LEARN ABOUT
OUR STUDENTS
Who
They Are
Our students come from all over the world—spanning six continents and more than 60 countries. They range in age from teenagers to retirees, and they bring with them an incredible mix of languages, cultures, and life experiences. Some arrive with years of martial arts experience, while others have never stepped foot in a kung fu class before setting foot at Maling.
What they share is a desire to grow. Some come to challenge themselves physically and mentally. Others are seeking a break from fast-paced modern life. Some want to reconnect with nature, while others are looking for discipline, direction, or even healing. Many are drawn to the deep history and philosophy of Shaolin culture and are eager to experience it firsthand in an authentic environment.
We welcome students of all genders, nationalities, and backgrounds. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a dedicated martial artist, you’ll find a place here. What unites our students is not where they come from, but the commitment they bring to their journey.
At Maling Shaolin Kung Fu Academy, you’ll find a truly international and inclusive community. It’s not uncommon to see a retired engineer from Europe training beside a university student from South America, or a yoga instructor from Australia sharing lunch with a business professional from Korea. These differences aren’t just welcomed—they enrich the experience, creating space for cultural exchange, friendship, and meaningful connection.
Some students stay for a few weeks. Others return year after year. A handful stay for months or even years at a time, becoming pillars of the community and helping to welcome newcomers. No matter how long they stay, each student becomes part of the story of Maling—and leaves with their own chapter written in discipline, sweat, laughter, and self-discovery.
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Why
They Come
✦ A Place to Grow
Nestled in the countryside, our academy offers students a sanctuary away from the noise of city life. In this peaceful environment, people reconnect with their bodies, minds, and intentions through structured training and reflection.
✦ A Life-Changing Experience
hether for a few weeks or several years, students leave changed. They gain strength, confidence, resilience—and often, lifelong friendships. Many students return again and again, deepening not just their skillset but their relationship with themselves.
✦ Inclusive & International
Maling is the only kung fu academy in Jiangsu Province that welcomes international students. Our programs are tailored to all levels, and we encourage cross-cultural learning, language exchange, and shared celebration.
What
They Do
✦ Daily Life
Training is intense, but students enjoy downtime between sessions. After lunch, there’s a two-hour break—most students nap, read, or simply relax. In the evenings and weekends, you’ll find people watching movies together, practicing musical instruments, chatting over tea, or catching up with family online.
✦ Free Time & Weekends
Students are encouraged to explore, unwind, or train more if they wish. Some common weekend activities include: Trips to Xinyi for massages, shopping, or gourmet meals, Taking part in optional Mandarin or culture classes, Going hiking, fishing, or exploring rural villages, Playing billiards, Chinese chess, videogames, or karaoke at the academy, and more!
✦ Group Tours & Holidays
The academy organizes at least two or three short tours each year, often to nearby scenic or cultural spots like Ancient Yaowan Town, Luoma Lake, Huaguo Mountain, and Yunlong Lake. One highlight is the annual visit to the original Shaolin Temple.
During major holidays (Mid-Autumn Festival, Chinese New Year, National Day, Christmas), students enjoy festive decorations and celebratory dinners—or use the break to travel to major cities like Beijing, Guilin, or Shanghai.
✦ Cultural Activities & Media
Students often participate in cultural and public events—such as performances, martial arts competitions, or filming with regional TV stations. These opportunities give students a chance to demonstrate their growth, develop confidence, and experience traditional Chinese culture in a hands-on way.
✦ Performances & Competitions
Our students are semi-regularly invited to perform or compete at events ranging from local community showcases to national stage productions. We’ve participated in high-profile shows organized by Jiangsu’s largest regional TV station (JSBC) and events sponsored by the provincial government.
As our Masters always say: performing publicly and competing isn’t just about technique—it’s about building character, confidence, and spirit.
Student Voices
Downtime at Maling: How Students Unwind, Explore, and Connect
We recently invited both current and past students to share what they do in their spare time, favorite weekend memories, and personal reflections from life at the academy. From mountain hikes and hanfu dress-up to quiet reading days and spontaneous adventures, this blog post is a collection of their voices and stories—giving you a closer look at what life is really like beyond training.
👉 Read the full student reflections below:
Check Out Our
Student Highlights
Our students usually get the opportunity to perform or compete a few times per year (should they wish to participate). From group performances for regional television to demonstrations in the community and martial arts competitions, our students showcase their hard-earned skills and measure their progress and growth. Below are just a few of the many events, both individually and as a group, our students have participated in.
Student Performances
While not required, many students choose to participate in public performances or martial arts competitions during their stay. These events are a rewarding way to share what they’ve learned, celebrate progress, and immerse themselves more deeply in Chinese culture.
Whether demonstrating traditional Shaolin forms, weapons skills, or group choreography, students gain experience presenting their kung fu publicly—an opportunity that builds both technical confidence and personal pride.
Each performance is optional, and we support every student in choosing the experience that’s right for them.
Student Vlogs
Throughout the years, many students have chosen to document their journeys at Maling through vlogs. These personal videos offer a unique and unfiltered look into daily life at the academy—capturing everything from early morning training to weekend outings, cultural events, and quiet moments of reflection. Creating a vlog is entirely optional, but for those who choose to do so, it’s a meaningful way to share their growth, preserve memories, and inspire others who may be considering a similar path. Each vlog is a different perspective, offering insight into the diverse experiences and backgrounds of our students—and a look at what life is really like beyond the training hall.
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Student Free Time
While kung fu training is the heart of life at the academy, students still have plenty of time to unwind, explore, and enjoy the slower rhythm of rural China. Weekdays include rest breaks between training sessions, while weekends offer more freedom to recharge, pursue hobbies, or venture out with fellow students.
Some choose quiet moments—like reading under the trees, enjoying tea in the village, or watching a movie with roommates. Others take the opportunity to go hiking, visit local towns, or dive deeper into personal practice. Whether social or solitary, restful or active, there’s no single way to spend free time here—just your own rhythm to discover.
Check out a few snapshots of how our students make the most of their time outside the training hall.
Group Trips
Training at Maling goes hand-in-hand with exploring the rich culture and landscapes of China. Throughout the year, we organize group trips to historic towns, scenic parks, cultural landmarks, and famous martial arts sites—including our annual pilgrimage to the original Shaolin Temple.
These outings give students a chance to take a break from their regular training schedule, bond with classmates, and experience China beyond the academy walls. From climbing sacred mountains to trying regional cuisines, every trip offers a new layer of discovery.
Here are a few highlights from the places we’ve explored together.
Gallery
Where
They're From
Their Voices
Student Testimonials
One of the standout features of Maling Shaolin is the hands-on and one-to-one instruction that they provide. Returning to the academy, I was pleased to see that this personalized approach to teaching remains a top priority. The instructors take the time to understand each student's strengths, weaknesses, and individual goals, tailoring their guidance accordingly.
If you are thinking about or doubting about whether you should come here or not, the only thing I can say is do it. It's going to be a great experience no matter what, no matter what your level is, no matter how old you are... It's an experience that you will remember a lifetime, and you will not regret it. I can guarantee as much.
Life at the Maling academy was so easy to fall in love with... 🙂 The thrill of overcoming your own challenges, fears, and failures is addictive! I had the time of my life! If you have even half a thought about going here, I strongly recommend you to do so NOW! In the words of Paolo Coelho: "If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine. It's lethal".
Here you are guaranteed to improve mentally and physically, or even both! I have met some truly remarkable people that I will never forget, some who will be at my wedding! The abilities of the masters left me speechless without out a doubt every time. If you are looking for an experience that you will never forget this is the place for you.
