I studied one semester course at Beijing Sport University

Name: Michael Holland
From: USA New York
Age: 68
Occupation: Retired / Taiji Teacher
Course Title: one semester Daoyin Qigong
Course Date: 1st March - 11th July 2011

Self Introduction

I'm an American, advancing in years, with a keen interest in the Chinese health model. I've been coming to Beijing since 1996 to study and train with my Taiji Master. When I expressed an interest in learning more about Qigong, one of his senior students, recommended Beijing Sports University. I found their website: www.scic-beijing.com, liked what I saw, and contacted them. The Director of Martial Arts Program, Chen Lei, was quick to respond, helped me choose the right program and make all the necessary arrangements.

Preparation for the Course

The programs ranged from 2 weeks to 1 year, standard and intensive, seeing the sights and getting to know the culture, and of course a full variety of Chinese Martial Arts and health programs. Since I've seen the sights, I chose the Daoyin/Qigong program for one semester, 4 1/2 months. I was met at the airport by Chen Lei, and even though it was late, he managed to get me into my room at the International dormitory and show me where the necessary things were to get me started.

My teacher and Daoyin Class

I was introduced to my teacher, Dr. Yang Yu Bing, and invited to attend class on my first day. I was eager to jump in. Classes are ongoing and structured to accommodate new arrivals who are staying for shorter periods. Now my Chinese is so so, enough to embarrass me and get by with the basic things. It doesn't matter. Yang Laoshi (teacher) is an excellent instructor, clear and concise, lots of repetitions, hands on corrections and fun to work with. He makes sure that every student gets the lesson, taking the time to show you how and why. I got what I came for and a lot more, I have learned many forms include "Ba Dun jin", "Liu Zhi Jue", "Da Wu", "Ma Wang Dui Daoyin", and "Taiji Yangshen Zhang" in the course. but that's another story. A close friend of mine once paraphrased an old saying which I think aptly applies, "sell your shirt and go to China."

My accommodation and university facilities

The rooms are nice, bay window, desk, bed, TV and bath.  The next day was orientation. All your needs are right here on campus and within minutes of the dorm. Two grocery stores, a fruit stand, canteen, two restaurants, laundry, ATM's, a helpful in dorm staff headed up by Richard Lee and a health clinic. Around the campus are inexpensive restaurants, banking, department stores with food courts, and close to the bus and subway system.