Training martial arts in the very same country where its roots lie has been a dream of us since we were little. 
It must have been more or less three years ago, that we thought about fulfilling this dream more concretely, but due to our studies we did not have the time to realize it. But after finishing our Bachelor’s degree and taking a gap year, we finally were able to put our wish into action.
We grew up with fantastic books and films like Mulan and Kung Fu Panda, therefore it was not really surprising, that we developed a huge interest in Kung Fu and so it was clear to us that we want to go to China.
We did some research on the internet and compared different schools, but the schedule and other reviews of the Qufu Shaolin Martial Arts School as well as talking to Joy as a contact person gave us the best feeling.

When we arrived in Qufu, we were quite nervous, but the translators and the driver of the school picked us up from the train station with a big smile and a warm greeting that meant a lot in this moment and made us feel welcome. 
The next day, we started our training and the first week was definitely challenging. Although we had some experience in other martial art styles, the new movements that we started to practice required the use of muscles in a completely new way and accordingly the muscle soreness after the first week was painfully intense. 
And although the soreness became better after the first two weeks, we still had to deal with the tiredness and exhaustion that comes with such an intense training everyday. But honestly, it was worth every painful moment.
Because if you keep working you will be amazed what your body can do and endure and learn to be proud of the things you accomplished. 
What really made this already unique and special experience even more wonderful was the great community we encountered in this school. Everyone was so kind and supportive, sometimes pushing us to our limits, sometimes comforting us if needed (e.g. when your missing home or put yourself under too much pressure) and sometimes smiling and cheering to help us to achieve our goals. We also made some amazing friends here that we will miss as much as this place that really started to feel like a home even though we only stayed here for two months. 
During our stay we practiced Tai Chi, Shaolin Kung Fu and Wing Chun and the skills of the respective masters are truly incredible and it was an honor learn from them. They were interested in transferring their knowledge to us students, yet we also shared some laughter and funny moments with them. We also had Mandarin lessons in the evening, and we really enjoyed the lessons taught by the incredibly kind translators that also offered their help regarding every other matter that might occur. 

We will forever be thankful for this experience and we never regretted our decision.
Leaving this place and the people behind feels indescribably weird, but the time and memories we made here will always have a special place in our hearts.