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The Shaolin Worldwide Journal

Shaolin Kung Fu Training: Guides, Schools & Retreats Worldwide β€” Training

Honest, first-hand guides to training real Shaolin Kung Fu β€” the best schools in China compared, retreats and intensives around the world, real costs, and the culture behind the practice. Written by the team that places students at Shaolin schools year-round.

Shaolin training at the temple, photographed by Tian Ci, aka The Shaolin Disciple
SchoolsAug 9, 2026 Β· 7 min

Can You Train With Shaolin Monks? Who Can Join, What It Costs, How to Apply

Yes, foreigners can train with Shaolin monks, and no experience is needed. The three real levels explained: training as a...

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A Shaolin disciple holding a Kung Fu posture on rocks below Songshan
CultureAug 6, 2026 Β· 11 min

What Is Shaolin Kung Fu? The Complete Guide to Its History, Training and Philosophy

What Shaolin Kung Fu actually is, where it came from, what the training consists of, and how it differs from...

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Shaolin Worldwide retreat group at Shaolin Yongzhi Academy training grounds, packed and ready to train
RetreatsAug 2, 2026 Β· 6 min

Shaolin Retreat Packing List and Preparation

Packing for a Shaolin retreat is not like packing for a beach holiday or a city break. You are training...

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Students on the glass suspension bridge over Mount Song near the Songshan Shaolin Temple scenic area
SchoolsAug 1, 2026 Β· 9 min

Songshan Shaolin Temple: Visitor and Training Guide

Songshan in Dengfeng is where the Shaolin Temple has stood for over 1,500 years. What the temple actually is, whether...

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Students training Shaolin weapons on a rooftop with Mount Song behind, Dengfeng China
TrainingJul 29, 2026 Β· 6 min

Best Time of Year to Train Kung Fu in China (Season by Season Guide)

April to May and September to October are the sweet spots, but the schools train year-round. The honest season guide...

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International students at a Chinese temple gate with red lanterns, Henan Province
TrainingJul 27, 2026 Β· 6 min

China Visa-Free Entry: The Current Country List (Updated July 2026)

The UK and Canada joined China's 30-day visa-free list in February 2026. The full current list, the permanent mutual agreements,...

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Entrance of a Shaolin Kung Fu school in China β€” visa guide for training in China
TrainingJul 7, 2026 Β· 5 min

What Visa Do You Need to Train Kung Fu in China? (2026 Guide)

Visa-free entry, tourist L visas and student X2 visas explained β€” exactly which route fits your training stay, what documents...

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Shaolin monk in a Kung Fu pose on the rocks β€” training Kung Fu in China as a beginner
TrainingJul 7, 2026 Β· 7 min

Training Kung Fu in China: The Complete Beginner's Guide (2026)

Everything a complete beginner needs to train at a Shaolin school in China: choosing a school, costs, the application and...

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Train Kung Fu in China: A Shaolin Headmaster Tells You Everything
SchoolsJun 30, 2026 Β· 9 min

Train Kung Fu in China: A Shaolin Headmaster Tells You Everything

Headmaster Shi Yan Chen built Shaolin Zhong Wu 1 km from the Temple with one goal: give the world access...

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