Overview
Dengfeng Epo Kung Fu School
For travelers who want to train near the historic Shaolin Temple area without paying premium prices, Epo is one of the few schools that delivers genuine training at a budget price point.
Dengfeng is the county that contains the Shaolin Temple, and training here puts you in the heartland of Chinese kung fu — surrounded by other martial arts schools, martial arts history, and the Songshan mountain landscape that has defined Shaolin practice for centuries.
Training
The curriculum covers Shaolin kung fu fundamentals, basic Sanda (Chinese kickboxing), and Qigong. Training is genuine — this is not a tourist experience package — but the approach is less structured than more foreigner-oriented schools. Students who thrive here are self-directed and comfortable figuring things out with limited guidance.
Training runs approximately 4–5 hours per day. Expect early mornings, physical conditioning, form practice, and application drills.
Practical Considerations
English support is limited. Communication with instructors is mostly through demonstration. The facilities are basic — functional but not comfortable by Western standards. The price reflects this honestly.
The low cost also means less hand-holding through logistics like visa registration, local transportation, and daily life in China. Students should be reasonably independent and adaptable.
Who This School Suits
Epo works well for budget-conscious travelers who have some prior martial arts experience, are comfortable in unfamiliar environments, and want to spend time in the Shaolin heartland without paying for a foreigner-oriented package.
Not recommended for first-time visitors to China or students who need significant English support and structured guidance.
Pricing
Monthly fees are approximately $450–$550 including accommodation and meals. This is among the lowest price points available for foreign students at any legitimate kung fu school in China.
Information last reviewed January 2026. Verify current pricing and visa procedures directly with the school before booking.
Training
Expect weekday training blocks focused on forms, basics, conditioning, flexibility, and style-specific applications.
Accommodation & Food
Most long-stay students use school dorms or nearby guesthouses. Meals are usually simple local food with vegetarian options available by request.
Who this suits
Good fit
Students who want structured daily training and can adapt to simple living conditions.
Not ideal
Travelers who need luxury facilities, nightlife nearby, or fully customized private coaching every day.
Pricing
Visa information
Visa support is unclear. Confirm before booking.
Editor's notes
Best budget option near the Shaolin Temple area. No frills, genuine training, lower cost. Limited English and basic facilities mean it suits independent travelers more than first-time visitors to China. Visa support is limited — tourist visa recommended for stays under 90 days.
Student experiences
Training was simple, repetitive, and much harder than expected in the first two weeks.
The best results came after asking very specific questions before sending a deposit.