Master & Schools – SMA bloggers

July 31, 2026July 31, 2026 Dave Kelly Courses & Programs, Master & Schools, Martial Arts, China, BJJ

AMA LAB Beijing: Flow Like Water, Transform Your Body and Mind Through Martial Arts

Beijing, China – In a city that never slows down, finding an outlet for stress, fitness, and personal growth can be a challenge. AMA LAB (Any Martial Arts), founded in 2019, offers exactly that – a place where you don’t just train, you evolve. Rooted in Bruce Lee’s timeless philosophy – “Be water, my friend” – this martial arts lab is more than a gym; it’s a movement.

More Than a Gym – A Philosophy for Life

At AMA LAB, the core belief is simple: martial arts is not about violence – it’s about confidence, resilience, and self-discovery. Whether you’re looking for practical self-defense, athletic performance, or mental and physical wellbeing, the mission is to help you build a stronger body, a sharper mind, and an unshakable spirit.

The teaching philosophy rests on three pillars:

Professional – World-class coaching with proven systems.
Safe – Injury‑aware training in a supportive environment.
Scientific – Evidence‑based methods for real results.

This is not just a gym – it’s a community where water-like adaptability meets relentless perseverance.

World‑Class Coaching Team – The Heart of AMA LAB

Your progress depends on who guides you. AMA LAB boasts an elite roster of internationally certified coaches with championship pedigrees and real‑world experience.

Vivi – Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu Black Belt (3rd Degree), self‑defense and anti‑bullying specialist, and former member of the Dubai Presidential Guard. She brings unparalleled expertise in personal protection and empowerment.
Anthony Eduardo – BJJ Black Belt (2nd Degree), CBJJE World Open Champion, and founder of Real Freedom BJJ. He believes Jiu‑Jitsu is a bridge to physical, mental, and social freedom.
Bruno – BJJ Black Belt (1st Degree), CBJJE World and South American Champion. He started training at age 10 with the legendary Nova União team and previously served as head coach of Alliance BJJ China.
Jing Wei – BJJ Brown Belt, ADCC Advanced Division champion (83kg), multiple AJP tournament gold medalist.
Nan Ning – BJJ Purple Belt, with certifications from APEC Youth Physical Training, ACE Youth Training, and NSCA‑CPT (U.S. personal trainer).
Zoey – BJJ Blue Belt (3rd Stripe), AJP TOUR Beijing No‑Gi gold medalist and Chongqing Gi bronze medalist. She leads the women’s‑only classes with a warm, encouraging approach.
Oscar – Former Moscow and European Boxing Youth Champion, with professional fights in URCC, Kunlun Fight, and Wu Lin Feng. Over 10 years of experience in MMA, Boxing, Muay Thai, and No‑Gi BJJ.

This diverse team ensures that every student – from beginner to competitor – receives expert guidance tailored to their goals.

Diverse Programs for Every Age and Fitness Level

AMA LAB offers a wide range of programs designed to cater to all ages and interests:

Program	Description
Muay Thai	High‑intensity striking art – burns 800+ kcal per session, perfect for conditioning and stress relief.
Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu (BJJ)	The “gentle art” – leverage and technique over brute force. Ideal for self‑defense and mental discipline.
MMA	Complete combat sports training for those who want to master all ranges of fighting.
Animal Flow	Ground‑based movement that enhances mobility, strength, and coordination.
Functional Training	Real‑world fitness that improves daily life performance and injury prevention.

Each class follows a structured flow: warm‑up, technique drills, live sparring (or conditional practice), and cool‑down reflection. Adult BJJ classes run 90 minutes; kids’ classes are 60 minutes.

Why Train at AMA LAB? Four Compelling Reasons

🔥 Body Transformation – Moderate to high‑intensity training builds lean muscle while torching fat.

❤️ Cardiovascular Health – Fast‑paced sessions boost heart health, circulation, and respiratory function.

🧠 Mental Strength – Endorphins and dopamine release reduce stress, build confidence, and help you face life head‑on.

🛡️ Real Self‑Defense – Learn practical techniques that prepare you for real‑world threats.

Special Programs That Make a Difference

👦 Kids’ Structured Progression (Ages 4+)

The youth program features a clear four‑level ladder – from Beginner (Level 1) to Competition Team (Level 4). Each level has specific prerequisites, class durations, and focus areas: etiquette, discipline, body awareness, partner drills, and eventually advanced techniques and tournament preparation. The AMA Mini Warrior curriculum is also available for school ASA programs, with downloadable materials in both English and Chinese.

