You don't have to visit the Shaolin Temple to learn Chinese martial arts. Beijing itself is a city of ‘crouching tigers’ and ‘hidden dragons'.

Global enthusiasm for rediscovering ancient martial arts kicked off in 1982, when Shaolin Temple, starring Jet Li, became an international blockbuster.

Chinese kungfu is divided into disciples honing 'outer' and 'inner' attributes. While outer kungfu strengthens the body, the inner practice gives people a mysterious inner force, which can grow stronger as people age. Schools of martial arts that focus on this inner aspect include tai chi, bagua and xingyi boxing. Teachers demand a solid understanding of Chinese culture, which places great emphasis on self-cultivation and harmony between man and nature.

If you want to learn some moves, you have several options in Beijing. Today Beijing Shichahai Sports School, where Jet Li studied to become a kungfu star, helps foreigners find teachers for traditional martial arts and also coaches for martial arts competitions. Beijing Shaolin Martial Art School, which provides ordinary elementary school and high school courses, also teaches traditional Chinese martial arts. Beijing Sports University and Capital Institute of Physical Education both have popular wushu courses for expats.

Beijing Shichahai Sports School 北京什刹海体校

A special Foreigner's Training Department helps arrange martial art coaches, classes and boarding.

Address: 57 Di'anmen Dajie, Xicheng district 西城区地安门大街57号

Tel: 6618-8831

Beijing Sports University 北京体育大学

Wushu, long fist, tai chi, meditation and free combat. Usually lasts for a semester of four and a half months.

Address: Zhongguancun Beidajie, Haidian district 海淀区中关村北大街

Tel: 6298-9341

Email: bupefso@sina.com

Capital Institute of Physical Education 首都体育学院

Tai chi, long fist, nan quan, weapons and free combat. Long sessions lasting a semester starts in March and September, short classes of a month or half a month starts early every month.

Address: 11 Beisanhuanxilu, Haidian district 海淀区北三环西路11号

Tel: 8209-9177

(China Daily August 24, 2008)