Tried and Tested Family Activity: The Hong Wu Kung Fu Centre
Contributed by: nickw
We sent father Nick W. and his daughter (age 4) to the Hong Wu Kung Fu Centre in Tianzifang to get some physical exercise and have fun. Here is his report.
The Hong Wu Kung Fu Centre is located in Tianzifang on Taikang Lu. It has classes for all ages, from 4 years old to adults. We went along to try their kids class (RMB580 for six weeks). After all, my daughter has been a self-proclaimed kung fu master since the age of about 2, leaping around the house yelling out "hi-ya!" whenever she gets the chance.
Suffice to say that at the kids kung fu class there is no actual fighting. The children start with a big warm-up that allows them to release their pent-up frantic energy and get their "sillys" out. After the warm-up, they begin to focus on the discipline of the movements, following the teacher in a series of punches and kicks.
It's not easy to maintain focus and discipline in kids as young as 4 or 5, but the teacher, Zhang Yi, does an excellent job. He is not only a renowned kung fu master but also excellent with children—he knows how to get them to follow along with instructions and movement while also having fun. Having the skills of both a martial arts guru and a children's teacher is no easy feat, and Zhang Yi does an outstanding job. He also ensures that each kid knows all the steps so no one is bored or left behind.
My daughter absolutely loved it and we will definitely be going back for more. During the class, parents generally go downstairs and wait—there are a number of great cafés in Tianzifang—so that the children can become immersed in the exercise without the ...
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