👩 Women‑Only BJJ Fundamental Classes

Led by Coach Zoey, these classes provide a safe, encouraging environment where women can learn effective self‑defense without the pressure of training with male partners. It’s about building coordination, flexibility, and mental resilience – all while having fun and connecting with like‑minded peers.

💛 CSR – HIPO High Potential Jiu‑Jitsu (Social Impact)

Guided by the motto “Pour heart into water, use love as a boat,” this initiative adapts international best practices to support neurodiverse individuals, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), ADHD, and developmental delays (ages 4+).

Program achievements:

Over 30 children with autism have participated in free trials.
Each child receives 3 free lifetime sessions.
Low‑income families enjoy one year of free training.
Active community partnerships with UCCA, “Jiang Xiao Ai,” Peninsula Hotel, and Wanghu Community.

This program proves that martial arts can be a powerful tool for social good.

The Real Freedom Competition Team – Building Champions

Founded in 2023 under head coach Anthony Eduardo, the Real Freedom team has already achieved remarkable success in just two years:

🏆 AJP North China Regional Tournament – Team Champion
🥈 ADCC National Tour – Team Runner‑up
🏆 Beijing Sports Games – Team Champion

With over 200 active adult and youth members, the team embodies core values of Respect, Discipline, Focus, and Freedom. Whether you’re aiming for the podium or simply want to push your limits, this is where champions are forged.

Three Convenient Locations Across Beijing

AMA LAB operates three premier gyms, all easily accessible:

📍 Lido Gym – Oriental Financial Center, Lido Garden No. 5, Chaoyang District. A 5A‑grade business complex with top‑tier facilities.
📍 Hepingli Gym (Xingzhi Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu) – 6th Floor, Building 1, No. 19 Hepingli Middle Street, Hepingli Subdistrict. A dedicated BJJ space focused on technique and community.
📍 Solana Gym (Xingzhi Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu) – 1st Floor, Solana Shopping and Recreation Center. Perfect for combining fitness with leisure.

All gyms are equipped with standard MMA cages, heavy bags, and professional EVA shock‑absorbing mats to protect your joints.

Book Your First Class Today

Martial arts isn’t about fighting – it’s about becoming the best version of yourself. Whether you’re after practical self‑defense, athletic performance, or holistic wellbeing, AMA LAB offers the environment, the coaches, and the community to help you succeed.

Ready to start? Visit our official website to view class schedules, coach profiles, location details, and book your trial session:

👉 https://studymartialarts.org/trip/ama-lab/

New members enjoy exclusive trial offers – spots are limited, so act now.

Be water, my friend. Flow, adapt, and grow. Join AMA LAB and discover the stronger, freer you.

November 25, 2020December 1, 2019 Dave Kelly Martial Arts, Master & Schools

How to train at one of Asia’s best MMA gyms

In this short extract I will provide you with a link to an article I completed for a different website I’m working on. This blog will focus on my own personal martial arts journeys plus random travel tips. The one below focuses on how to train at one of Asia’s best MMA gyms, Evolve MMA in Singapore.

“If you’ve ever wanted to train with top class MMA Coaches in one of Asia’s best MMA gyms you’ll have to do some serious research to budget for accommodation, and food. These are not include currently in evolves training packages. So unless you are staying with friends or family what options are available to make training there possible, in a city dubbed the most expensive city in the world for the fifth year running?

Well lucky for you with, the help of the kind people from Evolve MMA I’ve put together some great budget options. Including some of the best nearby accommodation options to make it as easy on your wallet as possible so you can get more of that top quality training in.

So first up here’s your accommodation options starting with Evolves accommodation partners located within 5 minutes of their Far East Square facility”.

READ MORE!

September 30, 2020November 3, 2019 Dave Kelly Martial Arts, Master & Schools, Travel & Training

Kun Khmer Weight-loss & Siem Reap Fitness Camp

More and more people are contacting me to book places at weightloss and fitness camps focusing on martial arts. One of the best in terms of fun, training and location is Kingdom Fight Gym’s camp in Siem Reap close to the famous temples of Angkor Watt.

Kingdom Fight Gym aims to restore the ancient fighting art of Kun Khmer. At Kingdom Fight Gym you can learn this ancient martial art from the Khmer Empire. The Gym offers Kun Khmer (Khmer Boxing) intensive training camps which include two 2 hour long classes per day. In addition to that it also offers group classes for kids and adults, Private training with experienced coaches (active and retired fighters, local and foreigners).

