James Stewart
from Thailand,
February 2024
" Authentic Qigong and Kung Fu experience"
Anybody looking for an authentic Qigong and Kung Fu experience, visit the Nam Yang Kungfu Retreat in Pai, Northern Thailand.
I would highly recommend it, I had a fantastic and very rewarding experience.
The training is excellent, with Master Ian at the top of the pyramid clearly leading by example. It was really noticeable that there were no big egos instead just a welcoming supportive team of instructors who were incredibly knowledgeable and supportive. The instructors are dedicated and serious about not only teaching you but pushing you to get the best out of yourself. Outside of the class the atmosphere is super chilled, fitting in with the surrounding area of Pai.
To top it off, the grounds are incredible and really conducive to practice. You have mountains surrounding the retreat and everything is carefully positioned to bring the best out of the natural environment. The town of Pai is within walking distance or if you prefer you can hire a moped or bicycle like I did.
I signed up for an 8 day retreat, if I had the time I would have spent longer as I was enjoying myself so much. Despite only staying 8 days, the well devised program ensured I came away with extremely useful tools that I can practically apply on a daily basis. I came to learn more about Qigong and left with a solid foundation in place that I can build upon.
Whether you're considering a short visit or a longer stay, my advice is to dive in.
Ansgar Wüstefeld
from Serbia,
August 2023
"A perfect "how to" NOT to do it!"
I learned by example how I would never ever run a place like this.
My advise: take the cancel insurance or come here first and after being here decide to stay.
Get a long term visa first, a visa run is not cheap!
I left this place having more than a month remaining, the money is gone (in fact I wanted to leave on my second day, but there was no buy out) and the time is not donateable. They said I could come back to use the time, but do I want to?
Weather warning: in the smoky season March / April the air is realy bad!
My take home question:
Ask yourself do you really need a master to tell you whats right or wrong?
Kasia Kra
from United States,
June 2023
"Learning tiger crane kung fu at Nam Yang Thailand"
The teachers are very well trained and they do their best to pass the knowledge to the students. The atmosphere is very supportive when it comes to learning. No matter what level you are training you will improve at this school. The school itself is located in a beautiful place in nature.
Cheryl Dunford
from Great Britain,
January 2023
It was a brief stay but I got so much out of it. Fantastic instructors. I am so glad I stayed. I wish I could have stayed longer. Great atmosphere
Arturo Garcia
from United States,
October 2022
"True Taste of Thai"
The retreat presented a new varied experience not expected. I was taken by the tranquil environment, not rushed nor judgemental but accommodating to my age and physical condition. Got an excellent workout with Kanika that I was hoping for. Conversations and 'Tea Time' with Master Iian were excellent and enlightening. Will recommend it to everyone looking for direction and centeredness of energy and being.
Christian Schiffer
from Netherlands,
August 2022
"Amazing experience, do recommend"
I really enjoyed my time at the Kung Fu retreat. The surroundings are breathtaking and beautiful. It is such a pleasure to practice Qi Gong and Kung Fu there. The trainers are all super skilled and passionate about the subject! Furthermore I loved the community spirit that wat present at the retreat. Felt instantly welcomed and could relax into the group.
I was very impressed and surprised at the humbleness of Master Iain. He has been twice the world champion in Kung Fu and I never heard a word about it from him. I had a lot of questions and Master Iain was very attentive to all of my questions and gave me great answers. I learned a lot during my time at the retreat!
Thank you so much Master Iain and team and hopefully see you again. Will definitely come back when I am in the area!
Anonymous
from Belgium,
June 2022
"Amazing experience "
I had an incredible time, i loved everything about it!
Steen Bach Hansen
from Denmark,
March 2020
"The retreat of a lifetime"
This place is amazing and I liked everything. The grounds are truely soothing and ideal, while the training areas are large and well equipped so you can practice to your hearts desire.
The instructors are very very good. They really love Kungfu and qi gong, and you can feel it. They are good at teaching and helping the students with their individual progress. They have different strengths and foci which comes together as a whole and makes it the most effective training I have ever tried.
Master Iain is a master with all that it entails. He guides us, trains us and knows so much about kung fu, qi gong, history and culture. And his control of his body is awe-inspiring.
I admire and respect Master Iain and his instructors very very much and I am grateful for what they have given me.
