Student Review of Matthew Adams

My Experience at Weihai Kung Fu Academy

As my time at Weihai Kung Fu Academy comes to an end, I find myself reflecting on what has been a truly unforgettable experience. I came to China seeking authentic martial arts training, personal growth, and cultural immersion, and I found all of those things and much more.

Under the guidance of Shifu Qu, I had the opportunity to study traditional Chinese martial arts, including Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Qigong, Bagua, and Sanda. The training was challenging, demanding, and rewarding. The days were often long and required discipline, perseverance, and consistency, but those challenges became part of what made the experience so meaningful.

One of the most important aspects of my journey was the guidance of Shifu Qu. He is an excellent teacher who combines deep knowledge of traditional martial arts with a lighthearted, caring, and thoughtful approach to instruction. When I first arrived, I knew very little about Tai Chi, Qigong, Bagua, or traditional Kung Fu. Through his patient teaching and constant encouragement, I gradually developed both my skills and my confidence.

Shifu Qu has a way of making training enjoyable while still maintaining high standards. His positive attitude and encouragement helped me stay motivated during difficult training days and inspired me to continue improving. Rather than feeling discouraged by challenges, I often felt empowered to push through them because of his guidance and support. His teaching style created an environment where learning felt both rewarding and enjoyable.

In addition to being an outstanding teacher, Shifu Qu showed genuine care for his students' well-being. During my time at the academy, there were several occasions when I was not feeling well, and he consistently checked in on me to see how I was doing and what I needed. Whether it was helping me determine if I should see a doctor, assisting me in getting medicine, or simply making sure I was okay, he was always supportive and willing to help. Being far from home in a foreign country can sometimes feel challenging, and knowing that someone genuinely cared about my well-being made a significant difference. His kindness and concern for his students extend beyond martial arts instruction and reflect the type of person he is.

Beyond the martial arts themselves, I appreciated the balance between physical training and personal development. The academy helped me cultivate greater patience, focus, resilience, self-discipline, and mental strength. The training pushed me beyond many of my perceived limitations and helped me discover strengths I did not know I possessed.

The physical results of my training exceeded my expectations. During my time at the academy, I lost approximately 38 pounds (17.2 kilograms), while also improving my endurance, flexibility, strength, and overall fitness. Beyond the numbers on the scale, I feel healthier and have more energy in my daily life. I am also grateful for the positive changes in how I look and feel. Seeing the progress in the mirror has given me greater confidence in my appearance and serves as a reminder of what can be accomplished through consistent effort, discipline, and training.

Another highlight of my experience was the opportunity to experience Chinese culture firsthand. Through daily life, shared meals, cultural activities, local excursions, and conversations with both Chinese friends and fellow students from around the world, I gained valuable experiences and friendships that I will carry with me for years to come. The sense of community at the academy is something I deeply appreciated. People from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds came together through a shared desire to learn, grow, and support one another.

One thing prospective students should be aware of is the climate. Winters in Weihai can be quite cold, and the area does receive snow. While I personally enjoyed experiencing the seasons and the beauty of the winter landscape, those who are sensitive to cold weather should come prepared with appropriate clothing and an understanding of what to expect during the winter months.

Most importantly, this experience gave me a deeper appreciation for traditional martial arts and the dedication required to truly study them. The lessons I learned here extend far beyond the training field and will continue to influence my life long after I return home.

I am sincerely grateful to Shifu Qu, the staff, my fellow students, and everyone who contributed to making this experience possible. For anyone seeking authentic martial arts training, cultural immersion, personal growth, improved physical fitness, and a supportive community, Weihai Kung Fu Academy offers a unique and rewarding experience.

Thank you for the lessons, the friendships, the challenges, the growth, and the memories. They will stay with me long after my time here has come to an end.