Learn Kung Fu in China with the masters and become a Kung Fu legend. Choose to learn different styles and train in a western run academy in an ancient temple.You can train with the top kung fu Masters in China. Previous students have even trained with Jackie Chan! 1 Year Kung Fu instructor course also available.

 

Kung Fu In China

There are some things you can choose to do in life that are too cool to pass up. Learning Kung Fu in China with grandmasters and becoming a Kung Fu legend in the home of this ancient martial art has to be number one.

Our Kung Fu Academy linked to the Shaolin temple, has trained students in China that recently performed some Kung Fu moves on stage with Jackie Chan at the world martial arts games. The Xtreme Gap Chinese Martial Arts Academy has been founded on the simple principle of having the very best world class Kung Fu Masters available to teach you Kung Fu in China, in a stunning setting (a UNESCO global heritage site) is the ideal place for learning Kung Fu.

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Kung Fu Training in China

You can learn at least 2 fist forms and also basic hard Qigong (optional and not be taken lightly). Whilst there are many styles available to learn, you should consider the fact that it takes many years just to master one so you will be focusing on only one or two fist forms throughout the course of your training unless you are a long-term student.

Training is Monday to Friday six hours a day needless to say it’s pretty hard-core. Be under no illusions this is an extremely tough training regime and should not be considered an easy just want to try it out type activity.

You will be pushed and pushed hard. Please do consider this before booking as there are no refunds for people who choose to leave the programme early.

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, and the students consist of 90% westerners.

1 to 3 months is enough to get a grip on the basics of Chinese Kung Fu, no matter which ever style you choose to learn. If you are a Kung Fu practitioner back home you can expect to progress quicker than at home.

Shaolin Kung Fu Vs Xtreme Gap Kung Fu!

There are many Kung Fu academies in China. Some of them excellent some of them not so nice to train at.

The most famous academy of all is the Shaolin Kung Fu Academy, centuries old where the Shaolin Monks Train. The Shaolin Monastery or Shaolin Temple is a Chán Buddhist temple at Song Shan near Zhengzhou City Henan Province in Dengfeng, China.

Westerners can train there although you can expect to be one of thousands of pupils mostly Chinese monks adhering to a strict monastic principals and schedules. Life is pretty dam hard when you enroll and drop out rates amongst westerners are extremely high as they can´t hack the basic living conditions and extremely tough training which is delivered in Mandarin. Our School is not like that.

The Xtreme Gap School is western run by a UK national, who has settled in China to perfect his Kung Fu. After many years of training, he decided to set up his own school aimed at delivering proper Chinese Kung Fu instruction, with top Chinese Grand masters, to students from the west. The school has now been establish for several years, and continues to thrive.

Within a beautiful authentic Chinese setting, great teachers and a supportive environment, more and more people are returning each year to train in some Kung Fu.

Shaolin Temple Connections

Our Kung Fu School is Western run, but affiliated to the Shaolin Temple though connections with Shi Yan Lu 2nd in charge of the Shaolin Temple. This ensures that many of the best Shaolin monks come to teach at the academy holding seminars along with the impressive roster of Kung Fu masters that act as resident mentors.

Scott who runs the school, is from the UK and has lived in China for years, recently he had the honour of training with and performing on stage with Jackie Chan (along with some of the students from the academy) at the first World Martial arts games in China!

2 Weeks To A Year!

The level of Kung Fu you learn really depends upon your learning ability and how long you train for, but one thing is for certain, a couple of weeks spent on your gap year learning Kung Fu in China will be enough to turn you in to a serious bad ass.

If you haver a lot of time on your hands, and interest, you can train for a whole year and gain an instructor rating. Asall meals are included, accommodation and training it’s a great way to spend an entire year really developing yourself physically in a completely different environment.

Kung Fu Instructor

If you choose to train in Sun Style for one year you can do a teachers course and come away a certified Sun Style teacher recognized by the Chinese Martial Arts Association and the International Sun Lu Tang Martial Arts Association. Sun Style consists of the 3 internal styles of Tai Chi, XingYi and Bagua.

The Training

Kung Fu Styles:

What can you learn?

There are several styles available from the forms below, depending on the current grandmaster resident some may not be available through out the year: Which ever style you end up choosing expect significantly increased health & fitness. Basics in which ever style you choose:

  • Shaolin Quan
  • Modern Wushu
  • Sanda,
  • Qinna,
  • Baji
  • Quan,
  • Pigua Zhang,
  • Qigong,
  • Taiji Quan,
  • XingYi
  • Bagua and /or White Crane (a rare local form).
Read more about the training
Every group has it´s own master who specialises in a different style. The groups will have maximum of 10 students. This means that you will be given lots of attention.No slacking off!

Concentration and a 100 percent effort is expected! The lessons are in Mandarin which is cool, you really get in the culture, and lets face it, true Chinese Kung Fu masters are not great linguists, they are however excellent at martial arts. It will not stand in your way to learn – we will make sure there is someone present to ensure you understand all the moves.

A quick note about the training: we cannot stress enough how physically demanding learning Kung Fu can be, especially in China this is not the people who just want to give it a go without much thought. China is a long way to go to train in martial arts, and if you are not 100% committed it’s probably best you do not book this program.

Not that we wish to put you off, as we believe this is one of the most exciting and self developing trips we offer, however we do not want to give you a false impression that the training is easy and that this is something anyone can just do.

There is approximately an even split between men and women at the school, so gender definitely does not preclude you from hard physical training, and if you are reasonably sporty, with a reasonable level of base fitness you will be fine, but you need to be committed to training.

