A Day of Chinese Kung Fu – A Unique Cultural Exchange with Masons Aupair
At Masons Au Pair, we believe that becoming an au pair in China is not just about providing childcare or exploring a new country — it’s a full cultural immersion that blends adventure, learning, and personal growth. We design our events to go far beyond tourism, and one of our most exciting highlights this season was the Chinese Kung Fu Experience Day — a powerful dive into the world of traditional martial arts and ancient Chinese philosophy.
During this special event, our au pairs had the unique opportunity to train like real martial arts practitioners, guided by experienced kung fu masters from a renowned martial arts school. Set in an authentic training setting reminiscent of the Shaolin Temple in Henan Province, the experience introduced participants to the roots of Shaolin Kung Fu, the graceful movements of Tai Chi, the explosive power of Wing Chun, and the meditative discipline of Qi Gong.
They learned basic self-defense techniques, practiced traditional stances, kicks, and punches, and even tried sparing drills with other au pairs. Through each session, they discovered how Chinese martial arts styles like Mantis, Crane, and Jeet Kune Do are more than just combat forms — they’re deeply connected to Buddhist and Taoist teachings, inner peace, and physical fitness.
This unforgettable experience helped our au pairs build self-confidence, mental discipline, and a deeper understanding of Chinese culture, martial arts lineage, and philosophical traditions that go back to the Tang and Ming dynasties. It was more than just a fun day — it was a true cultural connection through movement, history, and shared values.
Act One: Chinese Kung Fu Comes to Life — Power, Precision, and Wow Moments
We kicked off the day with a spectacular live demonstration led by a professional Kung Fu master, a true martial artist with years of experience in both traditional Chinese martial arts and modern stage performance. Our au pairs were captivated by the energy and precision of his every movement, as he showcased iconic weapons such as the meteor hammer, shepherd’s whip, spear, and wooden staff — all tools historically used in both Shaolin kung fu and ancient Chinese warfare.
The show escalated with an intense display of Shaolin hard qigong — an ancient practice known for its dramatic feats of strength and body control. With awe-inspiring focus and internal energy (or chi kung), the master demonstrated the power of mind-body unity by throwing needles through glass, bending steel rods with his throat, and withstanding full-force strikes to the chest and stomach. These are not just stunts — they are real, tested techniques from Shaolin monk training, rooted in Buddhist philosophy, self-discipline, and martial arts lineage passed down from dynasty to dynasty.
The highlight? Several of our au pairs had the chance to participate hands-on. Guided by the master, they practiced basic iron body conditioning — a cornerstone of Shaolin training that strengthens both body and mind. From stance work to controlled kicks and punches, our participants embraced the challenge with laughter, curiosity, and courage. It wasn’t just a physical workout — it was an unforgettable, immersive step into the world of traditional martial arts.
This is exactly what it means to be an au pair in China with Masons Au Pair: stepping far outside your comfort zone, discovering new traditions, and embracing a richer worldview through real, hands-on cultural exchange — whether you’re learning self defense, exploring philosophical teachings, or training like a true kung fu practitioner.
Act Two: Warm-Up and Learning Shaolin Fist — A True Kung Fu Workout
After the breathtaking demonstration, it was time for our au pairs to step onto the training floor and feel the spirit of traditional Chinese martial arts for themselves. Our Shaolin Kung Fu instructor, a seasoned martial arts trainer, kicked off the session with an energetic kung fu warm-up, designed to awaken the body and mind. The warm-up included dynamic stretches, stance transitions, and fundamental kicks and strikes commonly used in Shaolin monk training.
Next came the highlight of the session: learning part of a traditional Shaolin fist form — a choreographed sequence of martial arts movements blending power, fluidity, and precision. Each stance, punch, and footwork transition had deep cultural roots, echoing the teachings of Buddhist philosophy, self-control, and spiritual balance that define Shaolin martial arts. It wasn’t just a workout — it was a dive into the philosophical foundations of one of the most iconic fighting styles in Chinese history.
As the session progressed, our au pairs practiced together in small groups, helping one another refine techniques and build confidence. The room filled with laughter, focus, and team spirit, proving once again that martial arts training is not only about combat — it’s about discipline, community, and personal growth. Whether they were beginners or already familiar with self defense, every participant walked away feeling stronger — physically and mentally.
These are the moments that define life as an au pair in China with Masons Au Pair — where cultural immersion meets physical fitness, and where a simple kung fu class becomes a powerful memory of unity, courage, and discovery.