I will be back! :D
Seda Solaklar
from Turkey,
March 2020
I liked that instructors and other students didn't care about how much you can or can't. Everybody were focused on "the best you can" and it was enough to learn quite a lot. Even in a week. The best outcome for the inner kung fu camp would be in two weeks though. :)
Nilay Chatterjee
from Germany,
March 2020
"One of the best experiences in life"
I have attended 15 days Internal Kung Fu training and it was one of the best time I've spent so far. The training starts with rejuvenating exercises followed by other sessions throughout the day and ends with dinner at evening. The timetable has been scheduled very efficiently and it includes enough time to take rest. Sharing knowledge by Master Iain during the tea break is a valuable addition to the learning.
All the instructors are great in terms of behavior, patience and dedication. They are always there to help and answer any kind of question or confusion. Newcomers are trained individually by the instructors at the very beginning and included in the flow gradually with other trainees.
The food is an exception from what we have in our daily life and is really good for energy and nutrition. The time for breakfast and dinner is also perfect for a healthy routine.
Overall it was a great time living closed to nature, having satvik food, learning, thinking and acting only upon betterment of overall health, free from any negative influence or stress, spending time with good human being and I'd definitely recommend this place to others who want to have such experience in their life. This is an institution working for mankind by teaching the great art and I wish all the best to everyone associated with it.
Neil Hawthorne
from Australia,
February 2020
"5 Day Shaolin Kung Fu"
I found the combination of warm ups, dedicated movements, cultivation of chi or life force and meditation to be very beneficial in improving my focus and instilling in me a feeling of calmness.
Peti Staals
from Netherlands,
February 2020
The chikung in the morning, meditation in the tempel and a good workout all day.
Maya Szuts
from Great Britain,
February 2020
"A special time in a special place"
I like the training very much, the support and patience and skill of the instructors is just what I needed. I have gained health and fitness and enjoyed my 30 days so much that I’m still here for another 30 days. I like the fact that the accommodation is basic because it helps me focus better on my training. Accommodation in my opinion is perfectly comfortable. The food is homely and healthy and everybody eats together twice a day which creates a family atmosphere. I like that the retreat is close enough to town if I felt like going out but far enough away not to be distracted by it.
Luisa Pinto
from Brazil,
December 2019
"Great training, beautiful location"
The location is amazing, doing chi gong early morning watching the sun rising over the mountains was encouraging to get out of bed.
All the trainers were beyond patient and caring. There is support for your practice anytime really. I was surprised how much I could learn in 10 days.
Alice Macuz
from Spain,
December 2019
"The real Kung Fu Family"
The whole package exceeded my expectations!
Marc-antoine La Roche
from Canada,
November 2019
"Wonderful kung fu experience"
There is no other place like nam yang to get the kung fu experience. The trainings are fun and ??????. There is also a lot of different categories of things to learn, such as routines ( weapons or free hands), punches, blocks, neutralizing an opponent, etc, so you dont always do the same thing. The food is very good. It has pretty much always a base of rice, other than the sunday mornings. The rooms are also pretty comfortable.
Anonymous
from Canada,
June 2019
Connection with others and the general environment, as well as the regular exercise.
Sylvia Merton
from Portugal,
June 2019
"Overall exceeded my expectations"
Master Iain, explained everything about the moves and the practice room was big and bright.
Christian Poulin
from Canada,
April 2019
"Never Book Long Term"
Accommodations are clean but no AC in the hot season is rough for 70$ US a night
Anonymous
from India,
March 2019
"A good place for those looking for intensive training"
The atmosphere is very positive and the instructors are very committed. In this respect I would like to thank Thomas especially. He is a great teacher. And of course Master Iain, who has created a place where everyone feels welcome and can train seriously.
Christian Genolet
from Switzerland,
February 2019
"great overall experience"
At 62 years of age and no martial art experience, i came with some doubts about my physical or mental abilities to follow this program for 1 month. And i was totally wrong.
The program is constructed in such a way that you do the exercices to the best of your abilities and i did see an improvement of my strength, quickness of reactions and flexibility already after 1 week. The atmosphere of the teaching is always positive. The instructors are very knowledgeable, they show a lot of patience, have a good sense of humor and enforce the needed discipline in a human way. The location is fantastic with a great view over PAI valley, the rooms ( i had a 12 square meters private room in brand new completed building ) are absolutely adequate with all needed facilities.
The food ( breakfast and dinner ) is another highlight of the Retreat. Homelike cooking done by 2 Thai ladies and using only organic ingredients grown on side or near by local farmers.The freshness, the taste and the savor of the food is just remarkable.
In every aspect a great and fulfilling experience.
Anonymous
from Laos,
January 2019
We came with our toddler and they were very accommodating and even found us a babysitter that could come on site.
We really liked our main life-balance instructors: Thomas, Sofia, and Scott.
The retreat location is amazing.
Everyone was very welcoming, open, kind, approachable and helpful.
