Mandarin Chinese and Martial Arts Program Curriculum and Teaching Standards

The Mandarin and Martial Arts Program is comprised of two main components:

1) Martial Arts Training Classes (15 hours per week)
2) Mandarin Language Chinese Classes (10 hours per week)

Martial Arts Training Component

Enrich your martial arts skills under the guidance of China's National Wushu masters and champions who are highly dedicated and experienced in teaching novice to advanced and competition level students.

Martial Arts courses are held at reputable training schools, well-recognized for producing elite wushu athletes and instructors, and which school you attend will also depend on the form of martial arts you wish to practice.

Martial Arts Levels, Teachers , Classes, and Schools

Each of the training schools we partner with, including Beijing Sports University, Captial Institute of Physical Education, Beijing Wushu Institute, and Beijing Martial Arts Academy, has its own specialty and all 'shifu' (masters) specialize in teaching his/her own professional martial arts form.

Teaching methods are structured, systematic and progressive. Students are taught martial arts (wushu) movements and techniques, including correct stances and postures.

• Novice students learn the basic fundamentals of wushu, from strengthening exercises, to learning various body movements, progressing to the use of weapons.

• Advanced students will practice more complex wushu styles learning series of movements, increasing and developing speed, coordination and control, and focusing more on use of weapons and performing international competition routines.

Class sizes are small, from between six to eight students, allowing for more individualized training. Classes comprise of both local and foreign students, offering excellent opportunities to make new friends and to practice kung fu together. Special martial arts focused electives will also further enhance your skills and ability.

Martial Arts Styles and Forms

The Martial Arts program offers many areas of concentrations, encompassing traditional and contemporary styles as well as external and internal forms.

Chang Quan (Long Fist)

The Chang Quan (long fist) was founded in the southern part of China, and is one of the fastest and most energetic styles of Kung Fu, combining explosive kicks, punches, locks, throws & jumps in flashy movements. The course focuses mainly on fists with lower stances. After mastering Changquan, you will gain more power & strength.

Daoshu (Broad Sword) 

The main military weapon of the Chinese army for many years. Curved slightly the techniques emphasize chopping, and slashing, as well as wrapping around the body to rapidly string together defenses and attacks. The form emphasizes the basics learned in Changquan and sharpens them with a sword. Many beginners find moving on to this short weapon after mastering the basics to be very agreeable.

Gunshu (Staff) 

Called the "Grandfather of all weapons," and glorified in films such as Shaolin Temple, the staff is quite a sight in the hand of the trained practitioner. The staff is the most basic weapon of all, yet it's uses and techniques seem endless, the staff is characterized by it's swift powerful circling, jabbing and chopping techniques. Many figure eight techniques and circular parries also makeup the basics of this simple yet versatile weapon.

Jianshu (Straight Sword) 

Called the "King of the short weapons" by most practitioners this weapon has a long history as a dueling weapon, and an equally log list of styles used to wield it. The techniques are extremely precise and depend very much on acute vision and visualizing your attacks. If a practitioner can bring his energy and spirit to the tip of the sword then success is near. Recognized by it's stylized parries and thrusts, combined with fast changeable footwork, this weapon style shows the practitioner grace and artistic rhythm.

Nanquan (Southern Fist) 

The combination of many Southern styles, with techniques borrowed chiefly from "Hung Gar" and "Choy li Fut." It also borrows from southern "Tiger and Crane styles" but this is only a short list of what makes up the techniqes inside. In Chinese martial arts It is said " Nan quan he bei tui." Which means: "Southern fists and northern legs." While the Northern styles in Chang quan emphasize leg techniques the southern styles rely mainly on the fists and upper body strength. Nanquan practitioners are noted for their tight, fast and powerful movements. The form is a rapid strong set with very firm centered footwork.

Qi Gong 

Qi Gong focuses on developing the internal energy flow within the body, creating 'human bio-electric energy'. This course focuses on combining different forms of body postures and movements with breathing and visualization exercises to help improve balance and increase the body's 'Qi'. Emphasis will also be given to Hard Qi, which focuses on the development of hard and tough body muscles; and Soft Qi, which focuses on the soft internal body muscles. Through daily exercises Qi Gong is said to help reduce stress, lower high blood pressure and increase the body's vitality and stability, thereby improving overall mental and physical health.

