Where to Study Martial Arts

　　In the end, there is no one perfect school or teacher. The best place might just be your local park or a small school in the mountains. For more information, check out www.educasian.com or www.study-in-china.com

　　BEIIJING

　　Beijing Tiyu Daxue (Sports University)

　　Produced Jet Li among others. Perhaps the finest wushu academy in the world. Tai chi, chang quan, nan quan and weapons training are specialties. Cost: US$2,000 per academic year, US$50 registration fee. Dormitory: US$3.50/day.

　　Tel: (010) 6298-9341/9391.

　　www.bupe.edu.cn

　　Tang Lihong

　　Tang teaches chen and yang style, mostly to locals, in parks like Ditan and Beihai. She speaks little English, but is a gifted communicator of principles. Cost: Variable. Tel: 13651156509.

　　SHANGHAI

　　Shanghai Institute of Physical Education (Shanghai Tiyu Xueyuan)

　　Specializes in tai chi and Shaolin changquan.

　　Tel: (Foreign Liaison Office): (021) 5125-3094.

　　www.sipe.edu.cn

　　Qing Pu Wushu College

　　Headed by former national wu shu champion Huang Xiaoxiong. Specialty: Shaolin nan quan. Cost: US$30 a day (includes food, board, course fee).

　　Tel: (021) 6920-3801/3802.

　　www.sunny-wushu.com

　　YUNNAN

　　Dali, Wu Wei Si Monastery

　　In the Cang Shan mountains about half an hour from Dali. Specializes in Shaolin martial arts including animal forms and weapons. Live in the temple and practice Buddhism and martial arts alongside 20 full-time monks. Cost: 300 yuan a week (including a private room, three vegetarian meals a day and six hours of daily training).

　　Kunming, Yang Chen Long

　　Hailed as one of the greatest tai chi teachers in China for his practical use of tai chi self-defense (tui shou or "push hands"), Yang Long infuses his training with outstanding Taoist internal arts. Teaches every morning at the Kunming Zoo. Cost: 500 yuan

　　per month (including seven morning classes a week, plus three evenings).

　　Tel: (0871) 573-5671 (some spoken English).

　　Yangshuo, Lou Meijuan

　　On the riverbanks, every morning and afternoon, find Lou Meijuan, an English-speaking teacher of yang and chen style tai chi; sword and fan lessons optional. Cost: 20 yuan/ hour.

　　Tel: 1387-837-6597.

　　JILIN

　　Si Ping Shaolin Martial Arts Academy

　　Next to the Ye He ancient castle and Jai Lan temple. Offers Shaolin and wu tang styles, tai chi and qi gong training. Students are invited to learn about Buddhism. Minimum study length: two months. Cost: US$920/month (includes food, board, application fee, course fee).

　　Tel. (0434) 549 0348.

　　www.shaolins.com