Kingdom Fight Gym, Siem Reap is run by Mark van Dongen and Kwok-Leung Tsang. Their aim was to create a social, cultural sports centre that partners with the local population and existing, sustainable organisations in Cambodia and Netherlands in order to contribute to the lives of Cambodian youth. The Gym provides them with a place to learn mutual respect, how to defend themselves, connect to their culture, gain self-confidence and develop as a well rounded individual.

Here are three of the latest reviews from people who have attended the camp and trained at the gym.

‘Everything was amazing: the atmosphere, facility, equipment. The real gems are the people; coaches, fighters and the gym community. Super friendly and approachable. The coaches have extraordinary amount of experience and I liked the different techniques they introduced. The trips were organized perfectly. Such a treat to see the beauty of Cambodia and how much it can offer to a tourist like myself (… including .50 cent beers)!!!’

Joanna from the United States

‘Excellent organization, great communication, wonderful and helpful staff, well equipped gear, attention to each individual. We have never done something like this, and would definitely do it again. A big thank you.’

Cécile from Switzerland

‘I spent one month here and it was the best investment in myself I’ve ever made, so rewarding in many ways. Daz, Rith and Bora are all amazing coaches that make you train hard but still have a really good time and laugh a lot. I will surely try to come back at some time, thank you guys once again for an amazing time!’

Jon P from England

August 30, 2020October 30, 2019 Dave Kelly Master & Schools, reviews

Shengjing Shan Kung fu Academy Review

by Tim Miller

My experience at Shengjing Shan kung fu academy has been one of the best experiences in my life. I have been here for 8 months and I am in the best physical and mental condition I’ve ever been in. I have lost the most weight I’ve ever lost in my life (30 pounds). It is deep in the mountains and has very little to no distractions which makes it a great location if you’re looking to focus on learning kung fu. The student environment is also very friendly. Everyone is very nice to each other and is there to help you when you need it. I’ve met some of the most interesting people I’ve ever met before at this academy. Master Qu is one of the best masters you could hope for. He teaches each student at their own pace based on their ability and condition, yet at the same time he pushes you to become stronger and better than you were yesterday. It is clear he cares about his students, not only on a physical and mental level, but also as a person in general. He has made this place feel like a second home.

Tim went to Shengjing Shan Kungfu Academy for 8 months. During this time he lost weight and got fitter than he’d ever been before. If you would also like to learn kung fu in China, get fit or loose weight there are some great options available for you to get fighting fit and reclaim your life. For further information and advice email info@studymartialarts.org to learn more.

July 30, 2020October 30, 2019 Dave Kelly Martial Arts, Master & Schools

Xinglin Traditional Shaolin Kung fu Academy – Reviewed

by Bianca Houtzager

My experience here at Kung Fu Xing Lin Academy has been more amazing and rewarding than I expected, and one that I wish wasn’t ending so soon. Within a week of arriving here, I felt very comfortable, happy, inspired and peaceful, and had already began dreading having to leave.

The environment of the temple complex is amazing and so beautiful. It is very special to live and train in a Buddhist temple and be a part of the daily life here. The monks, nuns and residents of the temple are always so friendly and welcoming. I really enjoyed being apart of the ceremonies and events at the temple, as well as eating with the monks. The location is stunning! I appreciate Sikong Mountain every day, and the view from my front door every morning. The school’s remote location makes for a perfect atmosphere to train gong fu and to focus on internal development. The mountains, the forests, the flowers, the insects and the temple buildings make this place so beautiful, I love it.

The living standard is good and I have felt very comfortable here. The food is really nice, healthy and delicious, (especially when Shifu cooks!) and the accommodation is good, comfortable, with good sized rooms and bathrooms. I love the view from the top floor!

The training is great and feels very authentic. It is hard, but only as hard as you make it. The harder you train, and the more you focus, the more rewarding it is. Shifu is a very skilful teacher, it has been a pleasure to be taught by him. He has such an in-depth knowledge of Chinese martial arts, history and Buddhism and it is very interesting and enjoyable to learn from him. He is good at creating training plans unique to each student by giving them forms that match their strengths and/or challenge their weaknesses. I felt like this particularly with my spear form, its suits me but also challenges me a lot. I had to really think about the movements and techniques and try not get discouraged when I found them difficult. I like how when Shifu gives you a new form he tells you some information about it first, including the name and history, and during the learning process explains movements and applications. But all of this would not be possible without Cindy, who does a great job of translating for Shifu, as well as managing and communicating with students and helping us when we need.

