After a thorough (subject to interpretation) perusal of the site it's become more apparent to me that Shaolin (that is, the temple, the schools, the environ, etc) was and is not what I first believed it to be. And as insightful as your site is Doc, I can't help but feel overwhelmed by everything on here. Consequently, the revelation for me is to investigate the schools firsthand rather than taking the leap of faith by commiting to anything via a website or recommendation.
My adventure to Shaolin is planned for early next year. Luckily, my situation affords me the opportunity to arrive in Dengfeng and spend some time finding a school that 'fits'. I noticed on your videos you moved quite freely throughout the schools to inspect the facilities, would you say most schools would allow you to do the same? or is it generally a buy before you try policy?
Also, these schools are located in Dengfeng, or least on its outskirts by the looks of things; are there schools that operate further up in the mountains?
When I arrive my plan of attack was to find a hotel, hire a taxi for a day or two, then approach a list of schools one by one. Can you offer any advice about pursuing training this way? or is my faith misplaced in a method that will only end in more confusion?
Finally, the idea of enlisting in a school like Tagou is unappealing due the number of students and thus a lack of personal attention which seems implicit in its training (at least in my mind). I get the impression Shi De Yang is generally out of the country and that many of the masters do not teach regularly in their schools. Do many schools offer a more personalised approach? I don't necessarily mean one-on-one coaching but decent face-time with the masters.
Many thanks
My adventure to Shaolin is planned for early next year. Luckily, my situation affords me the opportunity to arrive in Dengfeng and spend some time finding a school that 'fits'. I noticed on your videos you moved quite freely throughout the schools to inspect the facilities, would you say most schools would allow you to do the same? or is it generally a buy before you try policy?
Also, these schools are located in Dengfeng, or least on its outskirts by the looks of things; are there schools that operate further up in the mountains?
When I arrive my plan of attack was to find a hotel, hire a taxi for a day or two, then approach a list of schools one by one. Can you offer any advice about pursuing training this way? or is my faith misplaced in a method that will only end in more confusion?
Finally, the idea of enlisting in a school like Tagou is unappealing due the number of students and thus a lack of personal attention which seems implicit in its training (at least in my mind). I get the impression Shi De Yang is generally out of the country and that many of the masters do not teach regularly in their schools. Do many schools offer a more personalised approach? I don't necessarily mean one-on-one coaching but decent face-time with the masters.
Many thanks
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