How much does martial arts training in China cost?
One month costs $690 with VIP prices, all-inclusive with training in all styles, room, three meals a day and free pickup. For longer stays, the monthly price goes down to $460. See all prices.
Can foreigners train martial arts in China?
Yes. Our school is made for international students, and our Shifus teach in English. Citizens of many countries, including Germany, Switzerland, Austria, France and the UK, can currently stay up to 30 days without a visa. For longer stays, we send you a free invitation letter for your study visa. See visa for China.
What is a Chinese martial arts school called?
In Chinese, a martial arts school is called Wuxiao (武校) or Wuguan (武馆). In English, the terms Kung Fu school or Kung Fu academy are common. Shaolin Yuntai is an international Kung Fu school in Henan, the home province of the Shaolin Temple.
Can I learn Karate in China?
Karate comes from Japan, so we do not teach it. If you are looking for a similar striking art, Sanda (Chinese kickboxing) and Shaolin Kung Fu are the closest.
What is included in the price?
Training in all styles, a standard double room, three meals a day, free pickup in Zhengzhou, Wi-Fi, all school facilities and the Chinese, TCM, Buddhism and culture classes. Not included are flights, visa fees, insurance, trips, drinks and the transfer back to the airport ($70). See all prices.
Can I extend or shorten my stay?
Yes. You can extend your stay at the school, and we help you extend your visa in Jiaozuo. If you leave earlier than planned, we refund the difference or keep it as credit for a later stay.
How should I prepare for martial arts training in China?
No special preparation is needed, but regular running, strength training and stretching at home make the first weeks easier. See our tips on how to prepare.
Do I get a certificate?
Yes, on request. After at least two months of training, you can take an exam and receive a certificate.