July 10, 2006 Return to Home This past summer a group of Wushu West students participated in a summer wushu training camp in Beijing at the Shi Cha Hai Sport School, home of the prestigious Beijing Wushu Team. With the help of our head coach Hao Zhihua students were able to practice wushu right along side the Beijing Wushu Team, visit exciting cultural landmarks such as the Great Wall and the Summer Palace, enjoy great dining and shopping experiences and participate in private Chinese language classes. Our wushu students were coached by former Beijing Wushu Team member Coach Zhang Xian Ming, as well as some of our students receiving private coaching by several current members of the Beijing Team and the Beijing Team coaches. Most students were able to choose a form that they were interested in learning, like Xing Yi, Tong Bei and Nan Dao. Another important aspect of training in China is the character it builds The visiting students must learn to take care of themselves, show up to class twice a day (on time), managing their meals and resting periods. This is a terrific experience for the younger Wushu West athletes, upon returning back home they all have shown a new found dedication to Wushu. Having the opportunity to work out and around the professional A-Team Wushu team members was inspiring as well. Below is a gallery of photographs from our trip. If you are interested in participating in our trip in 2007 be sure to contact us. Student Comments Cybele: "When I first arrived in China, I was nervous but very excited. That is probably how everyone felt who was there for the first time. We trained extremely hard and made many friends. I did not know it was possible to improve so much in such a short time. It made me appreciate just being able to return to our cozy dorm rooms after a long evening practice! Haniel: "I arrived in China nervous, jet lagged, and excited. I left China wishing I had signed up for a month. The dorms are very cool, basically like nice hotel rooms. Usually you got rooms next to kids in your age group. The training was very intense but also very rewarding. You train along side some of the best atheletes in China. You also train with some younger local kids who are incredibly good which gives you a lot of great opportunities to make friends. I definetely had an amazing experience in Bejing and I suggest it to any one who wants to make friends, improve their Wu Shu (or Tai Chi), and to have fun!" Johnny: "Training in China has opened new gates and granted new awakenings. Understandings otherwise incomprehensible were taught in the mist inspiring environment giving most insightful theories and techings never thought to exist. Training next to the wrold's best and making friends with all sorts of people had sealed memories into an experience that I can never forget" Mike: "I've seen countless clips on the Internet of the Beijing Wushu Team practicing, I know the main Wushu hall like its my own living room. Walking in there for the first time though, was very surreal. It's like visiting the movie set of your favorite film, you feel like you are not there at all, but still behind the screen. Then of course, you line up and begin training for the day. Training at Shi Cha Hai along side the world's greatest Martial Artists was a great privilege, and I know it would not have been the same without the careful monitoring of Hao Zhihua. The effect it has had on my training, I only regret I did not stay longer. Next time for sure." Our Wushu Coach, Hao Zhihua, and Coach Zhang The beautiful ( and new ) room accomodations at Shi Cha Hai Former Beijing Team Member, He Jing De surprized us with a visit. He even did basics with us! Shauhaub being Shahaub Group Photo   See more photos in our Galleries located HERE!

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