The Best of Shanghai - Shanghai - page 238

Best
Taichi & Martial Arts
Dreaming of upending hardened karate fourth- dan black belts with a mere
shrug? Itching to master the devastating eight palm changes of Bagua Zhang?
Now is your chance. For many young Chinese, learning martial arts is about as
sexy as watching paint dry, but the mind-bending antics of Bruce Lee and Jackie
Chan have fired up generations of eager Westerners.
Good places to look for teachers and students are Shanghai's parks, first thing in the morn-
ing. If you ask to join a group of practitioners, you'll usually be welcomed.
Best Martial Arts Schools
Longwu Kungfu Center ( 6287 1528; www.longwukungfu.com ; 1 S Maoming Rd; S Shaanxi Rd)
Coaches from Shanghai's martial arts teams give classes in Chinese, Japanese and Korean
martial arts. The largest centre in the city, it also offers children's classes on weekend
mornings and lessons in English.
Wuyi Chinese Kungfu Centre ( 137 0168 5893; Room 311, 3rd fl, International Artists' Factory, No 3,
Lane 210, Taikang Rd; Dapuqiao) English-language taichi classes on Thursday and Sunday and
wushu classes on Wednesday and Sunday for adults and kids.
Mingwu International Kungfu ( 6465 9806; www.mingwukungfu.com ; 3rd fl, Hongchun Bldg, 3213
Hongmei Rd This versatile gym offers bilingual classes in a wide range of martial arts, from
taichi and qigong to wushu and karate, for both children and adults.