• 25 Oct,2026

Kung Fu Camp: Visa, Age, and Stay Requirements

The decision to train in China is a significant step toward deepening your understanding of martial arts. However, the excitement of this commitment can be overshadowed by logistical hurdles. Misunderstanding visa requirements, age restrictions, or accommodation rules can create unnecessary stress and complications. Before you commit to a Kung Fu Camp, it is vital to confirm these practical details to ensure a smooth and focused training experience.

At SJF Kung Fu School, we have welcomed over 3,000 students from around the world since 2009. We understand the questions and concerns international students have. This guide provides clear, direct answers to the most common eligibility questions we receive, helping you prepare properly for your time with us.

Key Eligibility Requirements for International Students

To ensure a successful application and arrival, please review these core requirements. We aim for transparency so you can plan with confidence. Every student's situation is unique, but these guidelines cover the vast majority of our international applicants.

• Visa Support: For training durations under 180 days, students typically apply for a Tourist (L) Visa. To facilitate this, SJF Kung Fu School provides an official invitation letter after you have registered and paid the deposit. You are responsible for submitting this letter along with your passport and other required documents to your local Chinese embassy or consulate. For long-term study (over 180 days), we will guide you through the process of obtaining a Student (X) Visa.
• Minimum Age: We accept students from the age of 6. Students under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for the entire duration of their stay. Students aged 16 and 17 may be permitted to attend alone, but this is assessed on a case-by-case basis and requires explicit parental consent.
• Parental Accompaniment: Guardians accompanying minors are welcome to stay at the school. You can choose to participate in training or simply reside here while your child learns. We have had many families train together, like Andrew Williams from the USA, who spent 30 days training with his son and found it a life-changing experience.
• Training Duration: Our programs are flexible to fit your schedule and goals. We offer courses ranging from a One Week Kung Fu Course for an intensive introduction to long-term training of a year or more for those seeking deep immersion.
• Accommodation: All students live on-site in clean and comfortable rooms. The fee includes your training, accommodation, and three meals per day. This all-inclusive structure allows you to focus completely on your learning without worrying about daily logistics. Pamela Paes Ezawa from Brazil highlighted how much she appreciated the "training-focused accommodation" and welcoming community during her stay.

Choosing the Right Training Duration for Your Goals

The length of your stay directly impacts the depth of your skill acquisition and the type of visa you will need. While a short-term course can provide a powerful introduction, longer stays allow for more profound development. We have seen students achieve incredible results across all program lengths, from Othmane Echaouki of France, who felt great improvement in his 7-day Chen-style Tai Chi course, to Hayley Noel from the UK, who completed a transformative 120-day program.

To help you decide, here is a breakdown of what you can typically achieve in different timeframes.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Your Application and Visa Process

Navigating the application and visa process for the first time can seem daunting. We have simplified it into a clear, step-by-step procedure to ensure you can prepare with peace of mind. Following these steps will help you secure your spot and your travel documents efficiently.

1. Initial Consultation: Contact us through our website with your training interests (e.g., Tai Chi, Shaolin Quan, Qi Gong), preferred start date, and desired duration. We will respond promptly to confirm availability and answer your specific questions.
2. Submit Your Application: Once your plan is confirmed, we will send you a link to our online application form. Please fill it out with your accurate personal details as they appear on your passport.
3. Secure Your Place: To reserve your spot, a deposit is required. We will provide secure payment options. This deposit is part of your total tuition fee.
4. Receive Your Official Invitation Letter: Upon receipt of your deposit, we will issue and send you an official invitation letter. This document is a key requirement for your visa application and confirms your purpose of travel.
5. Apply for Your Chinese Visa: Take our invitation letter, your valid passport, a completed visa application form, and any other documents required by your local Chinese Embassy or Consulate. For most students staying less than 180 days, a Tourist (L) Visa is the correct type.
6. Book Travel and Inform Us: Once your visa is approved, you can book your flights. Please send us your complete travel itinerary, including your arrival airport and time, so we can arrange for your pickup.
7. Arrive and Begin Your Training: A member of our school will meet you at the airport and bring you to the school. From there, you can settle in, meet your fellow students and Shifu, and begin your training.

What to Expect from Life at Our School

Training with us is an immersion into the life of a martial artist. Your days are structured around practice, discipline, and personal growth. As the Head Instructor and an 11th-generation inheritor of Chen-style Tai Chi, I, Shen Jiangfei, personally oversee the training of every student. My lineage as a descendant of Liuhe Quan ensures that the teachings you receive are rooted in centuries of tradition.

Our 200㎡ indoor training center allows for dedicated practice year-round, regardless of the weather. The curriculum is comprehensive, covering 9 distinct styles including internal arts like Qi Gong and Zhan Zhuang, practical combat skills like Ge Dou, and traditional Chinese weapons. This is not a tourist resort; it is a place for focused learning. As Klaes from Denmark noted, he chose our school because he "wanted an authentic and focused experience" and felt from day one that he was in the right place.

The community here is supportive, composed of like-minded individuals from all over the world who share a passion for traditional Chinese martial arts. You will train hard, eat nourishing meals together, and have opportunities to explore the 30+ cultural and historical attractions in our region, including the nearby Shaolin Temple. We strive to create an environment where, as Othmane from France said, students feel they are "in the best conditions" to learn and grow.

If you are ready to learn authentic Kung Fu and experience a transformative way of life, we welcome you to join our family. Contact us to discuss your goals and begin your application.