I arrived in Mengcun with two suitcases, a year of inconsistent martial arts experience, and no idea what to expect from training at the Baji Quan International Training Center in China. I left with something I had not planned on: a genuine feel for one of China’s most respected fighting arts, and an unexpected education in a culture I barely knew existed.
Mengcun is not where most foreigners learn kung fu. The famous schools cluster around Shaolin, Wudang, and the big cities. The Baji Quan International Training Center in Mengcun sits in Hebei Province’s farmland, and what it offers instead of fame is a focus on one style liked with a provincial pride. This is the birthplace of Baji Quan, a style developed here over three hundred years ago, and the school at its center is run by the family that has carried the art for eight generations. Grandmaster Wu Lianzhi is the officially recognized National Intangible Cultural Heritage inheritor of the style, and he and Master Wu Dawei still oversee training personally. Within my first week, a coach adjusted my stance with his hands in a way that fixed in one minute what months of videos had not. That is the difference between learning an art and learning about it.
The training itself is honest work. Mornings belong to fundamentals — low stances, the style’s famous single techniques, and internal post work that looks gentle and burns like nothing else. Afternoons rotate through forms, traditional weapons, combat application, and, for those ready, the body-striking post conditioning that Baji is known for. I will not pretend the post work was enjoyable. It was, however, effective, and the masters monitor it closely enough that you push hard without breaking anything.
The cultural dimension was the surprise I had not booked. Mengcun is a Hui Autonomous County, meaning a large share of the local population are Chinese Muslims, descendants of traders and settlers who arrived centuries ago. I came to know this first through the food, which was some of the best I ate in China — hand-pulled noodles, beef dishes built on the county’s famous braised beef craft, all halal by default. Then through the soundscape: the county’s many mosques, including Ming-era buildings in the old town, add a call to prayer to the rhythm of village life, and attending a Friday prayer as a respectful observer (with permission, and after explaining myself) was one of the most memorable hours of my stay. The school’s own heritage carries this thread too — Baji Quan’s founder, Wu Zhong, was a Hui Muslim, and the masters speak of the art’s principles as drawing on Islamic thought alongside China’s other traditions. As a non-Muslim, I never felt like an outsider in that story. I felt like a guest being shown something worth knowing.
A fair review needs the other side. Mengcun is small, quiet, and far from tourist infrastructure. English is rare outside the school, winter is cold, and evenings are what you make of them. If you need nightlife, variety of styles, or Western comforts, a bigger school will suit you better. Come here if you want depth instead: one art, taught properly, in the place it was born, surrounded by a living culture most travelers to China never encounter.
I came for kung fu and got that — real, structured, demanding kung fu. But when I think back, the training and the county are tangled together in my memory: the morning stances, the noodle shops, the old mosque, the masters’ corrections. That combination is what I would recommend to anyone, of any background, willing to trade comfort for authenticity.
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.
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:
Experience Authentic Kun Khmer Training in Cambodia
Are you ready to step into the heart of Cambodia’s ancient martial arts tradition? Kingdom Fight Gym offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn Kun Khmer—the national sport of Cambodia—in a professional, welcoming environment. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced fighter, this premier training facility in Phnom Penh delivers an authentic Cambodian martial arts experience that combines tradition, fitness, and cultural immersion.
What Is Kun Khmer?
A Muay Thai fighter practices powerful kicks on a heavy bag in a vibrant training gym
Kun Khmer is Cambodia’s ancient martial art, dating back to the Khmer Empire. It shares the same historical roots as Muay Thai from Thailand, Muay Lao from Laos, and Lethwei from Myanmar. Today, it stands as Cambodia’s national sport—a powerful striking art that emphasizes punches, kicks, elbows, knees, and devastating clinch techniques.
At Kingdom Fight Gym, the mission goes beyond simply teaching techniques. The gym aims to restore the ancient fighting art of Kun Khmer while providing a space where students can learn mutual respect, self-defense, connect with their culture, gain self-confidence, and develop as well-rounded individuals.
Kingdom Fight Gym is strategically located on Street 19z, Phnom Penh, near the popular Russian Market area. This central location makes it easily accessible for both locals and tourists. For those visiting Siem Reap, the gym also has a location near the iconic Temples of Angkor, allowing travelers to combine martial arts training with exploring one of the world’s most remarkable archaeological sites.
World-Class Coaching
The gym is run by Mark van Dongen and Kwok-Leung Tsang, who envisioned creating a social, cultural sports center that partners with local organizations to contribute to the lives of Cambodian youth. The coaching team consists of experienced local and foreign coaches, including active and retired fighters.
