Having just completed 6 months of training at Qufu Shaolin school. I wanted to give my opinion for future students.
Firstly, I have the luxury that I live in China.I had the opportunity to visit several other schools and look in person at the facilities and instructors. By far this is the best school I visited.
Secondly, when I visited in May 2023. The school only had 2-3 students all of which were studying Shaolin Kung Fu under Wei Shifu. I however wanted to study Wing Chun as I had been studying this for the previous 4 years. Even though the school had few students at that time, Master Wei was happy to bring back another master to teach. So, in July I joined the school and under the tutorship of Zhang Shifu I continued my training.
Thirdly, as regards the facilities. I paid a little extra to have a single room. I found the rooms, food, training facilities all excellent and can’t think of a negative. Well, if you ignore the cold in the shower room during winter anyway ;)
Finally, I initially attended the school for 12 months but had to cut it short due to work commitments. In the six months I was there. I made some excellent friends, I learned top level Kung Fu from real Chinese masters. I managed to complete my entire wing chun system training and learned some qigong (5 animals), Tai Chi (Yang 24 and Chen 23 broadsword). Took part in a competition and led the demonstration of wing chun at the local university.
Six months went too quickly, however I learned more than I had in the previous 4 years. I lost 8kg of fat, regained my strength, improved my fitness and overall feel very good.
Hopefully in the near future I will return and continue training. Bagua next I think.
Thanks to Master Wei and Master Zhang for being true mentors and friends.