Cultural classes in China

In addition to language classes, there is cultural classes that you can also try, but we do not talk about it much so that you do not have unnecessary expectations. We live according to the length of daylight so a lot changes from time to time. Of the students who were trained by us, they could practice the following.

Chinese language class

Although China has many dialects, the Chinese studied at Yanchen school is Putonghua or “common language”. It is the language that linguistically unifies China and will allow you to be understood wherever you go. Generally speaking, learning a language is the key to having the most rewarding experience in a foreign country, but this is especially true for China and its countryside. The surrounding community really welcomes and even opens their homes to those who have spent the time learning the language and conversing with them.

Long-term students are particularly encouraged to make a commitment to learning the language; Not only will this help you better understand the art you train in, but if you have a genuine interest in obtaining an HSK qualification, we will do our best to prepare you to take the exam at a test center. The HSK is an internationally recognized certificate for Chinese language proficiency and is highly sought after by employers and training institutes around the world, so getting an HSK is truly an investment in your future.

Beginner

Those who have no previous experience in studying Chinese will start in the beginners’ group. The first three months of the course will focus on familiarization and recitation of tones. Tones are the cornerstone of oral Chinese and it is extremely important to spend time studying them. Students in this category will cover topics such as: introducing yourself, numbers, food and how to order it, directions, important places, body, time and date.

Intermediate

Those who already know basic Chinese but know less than 1250 characters will be part of the Intermediate group. We suggest these students purchase HSK level 3 or 4 textbooks as this will be the program you will be working from. During class time, you will work on grammar and character writing exercises, teaching frequently reviewing and correcting your answers.

The vast majority of your education will take place outside the classroom, as intermediate and advanced students will be encouraged to constantly converse in Chinese. Students who wish to take an HSK exam may, with the principal’s consent, choose to substitute three Kung Fu training sessions per week with personal study time.

Advanced

These students will have already achieved a mastery of over 1250 Chinese characters and will work towards HSK 5 or higher. During class hours, you will work from your textbook, complete grammar exercises, write essays, and review characters. All your answers will be checked and corrected at the end of the course.

Advanced Chinese students will need to communicate primarily in Chinese, except in emergencies or to talk with classmates. We encourage advanced students to visit the temple monks and interact with the locals, this will help you get familiar with the local accent.

Calligraphy class

It is said that masters of calligraphy will control the flow of “Qi” within oneself while “letting go” and allowing the flow of energy to spread to the brush and onto the page. As calligraphy is a distinct form of self-expression, no two styles are alike, with each master’s work having their own unique identity and character.

The written Chinese character becomes the physical expression of how the master has focused his mind, energized his Qi, and the degree to which his energy is flowing across the page. At Pingdingshan Fengxue Temple, classes are led by one of the temple monks who has dedicated his life to prayer and academic research. Well versed in calligraphic theory, we invite him to our school to guide our students and bring out the style and artistic expression of each.

Acupuncture class

Acupuncture has a clearly recorded history going back 2000 years although some claim it goes back even further. 4000 years old.

It was originally developed by field workers; they used sharp stones to rub certain parts of the body to cure ailments. Over the years, as Chinese society developed, these stones were thrown away and replaced with stone, pottery, bronze, silver or gold needles and eventually the steel needles of modern acupuncture.

The needles penetrate the skin in specific places. These points are collectively known as “acupuncture or acupressure points” and can be found at certain points on the body along what are known as “meridian lines”, although there are some which are not on any of the meridians and are known as “Extraordinary Points”.

Moxibustion is another variation of acupuncture in which certain herbs are burned without touching the acupuncture points and the essence of the herb enters the skin through the pores.

Massage class

Chinese massage is an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine. Some Chinese researchers claim that a definitive theory of massage began to circulate as early as 2700 BC and was used in conjunction with acupuncture to treat physical ailments.

The guiding principle of Chinese massage is that if a person experiences pain or discomfort, it is due to the inability of Qi to flow freely. Therefore, physical tension must be released by stimulating certain points along the “meridian lines” so that Qi can flow. Once your energy is no longer blocked, the pain and discomfort should start to pass and your body health will return to normal.

During the lessons, Master will familiarize his students with the theory of Chinese massage and allow students to explore the practical side of this healing art. Due to the nature of our training, body knowledge will be used to speed up your recovery process after intense periods of

Cooking class

We believe that Chinese cuisine is one of the most important elements of Chinese culture. Therefore, we think it is just as important that our students start to embrace this rich and unique part of Chinese heritage.

Our cook is the daughter of our master’s aunt. Using the freshest ingredients, she uses the recipes that have been passed down through her family from generation to generation.

About Our School

We are a traditional Shaolin Kung Fu school – this is our core specialty. Our Chinese students train exclusively in Chinese. For international students like yourself, we offer introductory classes in:

• TCM/Tuina/Acupuncture
• Chinese Cooking
• Calligraphy
• Tea Ceremony
• Buddhist Philosophy
• Hard Qi Gong

Important Notes:

1. These are supplementary to our core Kung Fu training
2. There is no fixed schedule – we arrange classes based on:
   • Master availability
   • Your progress and interests
   • Physical readiness (especially for Hard Qi Gong)

What to Expect

• First Month: Focus on fundamentals while we assess your capabilities
• Personalized Training: After evaluation, we’ll create your program
• Authentic Experience: This is not a tourist school – prepare for rigorous, traditional training

Regarding Your Specific Requests:

• Hard Qi Gong (brick-breaking, etc.): Requires months/years of conditioning – we’ll evaluate your readiness
• Mountain Training: Occasional sessions available for advanced students
• Master Access: Earned through dedication and progress