Length of Training: 1 Month; June - July 2009

My time at the Kung Fu Academy was simply amazing. I arrived at the end of May without any experience in  and, although I was only able to stay a month, I felt like I learned a great deal in that time. Certainly the training is difficult, but the rewards for diligence are self-evident.

The tone of the school is both nurturing and yet rigorous. Of course, the real gem of the school is the masters: Wei Shifu is not only a uniquely exceptional martial artist, he is also an unparalleled teacher. His ability in Shaolin Kung Fu is matched only by the skill with which he imparts it. It takes a patient and talented individual to explain the subtleties of such a beautiful art.

Zhang Shifu (Master Shi Yan Qiang) compliments Wei Shifu's experience with his own energy. The zeal with which he approaches kung fu and the love he clearly has for it makes his students desire to better themselves all the more. Outside of the training hall, the academy's accommodations are also excellent. The food is tasty and filling and the rooms are spacious.

The location outside of Qufu makes it the perfect retreat for focused study, but the nearby town also provides many appreciated conveniences. The supermarket, bank, and several great restaurants are only a short cab ride away, yet the atmosphere within the academy is peacefully isolated. The one thing I would have changed if I could: I would have stayed longer.