Top Destinations for Kung Fu Training Camps in China
February 1, 2023
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Kung Fu comes in a variety of disciplines to explore – it also happens to be one of the most popular styles. Moreover, it has been an essential part of China’s 5000-year-old culture. It has been long celebrated its land of origin far before the world’s most renowned martial artist, Bruce Lee, left us captivated by the awesomeness that is Kung Fu.
The Chinese term Kung Fu (or Gong Fu) isn’t just about martial arts; it refers to any individual accomplishment or cultivated skill obtained by long and hard work. In that sense, the actual term Kung Fu can be used to describe any skill obtained in such a manner, not just those of the martial arts variety.
Although it is a fighting style, Kung Fu training promotes virtue and peace, not aggression or violence. This has been the common value upheld by martial artists from generation to generation.
Kung Fu is first and foremost a striking style of martial arts that utilizes kicks, blocks, and both open and closed-hand strikes to defend against aggressors. The art uses both hard (meeting force with force) and soft (using an opponent's strength against them) techniques.
The Story Behind Kung Fu
Image credit: Shengjing Shan Kungfu Academy
Kung Fu has long retained philosophical and spiritual importance within Chinese culture. The Chinese martial arts grew alongside the ideas of Confucianism and Taoism during the Zhou Dynasty (1045 B.C. - 256 B.C.) and beyond.
The Taoist concept of Yin and Yang, the universal opposites, ended up being tied in a large way to the hard and soft techniques that make up Kung Fu. The arts also happened to be a part of the concepts of Confucianism, as they were closely related to the ideal approach to life people should practice.
Kung Fu in the Modern Times
Image credit: Rising Dragon Martial Arts School
Some Westerners think that all Chinese people are Kung Fu masters. Though this is not true, this traditional heritage has its unique existence in modern times and left much influence on the locals’ lifestyle. Not only is it regarded as a traditional sport nowadays, but Kung Fu is also gaining more popularity that it even stands as a representative of Chinese culture.
In addition to training for self-defense, its value in bodybuilding and fitness is also highly appreciated.
Most Popular Destinations for Kung Fu Training
Hebei
Image credit: Maling Shaolin Kung Fu Academy China
The Hebei province features two of the most influential styles in Kung Fu arts: Tai Chi Chuan and Chinese Acrobatics. Being a place of strategic importance during the ancient war times, locals practice Kung Fu for self-defense – as a method of survival. Join the first step of becoming a Kung Fu master by following a passage long taken by the warriors of Hebei!
Jilin
Image credit: China Traditional Kung Fu School
Changchun, the capital of Jilin province, is renowned for Huo’s family Baijiquan, which is the Kung Fu practiced by Last Emperor Pu Yi’s bodyguards.
Despite being over 200 years old, Changchun counts as a relatively young city compared to other historical cities in China. Changchun is notable for being the Spring City of Northland – its monsoon climate makes the pleasant weather. Make sure to savor their top-grade corn and soy products in between your Kung Fu training sessions.
Beijing
Image credit: Maling Shaolin Kung Fu Academy China
As the capital of China, you will find lots of foreigners who live and work in this city. Over the years, being the center of the nation’s cultural and economic activities, more and more people have come to Beijing to learn Kung Fu in addition to the Chinese language and culture.
The city itself is a perfect destination for the non-mainstream modern-life martial artist who would love to get in touch with the root of Kung Fu practice while still experiencing the exuberant life of the Beijing locals on their day off.
Sichuan
Image credit: Kung Fu Zen Garden Retreat
Sichuan is the home of Emei Kung Fu, one of the three biggest Kung Fu sects in China along with Shaolin and Wudang.
Even their culinary options testify that Sichuan is not a place for the faint-hearted. If you’d like to toughen yourself up and break through some of the possible existing barriers which have been preventing you from living your life to the fullest, then Kung Fu training in Sichuan will guarantee you a life-changing experience!
Henan
Image credit: Songshan Shaolin Wushu Academy
If there is one thing that Henan is famous for, it is the Shaolin monastery (As well as its delicious steamed dumplings). It is home to some of the world’s most prestigious Shaolin temples, and Wen County is dubbed as the ‘Mecca’ by Tai Chi fans and practitioners.
If you are interested in discovering or even experiencing the lives of Shaolin monks, then look no further. Immerse yourself in the original Shaolin culture within the world’s most influential Kung Fu sect at Deng Feng County’s world-renowned 1500-year-old temple.
Yunnan
Image credit: Shengjing Traditional Kung Fu Academy
A fan of milder weather? Then you should definitely opt for Yunnan! Located within the South East Asian border, Yunnan is the perfect answer for you who probably catch yourself wanting to go for Kung Fu training in China and go backpacking across South East Asia.
Why not start equipping yourself with some kick-ass Kung Fu moves to protect you from being a possible victim of a crime during your journey? Talk about killing two birds with one stone! (Metaphorically speaking of course).
Hubei
Image credit: Taizu Mountain Shaolin Kung Fu Academy
While Hebei is famous for the ‘invention’ of Tai Chi, Hubei is the cradle of Wudang martial arts. You should note that it is also the birthplace of the original Wu-Tang Clan (do not confuse this with the American hip-hop group of the same name). If you take a shine on more than just its martial arts, the Wudang Mountain happens to be the most popular and venerated Taoist site in China.
Apart from Kung Fu, you will have the chance to explore their mind-enlightening philosophies and of course, Chinese traditional health preservation methods. Now, this is what we call “living in harmony”!
Fujian
Image credit: Dragon Mountain Martial Arts Academy
If Shandong is popular with its “Praying Mantis”, Fujian also has its own legendary close-quarter hand-to-hand combat “White Crane” style which was developed by a female martial artist, Fang Qi Niang. This particular discipline has been a great influence and fundamental to the development of other martial arts styles such as Karate and Wing Chun.
The province itself is one of the more ‘modern and prosperous’ areas of China, and if you happened to be a fan of seafood – you should know that this is the closest place to ‘heaven on earth’.
Guang Xi
Image credit: Maling Shaolin Kung Fu Academy China
Situated in the south of China nearby Vietnam, Guang Xi boasts fantastic natural scenery and a subtropical climate that allows you to travel any time of the year. You can expect plenty of sunshine, a blue sea, and a number of beautiful islands that will not disappoint. Home to the Southern style (Nan Quan) Kung Fu, you will find yourself improving on your ‘claws and punches’ techniques.
Shandong
Image credit: Pinterest
If you’ve heard of the “Northern Praying Mantis” style, then it is a piece of valuable advice to not ever mess with Shandong men. The original birthplace of the deadly style, Shandong, is blessed with beautiful landscapes which are fortunately far from scary. The capital city Jinan is one of China’s most renowned historical and cultural cities.
It is also considered one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization and home to a large number of historical figures, one of them being the Chinese philosophical legend Confucius.
Worried that authentic Kung Fu training camps will burn a deep hole in your pocket? Why not sign yourself up for a Kung Fu training camp in China?