Cultural Keys

  I attended this afternoon workshop on traditional sugar blowing and sugar pouring, and it was quite good. I know the language barrier will always be a challenge in China, but... read more with something as difficult as this, I would have appreciated a more step by step approach. The cultural presentation was lovely, not too much info and very interesting. I would definitely attend other events with Cultural Keys!

  I attended the Warriors' Way program at the Shaolin Temple with Cultural Keys in May 2019. It was a life-changing experience, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who... read more is interested in kung-fu and t'ai chi, Chinese culture, and/or Buddhism. The training pushed me...More

  Cultural Keys' martial arts training program at the Shaolin Temple is like nothing else you will ever experience. Cultural Keys is run by two amazing individuals that work hard to... read more provide their students with the most immersive, authentic Shaolin Temple and Chinese Culture experience available to the public. If you decide to take the leap, AJ Donnelly will be your main instructor for the duration of your time in Shaolin and Nic will be your guide/encyclopedia.These two make a great team providing you with a well rounded experience, physically and culturally. If you are enthusiastic about martial arts and progressing yourself mentally and physically, you couldn't ask for a better instructor. AJ will push you beyond what you previously thought you were capable of, while guiding you for personal success throughout the trip.

  I attended a 2 weeks Boot Camp organized by CK Martial Hearts at the Shaolin Temple during last September and It really surpassed my expectations.

Although I’d experience... read more with other Martials Arts I didn’t have any previous experience with any style of Kung Fu and I personally think that I learned in these two weeks with CK Martial Hearts much, much more than If I would joined the Temple by myself for two months.

AJ (co-founder of CK) help us a lot during our staying: he was the translator with the Shaolin Monk assuring a smooth communication, he gave us additional classes - to the 4 hours per day we had with the Monk - in order to improve specific aspects (like Speed, Resistance, Focus, etc.) and he was willing to answer us any questions regarding the styles we were training here.

And talking about the training: we had the chance to train during these two weeks the styles ‘Tong Bi Quan’ (Unarmed Form) & ‘Yin Shou Gun’ (with Shaolin Staff), that I really enjoyed. The training it was around 7 hours per day, so It arrives to push you to your own limit what it is great.

I only can have good words with CK Martial Hearts and I truly recommend to anyone who want a 100% real Kung Fu experience and more over to anyone who is interested in the Chinese Culture.

  Thank you for the amazing online presentations! The lectures provide great insights into Chinese culture and history.

  I have now done two workshops with Cultural Keys and they were both great. The studio in the art village is a bright and cheery place filled with different Chinese... read more arts. Nic gave interesting and informative presentations before the workshops and then a master artist gave instruction. Tea and snacks were provided as well as a delicious dumpling lunch at a quaint local restaurant. All in all a fun outing with friends, and I went home with a lovely piece of art!

  If you are in Beijing, take this opportunity to visit CK in their Tongzhou studio! got a great calligraphy piece for my wall and a wonderful experience that will last... read more forever!

  I recently visited Nic and AJ’ s lovely art studio for a calligraphy workshop with my friends. This experience gave me much more than I expected: we learned about the... read more history and the making of Chinese calligraphy and I now truly appreciate the depth and sophistication of the true masters. I was able to bring home my very first attempt of calligraphy with my name written on it by the master. I would definitely take friends and visiting family members to this workshop and to the art village. Thank you Nic and AJ for a lovely day!

  I visited the studio with some friends for a Calligraphy workshop,and I must say I was impressed by how bright and spacious it was,Nic and AJ were great,welcoming,fun and indeed... read more very knowledgeable about the Chinese culture.We learned about the history of Chinese calligraphy then we wrote our own (May your wishes come true) in chinese characters,and had it signed by the artist.we had a scrumptious lunch in a lovely Local restaurant and visited few galleries at xiaopu village,thanks Nic and AJ for a wonderful day!

  Amazing experience with AJ and Nic in Tianjin! They've been extremely kind, hospitable and cheerful, making it an unforgettable trip. Very insightful too, I learnt a lot about Tianjin's... read more / China's history. Great food choices! Made some new friends. Loved the tourist attractions. The trip was super well organized! I highly recommend it!