What is the weather like and what kind of clothes should I bring?
In the summer months, there are many sunny hot days; nights too are still warm and fans are sometimes used to keep cool. During the Autumn and Spring months the weather cools, especially in the mornings and at night but can become quite warm in the day. Students need to wrap up in the winter as it gets much colder and can snow. For all seasons, comfortable sports-like and loose clothes are good. Trousers are best to be a bit loose or baggy to perform kicks.
See: Life at the School

What about the payment? What kinds of payment do you accept? When do I pay that?
After you submit the application form, the application fee is supposed to be paid to the school's bank account prior to you coming (see Apply for more detail). After you pay that please let us know so that we can keep a record of it and get everything well arranged for your coming.
The monthly school fee can be paid in the seven days after you come to the school after deciding the length of your stay. The school can accept payment in Chinese Yuan or US Dollars. If you don't want to take a lot of cash with you, you can take traveler's checks and get it changed at a local bank with your passport for identification. Alternatively, students can use a bank card to get money from an ATM at the local Bank of China.

How long does it takes from Beijing to Qufu city by train and air?
There are more than 10 bullet trains from both Beijing and Shanghai to Qufu. The journey is abour 2-3 hours. There are also over night trains to the other train station Yanzhou nearby (25KM away). The school can pick up students arriving at Qufu, Qufu airport and Yangzhou. There are flights to Qufu from Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.
For the timetables of the train See: Get Ready

How can I contact my home and friends?
The school has free WIFi covered the whole accommodation buluding. Sudents can get connected and use Apps for messages and Video call. Sending letters abroad by post may take a week or two depending on the destination.

What's the accommodation like?
Students studying at the school are currently being accommodated in either a private or two-person shared room depending on their length of stay. Extra blankets are given to students in the winter and fans in the summer. There is also electricity in rooms and a computer with internet in the office that can be used by students. General living conditions in China will to some extent be a reflection of a country still developing so students should be aware of this difference if coming from a western country. How-ever the school aims to provide the students with a good standard of accommodation for them to live in. The school will try to accommodate students as much as possible. Care is also given to the preparing of the food for students to enjoy the meals and give them the energy they need to train.
see: Accommodation

Are there western toilets?
Yes, the school has a western toilet and shower room.

How much money do I need to bring?
Once arrived, the school only charges for the monthly fee listed on the School Fees page. Accommodation is full-board and inclusive, so it is possible to keep to a small budget whilst living at the school. See Life at the School for examples of other typical spending (water, snacks, travel etc).

Can I contact former students of the school?
Yes, a good way to ask questions to past students is to post on the school's facebook group. Many past students of the school as well as former students of the masters are members. Staff of the school are also contactable through facebook.

Do you need to have had previous experience in Martial Arts to train?
It is not necessary to have previously studied Martial Arts in order to come and train. Many students of the school have started training from this position of having hadno experiencebefore coming. The most important thing for before coming is to prepare mentally and physically.

Is there anything else you can tell me about the school?
The school hopes to give a warm and welcoming atmosphere to all students and that they will in turn live peacefully and harmoniously together. In the Shaolin tradition fellow students are brothers and sisters, there for each other to help each other. In this spirit, students live happily together, considerate and caring for each other inside and outside of training.