I like how the training week is structured and I like the variety of skills we are taught. The Shaolin gong fu is the main focus, but the wing chun, qi gong, and jumps class are all really interesting, especially wing chun, and they all compliment and help in other aspects of training. If I was here for longer I would include sanda into my training too… maybe next time. All these different styles and practises train different areas, but all benefit each other. I understand more now that the reason I enjoy practising martial arts is because it trains every part of myself, physically, mentally and spiritually, and it applies to all aspects of my life. I have found learning qi gong to be very beneficial and enjoyable. It has helped me understand the importance of having a quiet and focused mind when practising forms and techniques, and to develop more awareness of my body and its energy. It is also just a relaxing thing to do on a Thursday morning, to be peaceful and soft and listen to the birds and the leaves.

Overall this school provides students with such an enriching cultural experience that I imagine would be difficult to find in other places. Shifu and Cindy have created a wonderful school and place for foreign students to experience traditional Chinese martial arts, Chinese culture and Buddhism. I have enjoyed my stay here so much and gained a lot from it, and I cannot wait to come back!!!

Thank you Shifu and Cindy.

To read more reviews of the school visit the school profile page on the StudyMartialArts.Org site.

June 1, 2020May 1, 2020 Dave Kelly Master & Schools

Latest School Review – Xinglin Traditional Shaolin Kung fu Academy

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This review from a student highlights why the services provided by StudyMartialArts.Org are so vital when booking the right intensive martial arts experience. With so many kung fu schools to choose from it’s easy to get lost in romantic notions of hard training, and great martial arts masters like Pai Mei.

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“I went for a month and a half and It felt more like a kung fu themed holiday at times rather than a training trip but that may be down to the group I was with. Training was interrupted with snacks and drinks frequently, we were taken to a spa and taken for meals, drinks and karaoke. Many in my group enjoyed this aspect of the trip but if your primary goal is to train hard and improve significantly this may not be the best choice Favouritism is very apparent (he will only learn the names of favoured students) and usually based more heavily on the lightness of your skin/hair than training ethic or character. I have met others who received good quality teaching from Xinglin and come back with greatly improved skill.

I would recommend traveling solo and taking several months out for the best training experience and not asking to learn a particular weapon or style. The food is home cooked and very good, accommodation is comfortable and air conditioned so don’t expect to live like a Buddhist monk.

Translator Cindy is extremely friendly and kind”.

If you would like to read more reviews for this school or other schools in China, Thailand and Japan click this link to learn more with StudyMartialArts.Org.

February 29, 2020October 30, 2019 Dave Kelly China, Master & Schools, Travel & Training

My Stay at Rising Dragon Martial Arts School

by SMA Student Bianca

Push up Challenge

My stay at Rising Dragon Martial Arts School (RDS) was overall an amazing experience, and one that I will always cherish. The people, the temple, the hard and the fun moments, I miss them all. Self growth, mentally and physically is a given at RDS, push yourself and you will see great results. I would definitely recommend this experience to anyone who wants to get fit and learn some kung fu in a beautiful location. The school location is great, set in a beautiful temple complex with a backdrop of mountains and clean air, and beautiful forest everywhere that we ran through and could take walks.

The Training

The training itself was hard and challenging. It pushed me to my limits and beyond many times, which mostly I think was good, and I have gained a lot from it. I do think however, that at times it was too much. 6hrs of intensive exercise and training 5 days/week is a lot, especially if you are not at a high level of fitness already. My body became a lot stronger very quickly, but it has been pushed very hard and I have been struggling with injuries because of it.

I also found that because of the intensity of the morning circuits, I was unable to train to my fullest during the Shaolin class. If you are after fitness with kung fu mixed in, then you will love RDS, if you want more martial arts, then maybe its not the right place. In saying that, Meng, the Shaolin teacher, is amazing! Such a skilful Shaolin master and a great person and friend. It was a pleasure to be taught by him and to watch him demonstrate movements.

Activities & Food

Some of the activities and martial arts styles that are supposedly available, are not, or were not when I was there, which was disappointing. There was no mandarin, calligraphy or buddhism classes, minimal tai chi and no qigong. The food was pretty good and tasty, a bit too oily at times, but had a decent variety of veg and protein. No fruit is provided unfortunately, but you can by this in town. The accommodation is good, decent sized rooms, private bathrooms, western toilets, hard single beds, but hey its China. All in all, can’t complain, I was comfortable.

