Preparation

Your adventure with us is about to begin — and the better prepared you are, the more you’ll enjoy it. This guide covers everything from mental readiness to packing tips, so you can arrive confident, comfortable, and ready to make the most of your time at the International Shaolin Dragon Academy.

It’s natural to experience a little culture shock when you first arrive in China, especially if it’s your first visit. Learning about the culture, customs, and traditions beforehand will help you adjust more smoothly.

Keep an open mind and be willing to see the world from different perspectives. Respectful communication and a positive attitude will go a long way.

Our academy is a warm, welcoming community — like one big family. We’ll do everything we can to ensure your stay is happy, stress-free, and unforgettable.

While there’s no strict fitness requirement, a bit of preparation can help you adapt to training faster. We recommend activities such as:

• Running (2–5 km per day)
• Stretching
• Cycling
• Swimming
• Push-ups, pull-ups, and sit-ups

Any sport that strengthens muscles and improves endurance will help. Combine this with a balanced, healthy diet — and above all, a relaxed mindset.

Not sure what to pack? We’ve created a packing checklist to help you prepare. Click here to view it.

Your health and safety come first. Please arrange comprehensive health insurance that covers your entire stay. The academy cannot be held liable for injuries before, during, or after training.

We don’t require a medical certificate, but if you have any specific health concerns, please note them on your application form.

The National Health Ministry recommends the following vaccinations for students before starting a boarding school programme:

• BCG vaccine
• Polio vaccine
• DPT triple vaccine
• Measles vaccine
• Hepatitis B vaccine

China offers modern healthcare facilities, including Western, Traditional Chinese, and integrated treatments.

We suggest bringing a small personal travel pharmacy containing:

• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Bandages & skin ointments
• Anti-nausea medication
• Antihistamines
• Vitamin supplements

Certain online services (Google, Facebook, Instagram, Netflix, etc.) are blocked in China. To access them, you’ll need a VPN (Virtual Private Network) — a secure connection that allows private internet access.

We recommend ExpressVPN for reliability. Free VPNs are available but may be less secure.

Our campus offers free Wi-Fi across all accommodation. We also provide:

• Computers in the office for email and video calls (Skype, WhatsApp)
• An office phone to receive calls
• Postal services — letters to and from Europe or America usually take 1–2 weeks by airmail; parcels may take longer

• All students are welcome.
• Under 18: Requires parental or guardian consent.
• Under 13: Must be accompanied by an adult.
• No upper age limit — martial arts is for all ages!