Beijing, as the capital of China, is a continuously popular destination, drawing foreigners who live and work there. Beyond learning Chinese, martial arts serve as another key attraction.
Martial arts are composed of various fighting skills, primarily originating from East Asia, such as kung fu, judo, karate, and kendō.
The unarmed arts, which emphasize grappling or striking with the hands and feet, originated in China.
If you plan to visit Beijing and wish to learn martial arts, the following are the seven top schools mentioned in the sources:
1. Beijing Xinao Martial Arts School
This institution operates as the martial arts base of Beijing Sports University. Its objective is to enhance skills for individuals talented in civil and military applications, as well as film and television stunts. The school’s trainers rely on science to guide their teaching.
The school maintains a teaching policy focused on “nurtures the social person with outstanding ability“ and aims to create “first-class well-known colleges and universities“.
It offers a harmonious and beautiful teaching environment and has provided training to several people within China.
2. Beijing International Art School
The Beijing International Art School is often the first choice for students from diverse cultural backgrounds and all over the world.
Many of the attendees have previous training and ultimately graduate as professional performers and artists.
However, beginners are still welcome, as qualified trainers provide instruction even without prior experience.
Prospective students only need a strong desire to acquire a specialty and fulfill their aspirations.
The martial art major specifically focuses on Chinese kung fu. The lead trainer is Master Men Hui Feng, recognized as one of the top ten kung fu masters in China.
Upon graduation, students are awarded certificates of Second Level Kongfu Master or higher.
3. Beijing Shaolin Wushu School
Established in 1991, this school is approved by important authorities in China. It is situated in the downtown area of Beijing.
The school offers various course levels suitable for students across different age groups. Its primary martial art skill lies in the field of Wushu.
The school focuses heavily on improving both teaching quality and management.
Trainers at this school dedicate their time to helping people achieve their dream of mastering kung fu and experiencing the culture at what is described as one of China’s most iconic locations.
Exclusive programs are available that provide participants with a flavor of traditional Chinese life and traditional kung fu.
4. Yiquan Martial Arts Academy
The Yiquan Martial Arts Academy first began operating in 1993. It is considered an international institution, which contributes to its trusted reputation.
It offers numerous training courses related to Wushu for people coming from different regions and countries.
The academy utilizes a team of experienced coaches who tailor courses to the specific needs of various learners.
Students commonly learn the basics here. Specific training methods taught include Zhan Zhuang, shi li, shi sheng, buffa, fa li, tui shou, and san shou. Students can also acquire knowledge related to Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism.
5. The Milun School of Traditional Kung fu
This Chinese institution provides an open and welcoming setting where students can uphold the traditions of authentic martial arts training.
The faculty includes internationally recognized kung fu champions who instruct martial artists of all abilities and ages from around the world.
The school employs small class sizes to ensure personalized attention, correct technique, and rapid progress.
Their curriculum is designed for fully rounded martial arts training, which encompasses physical conditioning care, applied self-defense, and philosophical study. Training is held all year, regardless of the weather, within a Ming dynasty courtyard.
6. Beijing Fangshan Shaolin Martial Arts School
This school is sponsored by the renowned Shaolin Temple. Its main objective is to disseminate Chinese culture by offering various courses.
By signing up for this school, students can receive the ultimate instruction on how to learn authentic Shaolin Kungfu both in China and internationally.
The Shaolin Temple itself is the birthplace of Chinese Kung Fu, and the warrior monks and their disciples there are regarded as the best specialists in Shaolin Kung Fu.
All Wushu courses offered are taught by masters from the Shaolin Temple, which serves as a major attraction. The courses are structured to allow for comprehensive student development.
7. Maling Shaolin Kungfu Academy China
This is a small-scale Kung Fu academy founded by Shi Xingjian, who is a 32nd generation Shaolin Warrior Monk. Notably, this academy exclusively serves foreign students who enroll in different martial arts programs.
To manage potential language barriers, the academy employs an in-house translator. Masters at the school typically train between 8 to 10 students each.
The academy also provides comfortable accommodation and serves great meals. Training equipment is supplied for all classes, including Sanda pads, gloves, suit-guards for sparring, Sanda stands with punch and kick bags, mats for take-downs and acrobatics, and wooden dummies for Wing Chun and Meihua poles for Bagua.
Alicia Richards