Learn Kung Fu in China because China is the birthplace of Kung Fu. The most authentic and traditional Kung Fu is found in China. Only in Chinese martial arts schools and traditional martial arts halls can one learn from a true “master” and the complete Kung Fu tradition.

Furthermore, for many foreigners, Kung Fu is not just about fighting but also a profound philosophy and culture. You may have become fascinated by Chinese Kung Fu through the films of Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li. Studying at martial arts sanctuaries like Shaolin Temple, Wudang Mountain, and Longhu Mountain, students can participate in activities such as morning bells and evening drums and vegetarian culture, achieving an authentic “Learn Kung Fu in China” experience.

Best Place to Learn Kung Fu in China

Shaolin Temple

Shaolin Temple is the birthplace and spiritual home of Chinese Kung Fu, particularly Shaolin Kung Fu. It is more than just a school; it is a living cultural heritage. Learning Kung Fu here is a deep cultural immersion, allowing you to experience Kung Fu in its most authentic form firsthand in its birthplace.

Songshan Shaolin Temple’s training is renowned for its philosophy of “Zen and Martial Arts in One,” combining rigorous physical training with meditation and Buddhist philosophy to cultivate individuals who are not only strong but also self-disciplined. The atmosphere is traditional and rigorous, and the daily adherence to monastic discipline is an experience difficult to replicate elsewhere in the world.

Kunyu Mountain

Kunyu Mountain offers a tranquil and powerful environment for those seeking the inner essence of Kung Fu. As a sacred Taoist site and a significant center for traditional Chinese internal martial arts (such as Mantis Quan), it emphasizes harmony with nature and the development of Qi.

Unlike the rigorous Kung Fu of Shaolin Temple, the training at Kunyu Mountain focuses on inner strength and gentle and flowing routines. Surrounded by mist-shrouded peaks and ancient Taoist temples, learning becomes more of a spiritual practice, cultivating patience, balance, and the concept of using softness to overcome hardness. It is ideal for those who want to escape modern life and delve deeper into the philosophy of Kung Fu in a peaceful natural environment.

Longhu Mountain

Longhu Mountain, a sacred mountain in Taoist tradition, offers a unique path to the cultivation of both civil and martial arts. As the ancestral home of the Zhengyi School of Taoism, it boasts a rich cultural heritage. Martial arts schools here, such as the Longhu Mountain Shen Jiangfei Martial Arts Center, successfully combine traditional martial arts training with modern educational facilities and an international perspective.

Students can learn various martial arts in a spiritual environment while maintaining a strong cultural perspective. This model cultivates well-rounded martial artists who not only master the martial art but also understand the cultural philosophy behind it. Longhu Mountain is an excellent choice for learners seeking to combine martial arts training with academic education or a more open and diverse environment.

Learn Kung Fu in China Steps

To enroll in a Chinese Kung Fu school, you first need to choose a school you like and fill out an application. After receiving your application, the school will send you an invitation letter and may ask you to pay an application fee (usually $100). This invitation letter is necessary to apply for a Chinese visa at the local Chinese embassy. Once your application is received, you will receive detailed visa and travel instructions. You can then fly to the Chinese Kung Fu school. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Choose your Kung Fu school. Ask yourself what style of kung fu you prefer, such as Shaolin, Tai Chi, Sanda, or Wudang. You can search for “Chinese Kung Fu school” on your browser to find the school’s official website and ask if they accept international students. You can also find reputable international schools on Reddit.

Step 2: Fill out the application form. Most schools, such as Shen Jiangfei International Martial Arts School and Shaolin Temple Kung Fu Academy, have official websites with online application forms. The form includes your country, phone number, email address, planned length of stay, desired arrival date, and interests.

Step 3: Obtain an invitation letter. After receiving your application, the Kung Fu School will review the information you’ve submitted and send you a formal invitation. You may also be asked to pay the registration fee. This invitation is essential for your visa application, so please keep it safe.

Step 4: Apply for a Chinese visa. Bring your invitation letter and passport to the local Chinese embassy to apply for your visa. Consider the following visa types:L visa (for short-term tourism, typically up to 60 days, renewable within China); F visa (for short-term non-commercial exchange, visits, or study tours); X2 visa (for short-term student studies, typically up to six months, single-entry).

Step 5: Prepare to enter China. After you’ve been accepted, the school will provide detailed information about travel, transfers, clothing, and accommodation via email. Regarding language skills, the school will provide a translator to facilitate communication with Chinese teachers.

Learn Kung Fu in China Fees

Learn kung fu in China covers not only tuition but also pre-departure preparations and other expenses. In total, the cost for a foreigner to study kung fu in China is approximately US$2,000. These expenses primarily include:

Tuition: Almost all Chinese kung fu schools encourage international students to study long-term; the longer you study, the lower the monthly fee.

Pre-departure expenses: These include round-trip airfare, visa fees, and registration fees.

Kung fu schools in China typically offer a one-stop service: upon arrival in China, the school will arrange for a representative to pick you up and take you directly to the school. International students receive hotel-style rooms, sharing a double room. If you prefer to live alone, you can apply to the school for an additional fee. Furthermore, these fees cover training sessions, meals, training uniforms, and kung fu equipment.

The following are the fees of excellent Chinese kung fu schools form:

How To Choose a China Kung Fu School?

Choosing a Kung Fu school is choosing a teacher, or Sifu. The master’s skill is more important than the school’s promotional materials. A good kung fu school boasts a master with a rich tradition. It’s also crucial to review reviews from alumni, as they offer a deeper understanding of the school’s environment, the master’s skills, and the curriculum, which can be more relevant to the student’s situation.

In addition, the Chinese government provides different types of visas for schools. The JW202 form is required for the government-issued X1 visa, suitable for long-term study. This form is typically issued by government-accredited universities and cannot be provided by private kung fu schools.

Importantly, Chinese Kung Fu training is physically demanding and carries the risk of injury. This is particularly true for injuries to the legs, waist, knees, ligaments, and joints. Therefore, please ensure you warm up thoroughly before formal martial arts training.

Kung Fu schools have strict disciplinary rules, such as prohibiting alcohol consumption, skipping classes, and large gatherings. International students are required to strictly adhere to these rules.

As long as you choose a formal, traditional Chinese master, follow the school’s guidance to obtain a visa, do warm-up exercises before learning Kung Fu in China, and abide by the school’s rules, you will be able to have fun learning Kung Fu.

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