27
Dec

WIN! Free Shaolin Kung Fu course 

What? Shaolin Dragon Camp and our friends at Tazkarty are giving one lucky Cairo 360 reader a chance to attend an eight-day camp staring February 8th – one that would otherwise cost you 5500LE.

Where? The camp will be held in the far reaches of Bahariya Oasis. Attendees will stay in Qasr El Bawity hotel on full-board basis and the trip will include an overnight camping excursion to the White Desert.

Why? Because if you’re not with them, you’re against them.

How do I get my hands on it? It’s almost too easy. Just answer this question: From which great nation does Kung Fu originate from?

Now what? Send your answers to freestuff@cairo360.com, including your full name and contact details with ‘Shaolin Dragon Camp Competition’ in the subject line. The competition ends at midnight on Sunday 20th of January 2013; so hurry up and send your answers in!

More sexy details are here. 

Cairo360 / Shaolin Kung Fu / Shaolin Dragon Camp /
2
Dec

My Kung Fu teacher Shen Jia. He’s coming to Egypt 8-15 February 2013 with Shaolin Dragon Camp, to give an intensive Shaolin Kung Fu course in the heart of the Western desert, in a beautiful resort overlooking palm groves, and golden sand hills. 

Find out all the details or book your place on the Kung Fu camp NOW by clicking here! 

Blog: ShaolinDragonCamp.com

Tel: +86-150-933-60743 (China)
+20-2 3749 6162 (Egypt)
+49-151-587-38254 (Germany)

Twitter: @ShaolinDC

Facebook: Shaolin Dragon Camp

2 notes Shaolin Temple School / Shaolin Kung Fu / Egypt /
20
Nov

‘Shaolin Kung Fu Warrior’ camp in Egypt! 

I’m delighted (read: so damn excited that I almost can’t believe this is happening) to announce that Shaolin Dragon Camp, the moving martial arts school that the German Buddha Felix Fechner and myself have co-founded, will be holding our first Kung Fu camp in the Bahariya Oasis in Egypt from 8-17 February 2013, on a beautiful serene and secluded resort in the Western Desert, called Qasr El Bawity.

We’re flying in Shifu Shen Jia, our Chinese Kung Fu master from the Shaolin Temple, and Felix himself, will be there on the camp to teach Kung Fu and Qi Gong.

Qasr El Bawity in Bahariya, our camp of choice, overlooks a plethora of white hills from one side, and a palms farm on another. Its rooms are tranquil, clean, and comfortable, with private bathrooms and a desert view. We will be doing our internal and external martial arts training at the foot of nearby mountains or out in the open inside the resort, in nature or as close as possible to it, as we promised.

The routine itself is compact, for 8 days, yet very intense ––seven hours per day, every day–– styled after training here in the Shaolin Temple. It will include traditional Shaolin Kung Fu (Taolu forms), Chinese kickboxing or Sanshou/Sanda, basic sparring and self-defense, Tai Ji and Qi Gong, in addition to breathing exercise, and self-massage.

It’s not for the faint-hearted. The camp’s schedule is packed, and participants will be expected to attend every single training session unless there’s a legitimate reason or a heath-related concern that prevents them from doing so; naturally, discipline and consistency in training is one of the main markers of a serious Shaolin warrior-in-training.

Beginners above 16 year old, who are healthy, able to work hard, passionate about martial arts and ready to give their all in training, are most welcome to join.

Our two experienced teachers are trained to work with and accommodate different levels, so if you’re a beginner, intermediate, or an advanced warrior-in-training, rest assured that the practice and exercises will be modified to suit your level. However, dedication and heart are key. Kung Fu is a very demanding mind, energy and body work. However, practicing it provides a rewarding, empowering experience.

The 8-day Shaolin Dragon Camp trip will include a tour of the White and Black deserts, where we will be setting our camp in the heart in of the Western Desert for one night of stargazing, meditating and energy work under the guidance of our Kung Fu teachers, before we relax and enjoy Bedouin tunes under the clear night sky.

The overall price of the 8-day trip is LE 5,500 per person (that’s around $920 or 720 Euros). The price includes intensive martial arts and energy work training, accommodation in Qasr El Bawity in a double room, meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and water, transportation to and from Cairo, training uniforms and any Kung Fu equipment needed, in addition to an overnight camping trip in the White Desert. Camping equipment (including tents, and sleeping bags) will be provided, and are part of the package.


What to expect?

