Character formation is an integral part of learning and development at Yew Chung International School of Beijing, and Xie’s Martial Arts (XMA少侠派), taught by Master Xie , a 32nd generation disciple of Shaolin Temple who started practicing Kung Fu when he was only five years old, also lives by this principle.

Taught the sport by his father who is a Kung Fu master, Master Xie found a passion in the practice and as a result went on to study and received a Ph.D in Chinese Martial Arts. He now teaches the sport at our campus every Saturday to students between the ages of three 3 years old and 12 years old and has shared with us what life skills young students stand to gain by practicing martial arts.

When and why did you start the club?I founded Xie’s Martial Arts in 2006 to share this great Chinese Martial Arts with students from all over the world. Xie's Martial Arts is an educational Kung Fu programme which is based on the concept of helping our students to develop a combination of transferable skills through kung fu training.

How does practicing Kung Fu benefit students? What skills does it develop? How can these skills be applied in life?Our motto is “Master of Kung Fu, Master of Life.”

We also have 6 XMA spirits which are:• Hard work• Self-control • Courage • Responsibility • Perseverance  • Respect

We try our best to help our students to build characters for a successful and happy life through Kung Fu training. We are not just training masters of Kung Fu,we are also helping our students to become masters of life.In our classes, I share the history and principles of Kung Fu with students and teach them different kicks, punches, combinations and form to help them to develop performing and self-defense skills.

Why should parents sign their children up for the class?There are five ways students can benefit;• They can improve their physical fitness. • They can learn self-defense skills. • It is a great opportunity to build confidence. • It is a great opportunity to shape strong characters. • It is also a great opportunity to experience the Chinese culture for non-Chinese students.

What three tips can you give students who have never tried Kung Fu, but would like to?• Face your fear and just join us try it out.• It is always good to be patient and to start from the basics.• Join the class with open mind, and enjoy the exercise with joy.

The training schedule at YCIS Beijing Campus for Xie’s Martial Arts is as follows:Once a week. Saturday: 9:00am -10:00am, 10:00am -11:00 am, 11:00am -12:00am, 4:00pm - 5:00pm or 5:00pm - 6:00 pm