We learnt a lot even in such a short visit and have lots to take home with us.
Stefan Dotter
from Germany,
January 2019
"Incredible Experience"
The atmosphere was just perfect for the cause. When you enter Nam Yang you're not only entering a beautiful retreat with highly skilled instructors, you're entering a little family. They make you feel at home immediately and your practice is benefitting highly from this. You leave with a range of new skills and new Kung Fu brothers and sisters. Each instructor has their own specific character and style of teaching. I also highly recommend the intensive introduction course, which can speed up your progress and development highly.
Anonymous
from Singapore,
December 2018
"Unique and Enlightening Experience"
I would like to thank Nam Yang Kung Fu Retreat for this unique and enlightening experience that I will treasure for the rest of my life. I am motivated to continue a healthy lifestyle of healthy eating, yoga, qi gong and meditation. The location was perfect. Teachers were warm, patient, helpful and accommodating. Special mention goes to both excellent Instructors, Master Iian and Thomas(please note that the name of Thomas is not found on the list of Instructors here). Both Master Iian and Thomas ‘walk the talk’ and carry the kind presence, dedication, composure, knowledge and experience truly deserving of respect. Much gratitude!
Anonymous
from Australia,
December 2018
"The experience of a lifetime!"
Came here thinking it will be a very hard experience, but it was life changing! The training, people and scenery make it really outstanding. I'm coming back for sure and will recommend it to everyone I meet!
Anonymous
from Thailand,
December 2018
"Good mix of classes"
Probably had 12 - 14 hours of lessons over the two days, really good variety to them, from building blocks of Kung fu to some practical applications.
Where necessary the new starters were split off in the mornings sessions to give us tuition In a smaller group which worked really well
Anonymous
from United Arab Emirates,
December 2018
"Great Experience"
I took my family (3 Kids aged 10, 8 and 3, but only the older ones took the classes) to the 4 day Kung Fu and Qui Gong retreat and we had an amazing experience.
The accommodations are simple, but clean and comfortable, the food was home cooked, fresh and delicious.
All instructors were very knowledgeable and helpful. While classes are definitely geared toward an adult group (ours were the only children,) we all learned so much!
We would definitely come back.
Fernando Bernardelli
from Germany,
December 2018
"Unique experience"
Extremely friendly people, creating a safe environment and focusing on personal development. The scenario could not be better, there are zero distractions and everything around contribute to keep you focused.
Michael Stonebreaker
from United States,
December 2018
"Great Experience!"
From the time I arrived until I left, it was a wonderful experience. Great instructors, who took the time to explain every move and exercise. Great food and the other students were a pleasure to meet. A family atmosphere!
Michael Larson
from United States,
November 2018
"Chi Kung Instructor Training"
I really enjoyed the experience and learned a lot about myself and how I can use Chi Kung/Kung Fu to optimize my experience here on planet Earth and I am excited to share that with others where I live. Master Iain is accessible and accommodating and carries himself very well (like you'd expect from someone who has earned the title master) and his instructors were patient and willing to assist in anyway.
Pai has a great vibe and not too far from retreat.
Anonymous
from Indonesia,
October 2018
the atmosphere and the schedule
Unaiti Jaime
from Thailand,
September 2018
"I'm coming back"
Everything.
The location is amazing with a very zen energy, surrounded by green and a breath taking view.
The food is amazing, healthy, very tasty and they grow all there...organic!
The instructors are amazing, skilled, patient, respectfull, always willing to support and give valuable tips to improve and NO, it's not a military camp, wish was the best for me. It's very disciplined without being in a military way.
Mariola Zak
from Poland,
July 2018
"Powerfull place"
It is better than I expected, I dont know what is the reason_ -place?very calm swith the vew on mity mountain, atmosphere -very friendly, and patient instructors,very good meal...I returned so relaxed and much more stronger than I was before.
Ricardo Sasaki
from Brazil,
June 2018
"Above my expectations"
The retreat was above my expectations. The teachers are well trained, compassive, caring. We have plenty of time to learn and review. The teachers clearly show their interest in being helpful. Healthy environment.
James Gill
from Great Britain,
May 2018
"Wonderful adventure"
Loved the location, the training and the food were great (I'm vegan and there was plenty to keep me going)
Anonymous
from Germany,
March 2018
"Low budget way of life"
People were skilled and friendly.
Tamas Varga
from Hungary,
January 2018
"Amazing place beautiful people, quality training"
Well i just had an amazing time there the ppl where super nice and the training is high quality i would recommend it to anyone.
Nelson Hernandez
from United States,
November 2017
"Nam yang Kung fu "