  • Get introduced to an ancient martial art ––Shaolin!–– move, tone up and explore your body’s potential.
  • Make the first step on the path to becoming a Shaolin Kung Fu Warrior-In-Training. Get to know a martial art that ngages body and mind; it’s a spiritual, that’s at once a mental and physical experience, not just sports. 
  • Learn how to begin to work your “life force” or “life energy” using the practice of Qi Gong.
  • Whether losing weight, getting stronger and leaner, or building muscles, the ‘Shaolin routine’ that balances soft and hard, slow and intense training, will help you do that. Learn the routine on camp, take it back with you, and repeat. You don’t need equipment or a gym to do that. A space in your home or a park will do.
  • Follow a solid training regimen, in a secluded environment, that includes Kung Fu, Tai Ji, Chinese kickboxing and Qi Gong. The training should help you cultivate both physical and mental toughness.
  • Meet our teachers, Shifu Shen Jia of Shaolin Ta Gou and Jiaolian Felix Fechner who are experts at their field, and who would be happy to answer your questions about the ancient martial arts, and the psychology of training in them.
  • Disengage from city life for the duration of the retreat, and stay close to nature.
  • Meditate, or get a taster of the practice, and learn the basics of breathing right.
  • Go home with tips on how to shape up, increase flexibility, strength and stamina.
By no means do we promise that in a single camp, workshop, or a course or two, you will morph into a ‘Shaolin Kung Fu warrior’ with the ability to ‘fly,’ walk on walls, spar flawlessly or sit in deep meditation for hours, but we do promise that we can help you put one foot on the path to knowing yourself while testing your body’s capabilities and expanding its potential and awareness.

Places are limited. So if you’re interested, we advise you to book your place asap. 
Shaolin Kung Fu / training / Egypt / Shaolin Dragon Camp /
19
Oct

Showing off my (9th Zhengzhou International Shaolin Wushu) tournament uniform, with the yellow dragon.

Let’s face it, Kung Fu uniforms = self-important PJs. Plus, mine’s sleeves are too long I hope they don’t get in the way.

And yeah, I’m competing as part of Ta Gou’s “athletic” team in two categories: Shaolinquan and staff. Why? Because Shenjia, my Shifu.

I’m an obedient soldier. I also think I’m half in love with Kung Fu, and half in love with my Shifu.

So yeah, I’m now packing, and off to Zhengzhou at 7 am tomorrow, for registration, medical checks and hotel check-in then I’ll be back to the Shaolin Temple the following morning for this traditional ceremony where competing athletes pay their respect to the abbot, being the head figure of the monastery, the birthplace of Shaolin Kung Fu and Chinese martial arts. At night, we attend the famed zen ritual music festival. Then we’re off again to Zhengzhou to spend the night and for the official opening ceremony the next day, where a whopping 10,000 students from my school will perform. On the 23rd the actual competition begins, where by that time spectators are entertained and the athletes’ nerves are officially frayed. We come back to Shaolin on the 25th to receive honorary sashes/belts for taking part in the tournament (a sort of participation award) depending on our level/experience of Kung Fu: The Dragon sash for the advanced students (showing superior martial arts skills or having 3+ years of Kung Fu training), Tiger sash for intermediate students (2-3 years of Kung Fu), and the Eagle sash for elementary (6 months - 1 year worth of training). Each sash carries 3 levels, so overall sashes are numbered from Eagle 1 to Dragon 9.

As I write this, the Shaolin Temple is still bustling with energy; everyone is preparing or packing, and the grounds are home to 11 major Kung Fu schools who occupy the training areas all through the morning and afternoon with performances and Kung Fu demonstrations. The place is draped in colors — of uniforms, props and flags.

Naturally, I’m psyched about all this, and feel very lucky to be part of it. And yeah, I’m cool with taking part in this despite my rather limited Kung Fu abilities a) because who knows when I’ll get such an opportunity again? b) This is BIG! c) Unlike seasoned athletes, I can have fun with this and not worry too much about results. In short, the stakes are not high for me. (I had to remind myself I’m an award-winning journalist, mass com expert, and traveller doing a Kung Fu tournament in MY SPARE TIME! Yes, negative thoughts, this is me, so shut up and move on!!). 

And really my goals are simple:

1. Do my best with what I learned so far.

2. Not fall on my face, or hit myself with staff while performing.

3. If I do fall on my face, or hit it with staff, I should just get up or go ahead and continue my form.

4. Take the result with a smile whatever it is. And not to forget to greet the judges.

5. Eat at least one large pizza on my last day in Zhengzhou and worship at the temple of Starbucks. Fit as much chocolate muffins in my backpack as I can on the way back to old and poor Shaolin.

6. Wake up for training the next day. 

Worst thing about all this: I have to pull my hair up, as per Shifu’s instructions, while performing, and nail polish can lose me points so I had to remove that.

Btw, taking part in the competition I was lured (read: almost forced) into joining coincides with the arrival of a mysterious British Kung Fu fighter named “Tom Liddel” in Shaolin. 

Harry Potter anyone? I mean come on!

3 notes Shaolin Kung Fu / Shaolin Wushu Tournament /
12
Oct

Shenjia doing some Kung Fu jumps, compiled by yours truly this morning. 

