Cultural Keys

  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!

  This was a 3 hour workshop which touched on some of the basic (beginner) skills you need to master in Shaolin Kung Fu. We started with fitness training at the... read more beginning was structured in such a way that it also prepared us for some of the stances.

I'm very unfit, so it was difficult for me to keep up at the beginning. As I got into it, I became more comfortable and better. The team does a great job of pushing you, but also making you feel safe. Therefore you want to push yourself and do better.

Great work shop! Will definitely join the beginners classes!

If martial arts in on your bucket list, I'd suggest you do this work shop!

  Having lived in Beijing for a few years, I thought it was about time to have a go at Kung Fu and went to AJ's class after a friend's recommendation.... read more

It was a fantastic cultural experience and a tough but fun work out! AJ will out you through your paces and give you interesting facts about his time learning with Shaolin monks.

I'd recommend it without a doubt!

Thanks AJ.

  I have ordered 5 beautiful Calligraphy scrolls for different occasions ranging from Graduation to Weddings as a personalized gift and they have all been amazing. With great service and... read more beautiful presentation I highly recommend their service. Also, you can make your own. The owners are...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.

  Organisation, Communication, Trainer, Duration & Structure of Programm was absolutely super! The 2 weeks Programm in September was my second time with Martial Hearts at the Shaolin Tempel. Why... read more so? To find out, how it feels to be pushed to an absolute limit of my...More

  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!

  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!

  Had an awesome time at Cultural Keys store. Not only did I get my shoes for 88 kuai and a nice bag, I got to meet AJ who runs the... read more shop and is super nice. Overall really nice experience, will def

  This program isn't like other Kung Fu programs in China: you get close training with a real Shaolin monk for at least five hours every day plus additional training time... read more for application of what you're learning, and it's totally fine if you have no experience in martial arts or fitness although the more you train beforehand, the "easier" it will be; everything is already panned out so you don't have to worry about figuring out what to do (plus your instructor doubles as a translator); three meals a day and rooming are all taken care of, as well as transportation; you get to learn the history of what and where you're practicing along with other sights you venture to; and you control how much you do, but expect to be pushed to your limits physically, mentally, and even emotionally. I definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a different kind of challenge and experience.