Testimonials
Norbert Strehlow, Germany, October 2025
About two and a half years ago, I underwent a major surgery on my right foot. All the ligaments had to be reconstructed, and a detached cartilage was reattached. After the surgery, I spent around eight weeks in a wheelchair and was not allowed to put any weight on my foot. When I finally started walking again, I noticed severe limitations due to arthritis in my ankle: climbing stairs, jumping, or running was nearly impossible. In Germany, I was told I would have to learn to live with it.
During a visit to China, I was treated by Professor Sun. After the first session, I already noticed significant improvement. After a few more treatments, my foot is now about 90–95% restored. I can walk, run, jump normally – and most importantly, I can actively play with my grandchildren and even play football with them again.
I was also treated by Professor Li for a mild, age-related enlargement of the prostate. Although it was considered normal in Germany, I frequently had to get up at night three to four times to use the bathroom. Professor Li identified the issue through pulse diagnosis and treated me with acupuncture and Chinese herbs. The result: I now rarely get up at night, sleep much longer, and enjoy more restful nights.
Thanks to the treatments from Professor Sun and Professor Li, my quality of life has improved enormously, both physically and in daily life.
Laurent Paiser, France, October 2016
About a month ago I decided to leave France to come to China to study kung fu for 3 months. Those past weeks and since I arrived at the school were truly a deep and beautiful experience. I was greeted well and felt like I was part of the family since day 1. I always felt very at ease and my mind became gradually even more peaceful and calm while my body improved. I got more flexibility, more explosive power and a way better coordination even tough I practiced kung fu for about 4 years already.All of the other students were very friendly, interesting and open minded people, the only recommendation I could give is to bring a good book or something to share about your culture, it will make the experience even more interesting!And if you’re serious about learning kung fu to reach a high level, then plan to study there many years. Definitely one of the best life experience I ever had. Thanks a lot!Laurent Paiser, France, October /2016
Robert Lendon, England, October 2016
I can’t think of any constructive criticism really, it has been a wonderful experience. I found the meditation and philosophy incredibly challenging at first which required a lot of efforts but inevitable in gaining understanding in these areas. As I explained earlier I thought the relationship between all the areas of study and kung fu was very good and formed a valuable insight into internal focus. It was very special to feel like part of the family.Thank you for everything I learned and for the experience. Robert Lendon, England, 07/Oct/2016
Sebastian Prischmann, Germany, June 2016
I joined the Kungfu Garden retreat for one weekend and felt warmly taken care from the first to the last minute. I was not sure what to expect but was very positive surprised. I was picked up at Nanshao subway station what worked very well. The Kung Fu Zen Garden Retreat is located in a village in the outskirts of Beijing. The premises are lovely decorated in traditional Chinese style. Though it is not a temple the whole place calms one down and gives you a relaxing and peaceful feeling. I was welcomed by Naomi and given a comprehensive introduction into the daily schedule and how everything is going on. Naomi is kind of the manager, speaking pretty well english and translating most of the time. We were 3 people in total joing the retreat for this weekend hence I had one room for my own. The daily schedule is fully packed but don’t be concerned there is enough time for relaxing and reflecting. The Kungfu exercise are very well prepared and the level is slightly increasing during the stay. Watching the Masters showing the exercise itself was like a feast for the eyes. The Qigong oriented exercises in the morning and evening are relaxing and good to improve concentration. Also the meditation exercises were a great experience.The food is vegetarian, what I appreciated very much, though incredible delicious and variedly. Overall I enjoyed the 3 days very much and will definitely come back again for a longer retreat. I strongly recommend this retreat. Sebastian Prischmann GermanyJune 2016.
