| This article discusses the logistics of Martial Arts | | | | insurance cover is an absolute necessity and it's |
| training abroad, specifically using the example of | | | | definitely worth checking the small print of your |
| the author's quest to learn Kung Fu in China. It is | | | | cover documentation to ensure that you are |
| hoped that this article will help others in their | | | | covered for sports such as Kung Fu (specialist |
| decision-making process of whether or not | | | | cover may be required in the 'extreme sports' |
| learning Kung Fu in China is for them, and what | | | | category of travel insurance, such as those one |
| preparation steps should be taken before setting | | | | can get for skiing). |
| off for China. It should be noted that training in | | | | With regards travelling from the airport to your |
| China can be an extremely quick and effective | | | | place of training (e.g. the Wu Dang Mountains), it is |
| way of augmenting one's current Kung Fu skill set, | | | | recommended that for the inevitable train journey |
| whether that entails having two weeks or two | | | | (long and cold on approach into the mountains) |
| years to spend abroad. | | | | you opt for the soft sleeper type of rail carriage - |
| Whilst the author (Oliver) did have a few years' | | | | they cost a little more but the premium is more |
| worth of training under his belt before heading to | | | | than worth the extra comfort afforded. |
| China to train (in both Southern and Northern | | | | Finally, do not underestimate the realities that |
| Praying Mantis fist - Chow Gar and Tang Lang | | | | physical training in sub-zero temperatures can |
| Chuan respectively) and Shaolin Long Fist (Chang | | | | present on your body and mind: the first thing |
| Chuan) along with some training with straight | | | | that will hit you is just how cold the air is in the |
| sword and staff, it is his experience that it is | | | | mountains. There's a chasmal difference between |
| entirely reasonable to expect that someone with | | | | reading about training in -10 degrees Centigrade air |
| no prior martial arts knowledge can excel at | | | | and actually being there and living in it. This has |
| Shaolin Kung Fu training in China so long as they | | | | consequences, not only in living quality (think |
| know what to expect and prepare accordingly. | | | | frozen toilet holes and freeze drying your clothes) |
| The first school Oliver attended was in the | | | | but also in training. There really are no breaks at |
| mountains in Northern China - conditions were the | | | | cold temperatures - the second you stop your |
| very definition of basic but there were a great | | | | muscles go cold and get pulled. The warm up and |
| assortment of students from all over the world, | | | | warming down processes are several fold more |
| ranging from performing acrobats to Special | | | | important when training in the mountains of |
| Forces soldiers. In short, there is no 'typical' | | | | Shaolin than at any other time. It's imperative that |
| description for a student that travels to Shaolin to | | | | strict warm up and warm down procedures are |
| train, so do not let your 'background' get in the | | | | followed in such conditions. |
| way of your aspirations to train in China if you | | | | In closing, there is no substitute for doing |
| desire to do so. | | | | thorough research before deciding to travel to |
| One serious consideration though, highlighted by | | | | China to learn Kung Fu. Make sure that you |
| Oliver's own experience of breaking his leg whilst | | | | adhere to the advice above and any other points |
| training, is that many schools are in remote | | | | that others with first-hand experience can provide |
| locations, training is hard and relentless, injuries are | | | | and you are well on your way to enjoying a |
| common and medical aid is rarely up to scratch | | | | thoroughly life-enhancing and thrilling experience, |
| outside of major cities. In short, good travel | | | | for which there is really no direct replacement. |