Qiangshu (Spear) 

The King of weapons in the Chinese martial arts world, this weapon is said to resemble a dragon in flight when in the hands of a master. It is said that this weapon is the most difficult to master. The history of this weapon goes back to the early pages of Chinese history. Early spears were made simply of sharpened bamboo, later metal heads were added, then tassels were added, serving two purposes first distracting the enemy with rapid movements, and stopping blood flow to the wielders hands which would disrupt proper movement of the weapon. Now though, the form practiced is merely a reenactment of those days on the battlefield, with techniques including thrusting, body wrapping, slashing, chopping, numerous parries, blocks and attacks, all of which give the spear the most versatility of all the weapons.

Sanshou (Sanda or Chinese Kick Boxing) 

Consists of full contact fighting techniques with the use of protective gear (head gear, boxing gloves, groin cover and shin guards). Techniques incorporate punching, kicking, seizing, and throwing integrated into set routines following specific rules and patterns.

Taiji Quan

Taiji Quan combines graceful continuous movements with controlled breathing to promote relaxation, balance, flexibility, muscle development and coordination while improving participants' overall physical and mental agility. Taiji does not only employ bare hand movements and techniques; advanced Taiji students also use swords, sabers and spears. Taiji Quan is split into 5 main families: Chen, Wang, Wu, Sun and Yang. This course will concentrate on the following main forms: Yang style 24 movements for beginners, progressing to the combined 42 movements of Chen, Wang, Wu, and Sun styles, for more advanced students.

Taiji Sword

Complements Taiji Quan with the use of the sword as an extension of the body. Defensive and attacking sword techniques. Yang and Chen Taiji Sword Styles.

Other Martial Arts Styles Offered: 

Martial Arts Training Curriculum 

The Chinese martial arts training curriculum consists of the following components: basics, stretching, stances, meditation, special techniques, forms, applications and weapons. Each style of Chinese martial arts has its own unique training system with varying emphasis on each of those components. Additionally, the teaching methods are structured, systematic, and progressive, employing philosophy and ethics which are highly regarded by most Chinese martial arts. In fact, true Chinese martial arts training is meant also to provide insight into Chinese attitudes and culture.

Foundational Basics

The "Basics" which are a vital part of the foundational training, for without this, it will be difficult for students to progress into more advanced level of martial arts. Basics allow for the development of strong and flexible muscles including the management of the "Chi" (breath, or energy). In fact, many movements of Chinese martial arts are simply impossible to perform correctly without knowledge of the basics. Basics are generally a simple series of simple movements that are performed repeatedly over a short interval. Basics include such things as stretching, stances, meditation and special techniques.
A common saying concerning basic training in Chinese martial arts is as follows:
It is necessary to train the mind and body both internally and externally. External training includes the hands, the eyes, the body and stances. Internal training includes the heart, mind, spirit and strength.

Stretching

Students will also learn proper "Stretching" while conducting Martial Arts training. Stretching increases one's range of motion, speed, power, and reduces injuries. Common stretching exercises include general joint rotations, as well as static and dynamic stretching. These exercises can be performed individually or in pairs. Different martial arts styles have different approaches to increase the student's flexibility and those approaches are consistent with the fundamentals of proper sports training.

Stances

"Stances" are special postures used in Chinese martial arts training, which generally represent the individual elements of a form. Each style will have different names and variations for each stance and they can be differentiated by such factors as feet position, body weighting and body alignment. Stance training can be practiced statically, meaning the goal is to maintain the structure of the stance through a set time period. Stance training can also be practiced dynamically, meaning a series of movements is performed repeatedly.

Meditation

"Meditation" is considered to be an important component of basic martial arts training in many martial arts styles. Meditation can be used to develop focus, clarity of thought, and as a basis for qigong training which means developing the body's internal energy flow. Meditation when practiced in this context does not require a religious component.

Special Techniques

"Special techniques", considered part of the basic exercises, are developed based on the experience and understanding of a particular martial arts style. Depending on the martial arts style a student chooses, he/she will learn special techniques related to that style. You all watched Uma Thurman in "Kill Bill" when she trained under the white haired Martial Arts Master where she had to hit a wooden board right But the special techniques probably won't be so brutal here!

