Shaolin Xinyiba Traditional Wushu Institute

Shaolin Xinyiba is a different kind of school from most kung fu training options in China. It is not a large academy with hundreds of students, a polished campus, and a marketing team. It is a small, serious research-oriented school run by a practitioner whose work has been featured in martial arts documentaries and media projects — and whose lineage connects to Qing dynasty manuscripts that most schools have never seen.

Master Hu Zhengsheng has spent decades studying, transcribing, and preserving ancient training manuals passed down from his teacher Yang Guiwu. The curriculum at his school reflects this: it is historically grounded, progressive, and focused on correct transmission rather than fast results.

The Style: What is Xinyiba?

Xinyiba is a Shaolin sub-style related to Xing Yi Quan. It is older and less well-known than the explosive Northern Shaolin forms most foreign students associate with China, and it reflects a different emphasis — internal principles, body mechanics, and the foundational methods that predate the more performative styles that became popular in the 20th century.

Compared to Shaolin Yongzhi, which wayofshaolin describes as explosive, fast, and powerful, Xinyiba training is slower-paced — but as experienced practitioners note, slower does not mean easier or less demanding. The internal focus requires a different kind of attention and effort.

Instruction

The school has an English-speaking instructor, Yang, who has been the main teacher for foreign students since 2015. His English ability, attention to detail, and humor are consistently noted by students as making the learning experience significantly more accessible than at schools where all instruction happens through demonstration alone.

Yang travels between China and his own school in Switzerland, so confirming his current presence at the school when you plan to visit is worth doing before booking.

Online Academy

Shaolin Xinyiba operates an online academy at shaolinxinyiba.academy that allows students to begin learning the foundations before arriving in China. For serious students planning a stay, working through the online foundations material first is a practical way to make better use of in-person training time.

Members of the online academy also receive a 10% discount on stays at the school in China.

Who This School Suits

Xinyiba is well-suited for students who are drawn to the historical and intellectual dimensions of traditional Chinese martial arts alongside the physical practice. The school's emphasis on correct transmission and progressive foundations appeals to students who want to understand what they are learning, not just physically replicate it.

Students looking for high-intensity physical conditioning and explosive Shaolin performance training will find Yongzhi or similar schools a better fit. Students who want a smaller, more intimate environment with excellent English support and a deeper connection to historical tradition will find Xinyiba worth serious consideration.

Prior martial arts experience is not required, but intellectual curiosity and patience are.

Pricing

Monthly fees are estimated at $700–$1,000 including accommodation and meals. Confirm current rates directly with the school before booking.

Information last reviewed May 2026. This profile is based on publicly available information and community recommendations. Verify current pricing, instructor availability, and arrival procedures directly with the school before making travel plans.