Ta Gou / Shaolin Kung Fu / jumps /
17
Sep

Felix shows me one of his favorite moves. So bloody cool! 

German Buddha / Shaolin Kung Fu / Lao Ta Gou /
10
Sep

“Walking Stick” Kung Fu form by teacher and Trewona camp co-founder Felix Fechner. Here, he’s doing the form as part of training in Lao Ta Gou, so it’s a more relaxed atmosphere. In an actual performance, Felix would do it faster and with more power.

However, take it from me, it’s always a joy watching Felix doing form, every move precise and synched with his breath. 

I can only hope that one day I’ll be able to do it with such mastery. 

1 note Shaolin Kung Fu / Lao Ta Gou / Form /
7
Sep

Shi Di Felix Fechner doing the “Drunken Master form” or Zui Quan.

One of the difficult forms, the Drunken Master requires much flexibility, and the theatrics of pretending to be drunk is part of the beauty of this form. Every move is calculated, including the falls which have to look natural. Although some of the patterns —like swinging of hands— may look flowery and dance-like, they’re in fact fighting techniques that one can use in attacking and blocking during a spar with an opponent.

Lao Ta Gou / Shaolin Kung Fu /
27
Jul

Now it’s Axel’s turn to show off some sword form (Since it’s often a circus in my room with people coming in and out, I thought I might as well film it).

Axel the Parisian / Xiaolong Wuyuan / Shaolin Kung Fu /
8
Jul

Xiaolong Training - July 2012, as per Jin (my South Korean classmate Dong Jin Lee). The video is his property.

2 notes Xiaolong Wuyuan / Shaolin Kung Fu / Shaolin Temple School /
5
Jul
I’m now chronicling my daily Shaolin pains and adventures in little bursts of 140 characters per tweet at @pakinamamer
—

Follow me!

I’m still in China, but VPNing to sneak around the Great Firewall. Behind the Chinese Big Bro’s back. Shhhhh.
1 note Shaolin Kung Fu / Twitter / Stories /
12
Jun
I started Kung Fu kicking while I’m sleeping, yup! My knees would jerk on their own, or kick upwards, waking me up. I kept it a secret until in a training-pains-sharing session with Chris, and Jack —the Chinese-Brit who joined our camp last month— Chris turned to me and causally asked, “so Pakinam, have you started kicking in your sleep or not yet?
—

I took in a deep breath, and very proudly declared, “Yes, I have!”

“Knee jerking waking you up?” he added. “Yup!” I confirmed confidently.

It’s almost like a rite of passage, it seems. And I thought I was the only one.
1 note Shaolin Kung Fu /
12
Jun

Weapon Training, at last! 

I started weapon training last week …

… and I was assigned the staff.

Cons:

  1. I was hoping for a sword.
  2. I have the ability to always make it smack me in the face at the end of a move no matter what pattern I’m doing. It’s magical, I don’t even know how I do it.
  3. Blisters started growing on my right hand. And to comfort me, my Shifu told me, “Don’t worry. Your hands will get rough by time, and then you will not feel any pain there.” Brilliant! (Note: I’m drowning my hands in moisturizing creams and baby oils every 20-30 seconds). 
  4. I bought a slightly more expensive staff than the rest of my classmates, and I paid an extra price for that: I have the heaviest staff. So everything is more difficult. And naturally, it wears me out.

Pros:

  1. I pretend to be Gandalf in the mirror, shouting “you shall not pass!” at my reflection, while stumping my staff against the ground.
  2. It’s the classic Shaolin weapon, as per my Shifu, used by the monks for several hundred years, and it was their main defense during times of war (and poverty, when they couldn’t afford any other weapons).
  3. It’s also the classic Amn Markazy weapon (although our riot policemen use the smaller, thinner version), so I’ll know how to defend myself against those. Score!
  4. You can lean on it when you’re tired during training, especially if the master is not looking.
  5. If you elevate it between two chairs or tables, you can hang your laundry on it. You can’t do that with a sword (In your face, sword warriors!)
  6. When I go back to Egypt, and if I ever decide to be a bawab or a fetewa, it’ll be very helpful.
  7. It’s also very humbling, because it means it’ll force me to go down on my knees in front of my Shifu everyday from now on, kowtow several times as I beg him to teach me to use other cool weapons like —let me see- the SWORD!

Of course, those who know me well will be able to see through all this and have probably guessed by now that this is my version of boasting masquerading as whining.

I’m actually thrilled to be training with weapons, two months after starting here, and for accuracy’s sake, the staff is the one of the most revered and fundamental Shaolin Kung Fu weapons, and everyone has to start with it to be able to move up to slightly more sophisticated weaponry (i.e. the sword).

— Reviewing the staff forms in my room.

2 notes Shaolin musings / Shaolin Kung Fu / weapons /
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