Act Three: Sword Training – Channeling Inner Warriors
Next up: weapons training — one of the most exciting and iconic aspects of Chinese martial arts! Our au pairs were thrilled to enter the world of Chinese swordplay, a discipline deeply rooted in both martial arts tradition and cultural heritage. Under the guidance of our expert kung fu instructor, each participant was introduced to the basics of handling a traditional Chinese sword, also known as the jian — often referred to as the “gentleman of weapons” in martial arts philosophy.
They learned how to properly hold, control, and move with the sword, practicing flowing sequences that balanced precision, grace, and combat readiness. From wide, sweeping cuts to sharp directional changes, the movements combined technical skill with an almost meditative rhythm — a perfect fusion of physical training and mental discipline.
Each au pair interpreted the challenge differently: some expressed power and speed, channeling the energy of a modern-day martial arts fighter; others moved with elegance and inner calm, embodying the spirit of a Shaolin monk or a Wuxia heroine from classic kung fu movies. Whether fierce or fluid, every motion carried a piece of traditional Chinese philosophy, blending action with artistry.
This hands-on sword session was more than just training — it was a celebration of cultural exchange through movement, and a reminder that learning in China extends far beyond language classes or local cuisine. Through martial arts weapons training, our au pairs connected with a deeper layer of Chinese identity — one that lives in the body, breath, and mindset of every practitioner.
Act Four: Souvenirs, Smiles, and a Sense of Accomplishment
To wrap up this unforgettable Kung Fu experience day, we ended on a high note with a joyful celebration of everything our au pairs had achieved. Smiles were everywhere as participants gathered for group photos, striking classic Kung Fu poses they had learned during their martial arts training — from strong stances to dynamic kicks and proud sword forms.
Each au pair received a special Kung Fu souvenir badge, a small yet powerful reminder of their courage, effort, and growth during this day of traditional martial arts immersion. These keepsakes weren’t just decorative; they represented a deeper connection to Chinese heritage, the Shaolin legacy, and the personal journey of stepping out of one’s comfort zone.
For our au pairs, this day will be remembered not just as a fun cultural activity, but as a moment of real self-discovery, physical empowerment, and intercultural understanding. From mastering martial arts techniques to embracing the mindset of a true martial arts practitioner, this event perfectly captured what it means to live and grow as an au pair in China.
At Masons Au Pair, we believe that these kinds of hands-on cultural exchanges — rooted in tradition, discipline, and philosophy — are what make the experience so transformative. Whether you’re learning to defend yourself, trying Shaolin training drills, or simply sharing laughter with new friends, you’re not just visiting China — you’re becoming part of its story.
What Our Au Pairs Took Away — More Than Just Martial Arts
Our au pairs didn’t just learn how to kick, punch, or perform powerful martial arts stances — they connected with the true essence of Chinese Kung Fu. Behind the physical techniques lies a deeper world of discipline, balance, and inner peace, all rooted in centuries of Chinese philosophy, Buddhist thought, and Shaolin teachings.
Throughout the day, our participants discovered that martial arts training is not only about strength and self-defense — it’s also about self-awareness, mental clarity, and understanding one’s place in the world. One of our au pairs beautifully summed it up:
“I always thought Kung Fu was just about fighting. But now I realize it’s a form of art, philosophy, and even meditation. This kind of cultural exchange is exactly why I joined Masons Au Pair.”
This reflection captures what we strive to create through every one of our events: an opportunity to go beyond the surface and experience China’s culture in its full depth — from martial arts movements to spiritual teachings.
At Masons Au Pair, we design every au pair event to offer a meaningful bridge between worlds. Whether it’s through learning Shaolin kung fu, joining a martial arts class, or simply listening to a kung fu master explain the history behind a movement, our goal is to help au pairs grow — not just as individuals, but as global citizens enriched by real, authentic cultural exchange.
Want to Be Part of This?
Thinking about becoming an au pair in China? This is your sign!
At Masons Au Pair, we offer more than just childcare placements — we create immersive, life-changing experiences through real cultural exchange. From Kung Fu training and traditional Chinese calligraphy to language immersion, martial arts classes, and shared family dinners, our au pairs get to truly connect with Chinese culture in all its depth and diversity.
💥 Want to practice Tai Chi in the park, learn Mandarin through daily life, or try your first martial arts stance guided by a real kung fu master? With Masons Au Pair, you’ll experience it all — hands-on, heart-first, and surrounded by a supportive international community.
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