Your Typical Itinerary
Below is a typical training plan for the various programme lengths:
1-3 months
- Increased health and fitness
- At least two fist forms
- Basic hard Qigong - conditioning of the body for fighting (optional)
- Basic Mandarin lessons (optional)
You can learn a lot in one or two months if you work hard, however please be prepared that sometimes it can take weeks just to learn the stances and be able to do them correctly. You may be able to pick the movements up but your real aim should be to perform the movements correctly especially in styles like XingYi & Taiji Quan where it is vital to have the correct body alignment.
4-8 months
- All of the above, but more in depth study of Tai Chi and Qi Gong
- Four to nine fist forms (some of them being weapons)
- Increased power and speed
- Basic Mandarin
- Medium hard Qi Gong (optional)
9-12 months
- All of the above - good knowledge and understanding of what you have learnt
- Good sharp forms
- Self confidence
- Good speed and power
- Excellent health and fitness
A Typical Day at the Martial Arts Academy
06:00-07:00 - Running and Quigong meditation (this morning exercise may differ from group to group)
07:30 - Breakfast
08:30-11:30 - Morning training session
12:00 - Lunch
14:00-17:00 - Afternoon training session
18:00 - Dinner
19:00 - Mandarin lessons (Mon, Wed and Fri)
The schedule times may vary depending on season and individual schedule of student. All students will receive five hours of training per day.
Martial Arts Classes
Each Master will have a maximum of ten students in their group. This allows there to be a higher level of personal instruction offered than in other martial arts courses. Kung Fu requires a student to understand all of its elements, including the historical, physical and mental aspects, which are all taught on this personal level.
The masters conduct all lessons in Mandarin. However, there will be translators present to ensure you fully understand the movements and forms you are learning.
Mandarin Lessons (optional)
During your programme, you will have the unique opportunity to have some Mandarin lessons. Working with the academy translators, you will be taken through the very basics of Mandarin and have the chance to learn key terms related to martial arts and daily language.
The informal lessons are not compulsory, however, they add to the overall experience and can enhance your appreciation of the culture and martial arts.
Please note: Mandarin lessons are available upon request. Many students have opted out of the lessons due to the demands of the training, so Mandarin lessons need to be scheduled.