Leonard Stahl, Switzerland, August 2015
I had a wonderful time at Kung Fu Zen Garden Retreat.The place is probably the most peaceful place on earth. I have been staying there for 2 months to train my kung fu skills. It was a hard but pleasant training with master Xingxi and my Kung Fu brother Weifeng. When you are looking for a Kung Fu School that is NOT like a military training camp, this is the perfect place for you. The atmosphere is familiar and uncomplicated. If you decide to take a day off, when you’re exhausted or just up for a weekend trip to Beijing, it’s completely alright with them. But this easy-going attitude does not mean that the training is less strenuous or challenging. Your muscles will definitely enjoy the weekend breaks ;)Not only did I improve my kung fu skills, I also learned a lot about meditation, Buddhism and my own body awareness. The training usually begins at 6 a.m. with Qigong breathing exercises. After a few weeks with early-morning-Qigong I was able to feel how my Qi was getting stronger and stronger. The Chinese breakfast is served after the breathing exercise. It’s very different to the western breakfast I’m used to. We usually had steamed bread, scrambled eggs and a lot of different tasty vegetables. The food was mostly bought at the local market and was convert into delicious traditional Chinese meals.Between the training lessons you have enough time to learn Chinese, meditate, listen to some music, read or whatever you’d like to do.If you have any questions don’t be shy and ask the school manager Naomi! She definitely has her heart on the right place and will try to help you whenever you’re in trouble. In case you’d like to have some further information don’t hesitate to ask Naomi for my email address. Leonard Stahl SwisslandAugust 2015.
Manuel Olivera, Mexico, October 2016
It was a great experience, the content was carefully planned and delivered in a good way. The balance between rest and activities is the optimum. food is amazing as well as the location and its surroundings. Although the time on this retreat is short to teach too much kung fu, as a kung fu practitioner I wished the kung fu practice was a little more about sparring and other group or couple exercise. I really think this is a worth living experience and I am grateful to all masters and people at kung fu zen.Thank you. Manuel Olivera Mexico Oct/2016
Catalina Munoz Mejia, USA, September 2016
KUNG FU & ZEN, two words that I never thought could go together but now I believe they should never be separated. Master XingXi, Master Paul Wang, Master Weifeng and Ms. Naomi Lee. I learned a ton during these past three weeks, not only about the beautiful martial art of Kung Fu but also about Health preservation, living a Zen life, the importance of a daily Zen meditation practice, Chinese philosophy, and Calligraphy among other things. I can’t thank them enough for all they’ve done for me. It was a life changing experience that I will never forget. A big thank you to my Kung Fu brothers Pol, Jane, Brodie, Laurent, Rob, Lucas, and Manuel. I will always cherish our time together. May you always live in Peace!The full story of my experience with Kung Fu Zen please visit my blog: www.cataintheworld.comhttp://cataintheworld.com/2016/10/24/learning-kung-fu
Zeimes Paul, Luxembourg, October 2016
Dear Naomi & dear Masters, I am very thankful that I was a part of your retreat ! It was really exactly that what I needed. I was not that interested in real fighting skills, but I was open to also learn a bit about kicks and selfdefense. And yes! I enjoyed even this part! I never thought I would be able to kick as high as my head or even further, so thank you! This was a big improvement in that short period of time. The morning breathing routine, was exactly what I was looking for, a good feeling, perfect.The meditations, Chinese classics classes and the calligraphy classes, couldn’t be any better ! I enjoyed every moment.The master exactly knew when to say what to give the right hints so that we could learn and recognize for ourself. I knew that I allready had done much progress in looking at the world when I was here at home, and the master knew how to keep pushing this progress and simultaneously looked that I keep on the bottom. That I don’t get lost in the insights. For that I am really thankful ! I grew a lot because of you all, the participants and the environment. Really, thank you ! It felt like a big family, it was a pleasure to live, eat and make fun with you under one roof. One more time thank you 🙂 Now back here in Luxembourg, I am going on on the way, being satisfied where I allready am – excited what will come next, open minded for everything that comes and even don’t expect anything. It is good, it will be good and also the past, was good. If nothing will change, we will see us next year With lots of love, Zeimes Paul aka Pol Son
