Tai Chi Reise in einer chinesischen Akademie

After an exhausting trip from Belgium (train, 2 airplanes, taxi...) I was picked up as arranged by the academy from the airport and I arrived late at night in the extreme dark at Maling Shaoling Kung Fu. I was welcomed by a teacher who showed me my room and offered me a sandwich and a drink. I felt right at home. Meeting the students the day after, gave me an idea of the general atmosphere. Hard training, healthy lifestyle, and having fun, within the rules and limitations of the organization. I liked that. Bounderies , but not too strict. Even though at walking distance thereis nothing to see, the organisation provies a translator on site, as well as an assistant trough wechat ( lisa ), who are permanently available. Tuktuk and taxi's are just to be asked for and they will come and bring you to the supermarket or anywhere you want to go. The teachers make sure you pay local prices and are not ripped off. The students are nice and respectfull and pass along the general guidelines and life in the school to new students. That was nice. The diversity of students was superb. Young, old, middleaged , male, female...The personal goals are also different of each student. And in between, what connects them, are the classes and the scheduele . It s very easy to meet people who can go together to a daytrip , or a weekend trip. Travelling in China is defenetly not always easy, and with 2 or more it just is more fun. The tai chi teachings were exactly what I was looking for. If you go for only 2 weeks as i did (usually 3 is needed to see the full "chen 18 form"), make sure to look up tutorials on youtube the moves before you go. Memorizing the routine before will help you focus on more details. The teacher was highly competent, very gentle and friendly, and most of all, very patient.

Practising Kung Fu at Maling Shan was one of the best adventures of my life. I went to the academy with very little martial arts experience and average fitness. Naturally I was apprehensive about how I would be received but I found all the students and masters so supportive and kind. However it is a challenging experience. The masters are very strict and will push you to your physical limits, this means you will see great results and progress. I would recommend Maling Shan to anyone, of any age, physical ability or martial arts background. It is just such a wonderful experience with so much to be gained mentally and physically. Like anything in life, the more you put in the more you will get out. My time at the academy still has positive effects on my life, and I have many incredible memories. I hope to return to the Maling Shan one day soon!!!

I spent three life changing weeks at the academy in March 2018. I went to learn Tai Chi Chen style as a beginner aged 70. I wasn't an athlete or a person with martial arts experience, although I had been doing yoga for a year. Despite being a beginner I was made to feel part of the community and at no time did I feel out of place. The students were very supportive, great fun and a delight to be around. They demonstrated the openess of spirit I sought from Tai Chi. The supereb Master Ning taught me the 18 step Chen style in three weeks, all the teachers were exceptional and always encouraged me to do my best, plus a little more! The setting was far from the busy city, but close enough when needed, transport was always easy to arrange. The accommodation was spacious but basic, hot showers, great vegetarian food and set in open countryside amongst farming communities. I have no hesitation in recommending this academy to seniors with or without experience.