My name is Ghazi Shaker, I am from England and I studied at the Qufu Shaolin School for a total of 2 months during the autumn period. Looking back at my time here the first thing that comes to mind is how quickly the days fly by, so be sure to make the most of the training that is offered. At first the training can seem extremely vigorous and exhausting, honestly i’m not sure if that changes. However it is just as rewarding as it is tiring, I started to see considerable improvements in my flexibility and endurance within the first week or so. All this training can be slightly daunting to begin with but the students here are all very welcoming and willing to help. What i’ll miss the most from my experience in Qufu is the direct and personal contact each student receives from their master. I am a real martial arts enthusiast and I can say first hand it is impossible to replicate the skill and meticulous nature of the shaolin masters. They can make the extraordinary seem mundane (especially when it comes to stretching) and have attained such a high level of discipline. I am sure when I return home I will take much from my time here, on the whole it has made me a more disciplined person and I will continue to practice various techniques and forms that I have learnt here. Seeing the students forms and general kung fu ability who have stayed here up to a year makes me wish I was staying longer, nonetheless i’m satisfied to look back at my time here with fond memories. 

gshaker37@gmail.com, 2013.