Two month ago I arrived in Qufu to learn Shaolin Kung Fu. I didn’t really know what to expect, I’ve never done anything like this before. But I wanted to challenge myself, get stronger and learn how to defend myself.

Now at the end of my two month it’s time to take stock. Was it challenging for me? The answer is easy: Yes, it was! I haven’t done any sport before. So I started from almost no sport to 5-6 hours sport a day. I guess this is what competitive sportsman do. Somehow it is doable even if every muscle hurt, especially at the beginning. Also you feel yourself getting stronger. That’s a great feeling. Nevertheless you have to push yourself to get better, because no one will bring you to your limits, if you don’t want to go by yourself. 

And what about self-defence. Well, we have once a week an application-class, where we learn how to defend ourselves and of course you learn a lot of moves during your chosen martial art classes to defend yourself. Still, two month weren’t enough time for me to learn how to protect myself properly. But I have an idea about the options I might have, if somebody attacked me. When you are here, you will realize very quickly, that two month aren’t a lot of time to learn a material art. You learn basics and you get an idea about Kung Fu but you won’t be the next Jackie Chan. At least I’m not. ;) However I had a great time here. I really enjoyed the simple life-style, the very hard bed ;) and the beautiful surrounding. I met amazing people and I learned for life! 

Sophie