Forms

Similar to a choreographed dance but with more speed, explosiveness and actual fighting techniques, "Forms" are series of techniques defined by their stances combined so they can be practiced as one whole set of movements. Forms need to be practical, usable, and applicable while promoting flow, meditation, flexibility, balance and coordination. Students will be taught how to perform forms in order to incorporate both the internal and external aspects of Chinese martial arts. Forms can be performed alone by one person, but there are also "sparring" forms, which is a combined fighting sets performed by two or more people.
Many styles consider forms as one of the most important practices, as they gradually build up the practitioner's strength and flexibility, internal power, speed and stamina, and teach balance, imagination, and coordination. They also function as a tool for both the students and the teacher to remember the many techniques taught by the style, and sort them into various groups.

Application

Application training refers to the training of putting the martial arts techniques to use. When and how applications are taught varies from style to style, but in the beginning, most styles focus on certain drills where each person knows what technique is being practiced and what to expect. Gradually, fewer and fewer rules are applied, and the students learn how to react and feel what technique to use, depending on the situation and the type of opponent.

Weapons Training

Most Chinese styles also train with the use of Chinese weapons in order to condition the body and to further develop coordination and strategy skills. The theory behind weapons training is to consider the weapon as an extension of your body, while employing the same footwork and body coordination. Weapons training are generally offered to more advanced students who have become proficient in the basics, forms and applications training. The process of weapon training proceeds with forms, forms with partners, and then applications.

Martial Arts Immersion 

In addition to the martial arts training components which consist of classes to help practitioner's to master the basics, stretching, stances, meditation, special techniques, forms, applications and weapons usage in a structured, systematic, and progressive manner, PRC Study also provides additional focus to help students master martial arts by providing the following:

• Out-of-class supervised martial arts training and practise sessions
• Martial arts related elective workshops
• Martial arts exchange program
• Social, cultural and sporting activities to better understand Chinese culture and mindsets
• Shaolin Temple excursion

Mandarin Curriculum  

The Mandarin Chinese language classes incorporates all aspects of the Chinese language including, speaking, reading, writing, listening, grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, phonetics and pronunciation, with a constant focus on Chinese culture, business and way of life.

To enable students to advance in all aspects of the Mandarin Chinese language, classroom curriculum is divided into four main areas: Phonics & Interactive Spoken Chinese, Listening Comprehension, Grammar & Vocabulary, and Reading Comprehension & Writing.

Phonics & Interactive Spoken Chinese
Focuses on phonetics and developing accurate pronunciation skills, and being able to communicate clearly and effectively

Listening Comprehension
Focuses on developing listening skills, the ability to discern sound and tone patterns, and to comprehending Mandarin spoken conversations

Grammar and Vocabulary
Focuses on Chinese grammar fundamentals, such as sentence patterns and structures, punctuations, and word usage; as well as understanding and making use of Chinese idiom expressions and vocabulary. Also, focuses on teaching the Chinese character writing method by introducing the fundamentals of the radical system, brush stroke and stroke order.

Reading Comprehension and Writing Composition
Focuses on developing reading comprehension and writing composition skills, and increasing vocabulary recognition and speed with which all this is done.

Chinese Language Proficiency Levels  

Summary of the 6 Chinese Language Proficiency Levels:

Total Beginner (Level 1)  

Prerequisite :

• Total beginner or with little background in Mandarin Chinese and Chinese phonetics with knowledge of less than 400 Chinese characters
• Unable to communicate on simple and basic everyday topics in Chinese

Course Aims :

• Provide solid foundational learning, focusing on teaching Chinese phonetics by incorporating tone exercises to ensure that students learn correct Chinese pronunciation and intonation
• Help students to begin developing Chinese listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills with the use of pinyin and Chinese characters
• Introduce the basics of Chinese grammar and simple sentence structures
• Teach necessary vocabulary and "survival" Chinese for students to conduct simple dialogue exchanges for basic daily life requirements and needs
• Train students on how to write basic Chinese characters by introducing the radical system (Chinese character composition), different types of brush strokes and stroke orders
• After completion of course, students should be able to engage in basic and simple conversations; recognize over 400 Chinese characters/expressions; and be ready to progress into the Upper Beginner level.