How I booked this experience

I definitely recommend booking through StudyMartialArts.Org (SMA) and utilising all the useful information that is provided here. Also David is amazing and super helpful and will make sure you pick the right school that suits your needs and make sure you get there.

November 15, 2019October 30, 2019 Dave Kelly Martial Arts, Master & Schools

Essentials of Rest and Recovery at Martial Arts Camps

Here’s my latest article on the essentials of rest and recovery. Check it out.

Rest, and recovery are critical components of any successful training program at an intensive martial arts training camp. In my experience it is a component under-utilised in intensive training environments. Students want to get the most out of their time, so push hard. In this article I discuss the ‘Essentials of Rest and Recovery at martial arts training camps’.

Rest to enhance performance

As a way to enhance performance rest and recovery is too often overlooked. Understanding the difference between rest and recovery and how to properly implement them both is the key. If you’re training 5-8 hours per day for 5-6 days a week, you have to consider how sustainable that is. Making the most out of your rest, and recovery time is essential. If you define rest as a combination of sleep, and time not training then the quality of your sleep, and the time you spend not training will be critical. With many full-time martial arts schools packing their timetables with morning, afternoon, and evening training sessions. How you sleep, and spend the time in-between these classes is even more important.

September 3, 2019August 26, 2019 Dave Kelly China, Martial Arts, Master & Schools, Travel & Training

Review of Tancheng Chan Kung fu School

Check out some of the latest reviews of Tancheng Chan Kung fu School one of the most affordable schools available for learning kung fu in China.

Tan Cheng Chan Wu International Kung fu School

Tancheng Chan Wu International Kung fu School is an all-inclusive residential kung fu school in China offering food, accommodation, martial arts training and additional classes for very reasonable prices. At this kung fu school you can learn Shaolin Kung fu, Taichi, Qigong, Wing Chun, Calligraphy, and even Chinese traditional music. With 3 meals a day included as well as the choice of rooms or a private apartment students are given a level of flexibility that is not available at some other international martial arts schools in China in terms of accommodation options.

Located in Linyi, Shandong Province and close to Mengshan National Park the martial arts school has a rural feel as well as a good Kung fu Master to Kung fu Student ratio. Living costs at the school are low and the school translators are more than happy to provide students with assistance when necessary either when learning kung fu or for daily life.

Ashraf Abouali, from Lebanon

“The Tancheng Chan Kungfu School is a great place to learn Kungfu and experience the best form of the Chinese culture, it is located in a peaceful place surrounded by farms and large wheat fields, I learnt Wingchun and Shoilin Kungfu and gained a brotherhood that will stay with me for life. The masters are amazing, they care for you alot and they will consider you part of there family, and they will listen to all what you have to say and make you benifet from all you potentials. “

Salman Abouali, from Lebanon

“Tancheng Chanwu international kungfu school is the best place to learn kungfu and the best experience you can make in life with best masters.”

Markus Joohs, from Germany

“Good atmosphere to train and experience kungfu, friendly staff and experienced kungfu masters. Very nice area and real China feeling and great food, nice vegetarian options especially for breakfast. Have been there for a month and hope to go there soon again”.

Kenadid Osman, from Somalia

“A great place to learn kung fu, located in beautiful countryside by lashes and trees, masters are pretty helpful and professional, people at the school are friendly And place is so clean. It doesn’t matter whether you’re familiar with martial arts or not. In just three months i learnt kung fu skills that i will use over a lifetime.”

For further information on this school you can visit the studymartialarts.org website for an independent look at what the school has to offer. For a quick guide to pricing see their monthly prices below.

September 19, 2018November 2, 2017 Dave Kelly Martial Arts, Master & Schools, reviews

Shengjing Shan Kung Fu Academy – Review

Learning kung fu in China with Master Qu

by Tim Miller – from the USA

Learning kung fu in China

Sheng Jing Shan Kung Fu Academy specializes in the teaching of traditional Chinese Kung Fu and culture to students coming from all around the world. The main subjects taught include Shaolin kungfu, Bagua Palm, Mantis Fist, Tai Chi, Qigong and Sanda. In addition to martial arts the school also offers Chinese culture lessons, including Daoism, massage, and acupuncture. Here you can learn kung fu in China and experience Chinese martial arts and TCM culture.

Facilities: Indoor and outdoor training areas.

To learn more about the school and see a full independent review visit StudyMartialArts.Org