Reviews consistently praise the coaches for their expertise and patience. One recent visitor noted: “The coaches are sharp and will persist for the learner to get the moves right”. Another reviewer described their experience: “The coaches are truly fantastic, with a remarkable ability to break down complex techniques for all skill levels”. Coach Dina, in particular, receives frequent mentions for his technical instruction and ability to correct mistakes effectively.
English-Speaking Instructors
For international visitors, one of the biggest advantages is that coaches speak excellent English. The owner is fluent in English, ensuring clear communication and making the gym highly accessible for travelers from around the world.
Classes and Training Options
Kingdom Fight Gym offers a variety of training options to suit different schedules, skill levels, and goals:
Group Classes
The gym offers group classes for both kids and adults. Classes follow a structured format: warm-up, technique drilling, pad work, and optional light sparring for experienced practitioners. The atmosphere is energetic yet supportive, making it ideal for beginners and intermediate students alike.
Private Training
For personalized attention, private training sessions are available with experienced coaches. One reviewer shared: “Just finished a private training with coach Dina. He pointed out all my mistakes. Learned a lot in an hour”. Private sessions are affordable and packed with valuable technical advice.
Intensive Training Camps
Kingdom Fight Gym offers Kun Khmer intensive training camps that include two 2-hour long classes per day. These camps are perfect for those seeking rapid improvement and deep immersion in the art.
Family and Group Workshops
Looking for a unique group activity? The gym offers Private Kun Khmer Workshops designed for families, friends, or corporate groups. These 1-2 hour sessions let you connect in an active, engaging way and are open to all fitness levels. Children aged 6 years and above are welcome.
Pricing That Fits Every Budget
Kingdom Fight Gym offers transparent and affordable pricing:
Session Type
Price
Drop-in session
$10
Monthly membership
$100
Private session (1 hour)
$30
Drop-ins are welcome, but booking ahead for private sessions or cultural packages is recommended, especially during high season (November-March).
The gym boasts modern, clean, and air-conditioned facilities—a welcome relief from Phnom Penh’s tropical heat. Available equipment includes:
Boxing gloves
Shin guards
Thai pads
Heavy bags
Speed bags
A full boxing ring
The gym also features indoor and outdoor training areas, ensuring comfortable training regardless of weather conditions.
Cultural Immersion Beyond Training
What sets Kingdom Fight Gym apart is its commitment to cultural immersion. Beyond physical training, the gym offers:
Kun Kru ceremony experiences—traditional rituals honoring martial arts masters
Fight night excursions—watch live Kun Khmer matches
Partnerships with local hotels—complete martial arts holiday packages
This holistic approach transforms a simple workout into a meaningful cultural journey.
Community Impact and Social Mission
Kingdom Fight Gym is more than a business—it’s a force for good. The gym supports underprivileged Cambodian youth with free training, education, nutrition, and housing. By offering training camps and group classes, they provide young Cambodians with opportunities to learn discipline, self-defense, and valuable life skills.
What Students Are Saying
With a perfect 5.0 rating across 25 reviews on Tripadvisor, Kingdom Fight Gym consistently exceeds expectations:
“If you’re looking to train kickboxing in Cambodia then Kingdom Fight Gym is a perfect spot. The staff are friendly, accommodating and provide great coaching for all different skill levels. The gym is clean, provides any training gear you might need and has a great feel to it.”
“Loved my week here! Very welcoming, great for both newbies and seasoned fighters. I was particularly impressed by the sparring culture which allowed me to get good rounds in with experienced fighters while being safe and controlled for anyone sparring for the first time.”
“The best fight gym in Siem Reap. You get more than what you expected. Very nice and intense workout. Especially good boxing technique they guide you. Very good vibe and good people.”
How to Get Started
Getting started at Kingdom Fight Gym is simple:
Location: Street 19z, Phnom Penh (near Russian Market)
Hours: Open Monday to Saturday, 8am–7pm (some sources note 7am–9pm)
What to bring: Comfortable clothes, water (at least 1.5 liters), towel, gym shoes, and hand wraps for hygiene
Booking: Drop-ins welcome; book private sessions in advance
Whether you’re visiting Cambodia for a holiday, living in Phnom Penh, or planning a dedicated martial arts training trip, Kingdom Fight Gym offers an authentic, welcoming, and professionally-run experience. Train hard, learn from the best, and discover the warrior within—all in the heart of Cambodia.
Ready to start your Kun Khmer journey? Visit Kingdom Fight Gym today and book your session!