Upper Beginner (Level 2 )  

Prerequisite :

• Understand the basics of Chinese phonetics
• Can communicate using simple and basic sentences and know fewer than 800 Chinese characters/expressions

Course Aims :

• Provide more foundational learning to help students improve advanced Chinese pronunciation and sound recognition by focusing on use of proper phonetics and intonation with accuracy
• Help students improve and further develop their listening, speaking, reading, writing, and vocabulary usage skills
• Teach students to master the basics of Chinese grammar, while introducing the usage of slightly more complicated sentence structures
• Assist students to broaden their vocabulary and formulate various consolidated ideas and thoughts in Chinese for daily communication under a wide range of topics
• Help students learn to write more complicated Chinese characters with focus on using advanced brush strokes and stroke orders and use of proper writing techniques
• After completion of course, students should be able to engage in everyday conversations; recognize over 800 Chinese characters/expressions; and be ready to progress into the Elementary level.

Elementary (Level 3 )  

Prerequisite:

• Know more than 800 Chinese characters/expressions
• Have a grasp of basic Chinese grammar and sentence structures
• Can engage in simple everyday conversations using complete sentences

Course Aims :

• Help students express and communicate oneself in Chinese with fluency and correct pronunciation
• Help students learn more complex Chinese grammar and major sentence structures in a systematic and intuitive manner
• Assist students in comprehending short stories that focus on improving grammar while introducing practical and more advanced vocabulary concerning a number of topics related to culture, history, and society
• Teach students how to direct a conversation in varied situations according to their thoughts using words in their proper context
• Teach students basic Chinese idioms, proverbs and colloquial sayings to be incorporated into their daily Chinese communication
• Further help students develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills to enable better expression of student's opinions and ideas in a rational and logical manner.
• After completion of course, students should be able to engage in daily everyday topics with a bit of sophistication; recognize over 1500 Chinese characters/expressions; and be ready to progress into the Intermediate level.

Intermediate (Level 4)  

Prerequisite:

• Know more than 1,500 Chinese characters/expressions
• Have a grasp of Elementary Chinese grammar and sentence structures
• Can engage in daily everyday topics and express oneself with a bit of sophistication

Course Aims:

• Establish a finer and more extensive vocabulary background with the aim of enabling participants to functionally express themselves in broad and specific contexts with people from different backgrounds
• Focus on reading and writing compositions, as well as understanding more complex grammar and sentence structures by learning rhetorical expressions which would enable students the ability to express themselves eloquently in an effective and persuasive manner
• Help students to become increasingly fluent by doing paraphrasing exercises to retell stories or articles while inciting students to engage in lively debates
• Introduce more practical situational texts to provide a greater awareness of Chinese culture and society, as well as the use of more sophisticated Chinese idioms
• Introduce students to advanced writing in various styles including prose, poetry, and business correspondence
• After completion of course, students should be able to gain a deeper understanding of the Chinese culture, converse on a wide variety of topics in practical and situational context; express themselves in an articulate manner using more complicated sentence structures; recognize over 2500 Chinese characters/expressions; and be ready to progress into the Advanced level.

Advanced (Level 5)  

Prerequisite:

• Know more than 2,500 Chinese characters/expressions, including idioms
• Have a grasp of Intermediate to Advanced Chinese grammar and sentence structures
• Have the ability to engage in practical situational context and express themselves using complicated sentence structures

Course Aims:

• Teach students higher-level subject matters related to politics, economy, literature, and society, as well as to have in-depth debates and detailed discussions.
• Class work includes reading newspapers, watching films and documentaries, and listening to news broadcasts enabling students to grasp the meaning of more sophisticated Chinese messages and information while building up higher vocabulary required for intellectual conversations
• Assist students to use advanced Chinese in order to express their opinions and insights with precisions, vividness, and richness in a very logical and comprehensive manner
• Teach students how to write formal business letters and correspondences
• After completion of course, students should be able to discuss general and specialized topics, raise complex questions, and express their opinions clearly; recognize over 3500 Chinese characters/expressions; and be ready to progress into the Upper Advanced level.

Upper Advanced (Level 6)  

Prerequisite:

• Know more than 3,500 Chinese characters/expressions
• Be able to read and comprehend newspapers, periodicals and understand radio broadcasts and television programs
• Can express oneself systematically using appropriate expressions and language norms.

