Name: Marla Paulsen (Germany)
Email: marlaellispaulsen@gmail.com
Returning Student: 3 months in 2025 + 3 months in 2026, till July 2026
Last year, I spent three months training at Japan Osaka Kung Fu School, and this year I returned for another three months of training. During my time here, I have learned a lot, both physically and mentally.
During Qigong, I have learned to quiet my mind and practice gratefulness, and Tai Chi has taught me a lot about body control and mindful movement. The Kung Fu training is very versatile. I have improved my flexibility a lot, and learned different forms, weapons, Kung Fu applications, body Kung Fu methods and movements, Chinese kickboxing, still and dynamic Qigong, etc.
This year, I also learned Chen-style Tai Chi, Kung Fu Sword, and Tai Chi Sword. Shifu teaches us a lot of details, and I've really learned to focus on those.
After training, it's nice to relax your muscles at the nearby hot springs, where you can also get great massages.
Marla (on the left) in Tea Ceremony of Japan.
The school also offers cultural classes where you learn about the Japanese language and culture, take part in tea ceremonies, and study calligraphy. There is also a famous temple nearby, which we have visited.
Simply by living at the school, you learn a lot about Japanese customs through the traditional-style house and by immersing yourself in an area where mainly locals live.
