For foreigners seeking authentic Kung Fu training without breaking the bank, China is the best destination. In 2025, with eased visa policies and a surge in budget-friendly programs, several Kung Fu academies stand out for their value.
The good news is that deep, authentic kung fu training doesn’t have to be expensive. Several academies in China offer immersive experiences at a fraction of the cost you might expect. This guide lists four of the most affordable Kung Fu academy, selected based on their authenticity, student feedback, and cost-effectiveness for beginners and intermediates.
Shen Jiangfei Martial Arts School, Jiangxi
Shen Jiangfei Martial Arts School is a martial arts school located in Longhu Mountain, Jiangxi Province, China. The school welcomes students from all over the world who are interested in Tai Chi, Shaolin Kung Fu, and other traditional Chinese martial arts. The school offers customized courses for students of all ages and skill levels.
Training and Curriculum:
The school offers different training programs for both beginners and experienced martial arts students. The curriculum focuses on Tai Chi, including the Eight Forms of Tai Chi, Shaolin Kung Fu, combat, stance training, Tai Chi sparring, Tai Chi grappling, push hands, free fighting, and Tai Chi sword. The Tai Chi course is taught by Coach Shen Jiangfei, an 11th-generation inheritor of Chen-style Tai Chi and a leading figure in the martial arts world.
Costs and Accommodation:
The price of Shen Jiangfei Martial Arts Academy includes kung fu courses, three meals a day, accommodation, internet access, training facilities, Tai Chi clothing, and traditional Chinese entertainment activities. The accommodation offers both single and double rooms for your selection. The accommodation environment is first-class.
| Pricing Options | Duration | Pricing (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Pricing | 1 year | $1250/month |
| Monthly Pricing | 1-3 months | $1650/month |
| 4-11 months | $1450/month | |
| Daily Pricing | 3 days | $75/day |
| 7 days | $68/day | |
| 10 days | $61/day |
Other activities:
Taoist culture lectures, Tai Chi culture courses, Longhushan scenic area tours, fruit picking activities, ceramic making activities, etc.
Kunlun International Kung Fu School, Shandong
Kunlun International Martial Arts School is located in a rural area of Yantai City, Shandong Province. It is a traditional martial arts school situated within a former military base, boasting superior and unique training facilities. The school emphasizes practical combat and forms, making it an excellent choice for students learning martial arts for self-defense.
Training and Curriculum:
The school’s martial arts training integrates traditional martial arts with modern combat techniques. The faculty is highly qualified, including Master Qu Peiwen, a director of the Yantai Martial Arts Association, and Master Wang Jianqiao, a former special forces member. The former is proficient in various styles of Northern Mantis Boxing, while the latter is skilled in Shaolin Kung Fu and Sanda (Chinese kickboxing).
Styles Offered: Seven Star Praying Mantis, Plum Blossom Praying Mantis, Throwing Hand Praying Mantis, traditional Shaolin, Sanda (Sanshou), Tai Chi, Xing Yi, Bagua, and Qi Gong.
Daily Schedule:
6:15 – 7:00: Tai Chi
8:30 – 11:30: Form practice & Qi Gong meditation
14:30 – 16:00 (approx.): Application of forms for combat
Evening: Mandarin classes
Costs and Accommodation:
Kunlun Mountain uses a monthly decreasing fee structure, making long-term training here very economical. The fee includes accommodation, meals, internet access, and use of all training facilities.
| Duration | Total Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 Month | $750 |
| 3 Months | $2,000 |
| 6 Months | $3,400 |
| 12 Months | $4,900 |
Other activities:
The school offers a range of activities, including evening classes in Chinese, Buddhism, and calligraphy.
Wudang Mountain Kung Fu Academy, Hubei
For those interested in internal martial arts and Taoist martial arts, the Wudang Mountain Kung Fu Academy is an excellent choice. Located within the original scenic area of Nanyan Temple on Wudang Mountain, the academy offers a pure and tranquil place to learn kung fu.
Training and Curriculum:
The kung fu academy uses small class sizes, with no more than 10 students per class. Each student receives meticulous instruction from experienced martial arts masters, including instructors holding the highest level (Level 9) in the Chinese martial arts grading system.
Training Schedule: Students train five days a week for more than six hours each day.
Martial Arts Styles Taught: The academy teaches various Chinese martial arts, with a particular focus on the Wudang Mountain’s native internal martial arts.
Costs and Accommodation:
The price includes kung fu lessons, room, training facilities, food, certificate, Chinese language and calligraphy, etc.
| Duration of Stay | Cost Per Month | Total Cost |
| 1 Month | $1,280 | $1,280 |
| 3 Months | $1,250 | $3,750 |
| 6 Months | $1,220 | $7,320 |
Prices vary depending on the length of stay: the longer the stay, the cheaper the monthly price. Students who plan to study for one year or more will receive the biggest discount.
| Duration of Stay | Total Cost |
| 1 Year | $12,800 |
| 2 Years | $24,800 |
| 3 Years | $36,000 |
Short-term courses are charged daily, and students can freely choose single, double, or multi-person rooms. Single rooms are the most expensive.
| Duration of Stay | Cost Per Day | Total Cost |
| 1 Week | $85 | $595 |
| 2 Weeks | $80 | $1,120 |
| 3 Weeks | $45 | $1,280 |
All prices are in US dollars.
Other Activities:
Living and training within a UNESCO World Heritage site is a unique experience in itself. Students can explore Wudang Mountain’s rich history and breathtaking natural beauty, considered the birthplace of Tai Chi and internal martial arts.
Shaolin Temple Kung Fu Academy, Henan
Located near the Shaolin Temple on Mount Song, this kung fu academy is the most authentic Shaolin Kung Fu academy. Founded in 1978, it is one of the oldest and largest martial arts schools in China and an ideal place to learn traditional Shaolin Kung Fu. Their most basic program is the traditional or competition routine program.
Training and Curriculum:
The kung fu academy uses traditional training methods, guided by Shaolin masters. The curriculum covers all levels, from complete beginners to experienced martial artists, ensuring everyone can find a suitable course. Training is intensive and follows a structured, full-time schedule. Students are immersed in a disciplined environment that emphasizes consistent practice.
Martial Arts Styles: The academy is proficient in various traditional Shaolin Kung Fu styles.
Costs and Accommodation:
At around $550 per month, this is one of the most budget-friendly Shaolin options. Includes three daily meals, shared dorm-style lodging, and all training gear. Long-term stays (3+ months) drop to $500/month. Visa extensions and airport pickup add $50-100 one time. This fee includes tuition, accommodation, and management fees, making it arguably one of the most cost-effective full-time martial arts programs globally.
Other Activities:
Being located within the Shaolin Temple scenic area means you are at the heart of Shaolin culture. You will have numerous opportunities to learn about Zen Buddhism, enjoy cultural performances, and immerse yourself in the temple’s history.
Conclusion
When choosing a kung fu academy, don’t just look at the price. Consider the instructor’s lineage and experience, their teaching style, and the overall training environment. The most affordable kung fu academy choice aligns with your personal goals, whether it’s for self-defense, cultural experience, or physical fitness.