Course Aims:

• Help students to become literary scholar with aristocratic knowledge and understand classical Chinese literature and Chinese philosophy;
• Assist students to gain further proficiency in understanding and expressing in-depth, intellectual comments on news reports, television, and radio broadcasts
• Provide a practice forum for students to discuss and debate on contemporary issues
• Help students to develop a solid knowledge and comprehension of Chinese idioms with full and extended knowledge about Chinese culture and language
• Teach students how to express themselves in a highly academic level, tackling the most complicated and complex sentence structures while being able to summarize and analyze all kinds of Chinese literature
• Assist students to gain an even better understanding of Chinese linguistic concepts and theories in order to understand modern Chinese language
• After completion of course, students would be at a highly proficient Chinese level with the ability to discuss and debate on complex issues; recognize over 5000 Chinese characters/expressions; and have a complete and thorough knowledge of the Chinese language.

Placement Test

Students are first placed according to the Chinese language proficiency level they indicate on the application form. During the morning of the first day of class, students will be tested in the following areas: grammar, comprehension, writing, and fluency. Based on the test results, each student will be placed in a class best suited to his/her current comprehension and fluency level. The classes will be both comfortable and challenging.

In some cases depending on the school, as a way to offer flexibility to meet individual needs, students who have mastered a current level quicker than other students may be advanced to a higher level and placed in another class already in progress.

Mandarin Chinese Teachers 

Friendly and professional, all of the Mandarin Chinese language teachers are native Putonghua speakers. Holding degrees in disciplines related to the Chinese language, the teachers are also certified by the Ministry of Chinese Education to teach Mandarin Chinese as a second language to foreigners. Highly trained with many years of experience, the teachers are active in curriculum development and are keen to pass their knowledge and help students succeed in learning the Mandarin Chinese language.

Mandarin Chinese Teaching Materials

Teaching materials, textbooks and handouts used in classes are carefully selected according to different learning levels, enabling students to develop their Chinese language skills while having fun, as well as be stimulated and challenged at the same time.

Textbooks, as well as a Chinese-English dictionary, are provided by PRC Study for all full service students. Cassette tapes can be purchased at an additional fee.

Mandarin Chinese Teaching Topics  

Students at the beginner level will be taught simpler topics, while advanced level students will be presented with more complex and specialized subject matters. Topics covered in the Mandarin Chinese language classes include: Everyday lifestyle situations, current affairs, Chinese history, culture, and society. More advanced students cover topics related to business and economy, leading up to reading newspapers, periodicals, literature and understanding television and radio programs. Those students at the Upper Advanced level will also be presented with topics related to classical Chinese literature and Chinese philosophy.

Teaching Methods and Focus 

The Mandarin Chinese language component is carefully designed to promote accelerated comprehensive learning through total immersion. Classroom instructions provide structured learning, enabling learners of all levels to achieve expedited progress in Chinese language skills within a short period of time while out-of-class activities will give students insights into China's colourful culture and lifestyle.

A highly interactive approach is adopted, with focus placed on giving students ample opportunity to practice Mandarin Chinese speaking, listening, reading and writing skills through: Classroom settings

• One-on-one language tutorials
• Language Partner Exchange
• Social / Cultural Activities
• Everyday living in China

Mandarin Chinese Certificate 

After successful completion of the course the student will be awarded a certificate issued by the university or institution he/she attended. University credits may be received provided the student has met all the requirements by their hometown university.

Total Immersion Curriculum 

PRC Study places great emphasis on providing an excellent immersion environment for students to learn Mandarin Chinese. We offer a 10 components formula for accelerated Chinese immersion learning, which includes: 1-on-1 after class language tutorials; multi-media learning courseware; supervised homework support; language exchange program; language lab; use of library and reference materials; electives, social activities, guided tours and excursions; student development assessment and certification; and Mandarin only policy. For more details, please click on Total Immersion Curriculum.

Other Mandarin Chinese & Martial Arts Program:

Students' Chinese language development progress is regularly assessed by homework assignments and tests throughout the program. Semester and academic year programs also have formal mid-terms and final examinations. Attendance is mandatory. After successful completion of the course, students are awarded certificates at the end of their study program.

In addition, PRC Study Quality Assurance team will closely monitor the programs offered by each university or institution and ensure that they are providing the best educational services by giving them student feedbacks.

Proven Track Record

Mention one or two student feedback, and click for more. One about class instructions, one about PRC Study services.

• Mandarin Chinese and Martial Arts Program Overview
• Mandarin Chinese and Martial Arts Program Details and Structure
• Mandarin Chinese and Martial Arts Program Fees & Schedules
• Registration Procedures

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