It is definitely advisable you start getting your self into shape before you travel, press ups and a bit of running will do wonders for when you do arrive, but just remember nothing worthwhile comes easy, and this is definitely true this trip. If you really want to benefit from learning Kung Fu from living legends in the home of the martial art, then the more you put in the more you will get out of it.

Getting there

You will need to fly into Shanghai and then catch a train to Zhenjiang which will cost you under 100 Yuan (approximately £10) once you are at the train station you will be picked up by an Xtreme Gap representative then taken to the ancient temple.

The training schedule

The Martial Arts school in China is adjusted to western standards. Communication (in English) will be no problem. A typical day of training:

  • 5.30 am Running and cross training
  • 6:30: In the early morning, before breakfast
  • 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

The schedule may differ a little, but every student will always have about 5 training hours a day.  Please note attendance is expected, you will need to be respectful of the fact that you are there to train and 100% effort is required.

Accommodation

The monasteries were built in the Sui and Tang Dynasty’s, you will have to choose which one you plan to stay in, which is dictated by the choice of choosing either the standard luxury option.

Standard Option

The standard option is fairly basic, with communal showers shared toilets and dorm style accommodation from 2 to 4 students. If available during our quiet periods students will get their own room at no extra cost but this is really dependent on numbers.

Please note we have very limited standard accommodation available but luxury option accommodates up to 160 people. So if you wish to choose the cheaper standard option please do get your booking form in as soon as possible.

The Luxury Option

The luxury accommodation option is significantly more expensive but you do get an ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, TV and extra furniture. The luxury option is still shared but you share with one other person.

If you’d like your own room, you need to select the luxury option and pay a single person supplement of £300 per month

Meals

All meals are taken at the academy and are prepared by the academy chefs. Meals are made in local styles and with local produce; however, some Western dishes are served occasionally. You will find lots of fresh ingredients including rice, vegetables and chicken. Please note that the food served is basic and will probably be very different to the Western style ‘Chinese’ food that you will be used to. However, the food will be nutritious and provide a good diet to support the level of training you will be doing. Various different diets can be catered for with prior notice.

Location

Kung fu Academy is split across two Daoist temples approximately 3 km apart from each other in the district of Runzhou. The district is about a 20 min drive away from Zhenjiang City town centre which has a great mix of Western comforts when you need them.
The city is located less than an hour away from Shanghai via high-speed train which is super convenient to get there.
Is plenty to do during your free time with many cultural and historic spots to visit and you also located on the southern bank of the Yangtze River, handy to take a relaxing cruise during free time.

Trip Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Kung Fu Experience?
No, many people do not have any previous experience. You must however be prepared to learn and train hard. You will be put in groups according to your ability – many people are beginners, but others have more experience.
What are the benefits of training in China?
The best instruction, with thousands of years or lineage from the best Kung Fu Masters. You will learn more, improve faster, and because it is a dedicated martial arts holiday, you put in the extra effort necessary to become really good!
Can I also train Sanda at the camp?
Yes you can. We teach Sanda and our teachers have competed at national level. So, I bet you will become really good at it!
How long can I stay for?
In general our customers go for some weeks or a month. Normally you can stay for up to a year and train Kung Fu or Sanda, but there are people training in their third year.
How much cash should I take?
We believe that £50 per week is plenty to cover everything you will need.
How Do I get there?
You need to fly into Shanghai Airport. And then need to make your own way on a high-speed train to Zhenjiang City. You will be picked up by one of our drivers and taken to the temple.
Are you able to assist with visas?
We can advise, but you need to arrange your own visa. This is actually very straight forward, and all information will be in the predeparture pack you will receive afer booking. When you are staying for 3 months or less then we recommend you to go directly to your local Chinese Embassy and ask for a 3 month tourist visa.
What is the minimum physical fitness required?
The fitter you are the faster you advance, but a moderate level of fitness is fine. This means not completely out of shape, but not mega fit either. To make it easier for yourself when you start training at our school, before you attend, you should try and do some of the following exercises: Squats, Push-ups, Sit-ups, Bike riding, Swimming, Short Sprints, Long Distance Running, Hiking, Gymnastics, Aerobics, Yoga or Daily Stretching. Once you are there this will improve naturally.
How many other westerners are training there? In particular women?
There are approximately 20 western people training each month at the camp. Normally about 30%+ will be girls/women.
With who will I share the accommodation?
You will share with the accommodation with the same sex and maximum 3 people.
Can you adjust the meals according to my diet?
Yes we can, you will be well catered for and will be according your wishes.
What type of clothing/training gear should I wear?
Wear comfortable jogging bottoms, track suits and T shirts. It can be quite chilly there in the evenings.

Price

Standard Option

Duration Standard Twin Share
4 weeks 899
6 weeks 1179
8 weeks 1589
10 weeks 1899
12 weeks 2199
6 months 4279

Luxury Option

Duration Luxury Twin Share
4 weeks 1239
6 weeks 1829
8 weeks 2279
10 weeks 2799
12 weeks 3599
6 month 5557

Please note if you wish to add on single person supplement  to have your own room please add £300 per month to the luxury option.

Included

  • Comprehensive pre departure pack
  • 5 days a week training at ancient temples
  • All Instruction from masters
  • Use of all training equipment
  • All meals
  • Accommodation
  • 24 hr local support
  • Xtreme Gap Year Western Chinese speaking representative
  • Pickup from the train station

Excluded

  • Flights
  • Visas
  • Travel Insurance
  • Nun Chukkas
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels
  • Bottled Water

Dates

You can join any time, just let us know your preferred start dates.

 

 

“The training was tough but awesome. I would love to go back.”
Charlie Whitehead
“What a wake up call I had when I arrived, China is so different from back in the UK… but I loved it…I loved the training and the whole experience in general. “
Samantha Bendien