Walk tall, feel powerful, and inspire others to do likewise
Master Yourself, Master Your Life
Unleash the hero within you
Meticulously developed over 15-years, the Nam Yang Kung Fu Retreat stands as the epitome of Kung fu and Qigong excellence. Immerse yourself in these ancient arts within a Feng Shui inspired sanctuary, embraced by mountains, and the breathtaking vistas of the Pai River Valley.
200 Hour Intensive Kung Fu Teacher Certification.
Course Prospectus.
Summary
This course includes both hard and soft Kung Fu and Qigong (Chi Kung); examines the history, traditions, ethos, culture and philosophy of real Kung Fu and includes practical down to Earth training on how to teach, how to lead people and ‘people skills’. Experienced teachers know that these skills will make or break you as a teacher!
Benefits:
- Join one of the most established international Kung Fu families.
- Learn to empower people with confidence, self esteem, strength, health, fitness, wisdom and inner peace.
- Defend
self and others. - Learn how to speak with your body language, facial expression and eye contact.
- Embark on a continuing journey of learning and discovery.
- Extend your personal boundaries, conquer your limitations.
- Lead the way in shaping future generations.
What You’ll Learn:
The Sum Chien.
The most essential training method of real kung fu. Often thought of as the ‘hard’ expression of kung fu, in its original form (as we will teach to you) it is a mixture of hard and soft. This famous routine trains mind, body, spirit, emotion and, linking them all together, breath. As the old masters of kung fu agreed, if you only learn one routine, learn this one!
- Learn the moves and drill through them so as to reform your body.
- Learn the theory so as to unlock the deeper aspects and less obvious benefits.
- Learn how to teach Sum Chien and practise on the rest of your group.
Sun Frost White Crane Internal Art.
The Sun Frost White Crane Soft and Gentle Art. Internal kung fu at its most developed. This is the soft form of the revered Shaolin White Crane Art as taught in the Shaolin temple in Quan Zhou, Fukien Province, China.
- Daily practice building by roughly three postures a day.
- Correction and concentrated feedback by experienced teachers.
- Martial application.
- Theory on history, background, the names of the moves and their benefits to health (physical, mental and emotional), lifestyle, wisdom, consciousness and enlightenment.
- Supervised teaching practise.
Tong Ling Qigong For Health And Longevity.
Soft qigong, an ideal complement to hard kung fu training.
- 4 initial lessons to learn the exercise routines.
- Practise sessions most days – with instructors working around and correcting you. Experience real qigong practise in an ideal environment.
- Additional theory lessons: the body’s energy system, benefits to non verbals, character traits, emotional health etc, countering stress and anger – the power of calm.
- Full moon qigong practise.
- Lessons on how to teach / teaching practise. The only real way to learn is to do it!
Bodhidharma’s Vein – Tendon Qigong.
‘Hard’ Qigong to develop muscles, tendons / fascia and joints. Contrary to what we are often led to believe our strength is limited by the development of our fascia, not our muscle! And our ability to withstand blows is determined not by how strong we are at our strongest point but how strong we are at our weakest points – it is the weak points that give way. 1,500 years of constant practise have given rise to this astonishingly simple but effective system.
Introductory lessons including breathing with the diaphragm, abdominal compression, building elasticity in the fascia, opening the joints and using the whole body as a single unit. Benefits to non verbals, character traits etc. Daily practise for 15 minutes.
Shaolin Internal Strength.
The hallmark of Shaolin kung fu. This is generally considered very advanced but we will train you in the basics during your time with us.
- Clear explanation of the concept.
- Learn the training exercises.
- Try the training circuit with specialised equipment in our ‘kung fu gym’.
Breaking.
Everyone gets to break one or more concrete blocks.
Basic Conditioning.
Daily practise in toughening the hands and wrists.
Pushing Hands.
The kung fu ‘wrestling’ exercise which trains stability, touch sensitivity, evasion, balance and reaction.
- Introductory lesson.
- Periodic lessons on technique.
- Daily practise.
Kicking.
Five different kicks drawn from traditional Kung Fu:
- Groin kick
- Front thrust kick
- Side thrust kick
- Heel kick
- Crane kick
Basic Stretching
A flexible body is important for the practise of kung fu and qigong. We know a lot of secrets as to how to stretch your body out and in so doing open your meridians.
- Detailed theory of how to stretch.
- Regular practise.
- Theory and practise on how to teach.
History And Traditions.
The real story of Shaolin from its founder, the Indian monk Bodhidharma to present. Insights into the hidden world of kung fu. Question times with Master Iain who has, lived 43 years in this fascinating culture and travelled to over 30 countries in pursuit of real kung fu.
Ethos, Culture.
The Nam Yang code of conduct and how it relates to the philosophies of Basics of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. Understanding the culture of kung fu and why ‘family values’ are so important.
Teaching, Leadership, Psychology.
- How to teach
- How to lead.
- How to motivate
- How to inspire.
"Great teaching is less about filling a bucket than about lighting a fire."
Some example of lessons that you will take part in:
- Benefits of our art: self esteem, confidence, communication, energy.
- What do people want from Kung Fu training? Why is Kung Fu relevant to people in the present time?
- Shuang Yang: meanings behind the names of the 66 moves.
- Kung Fu and psychology: how does Kung Fu affect our thinking?
- Going beyond thought. Embodied psychology. Flow. Emotion.
- Chi, stress and anger. Sinking your chi.
- Non verbal communication: speaking with your body and your tone.
- Coaching sum chien – bringing it to life!
- Being a teacher – being a good teacher.
- How to conduct your self as a teacher
- Communication: how best to help your students understand.
- Connecting with your students
- How our art affects our character
- Organising a Nam Yang Group.
Instructors
Master Iain Armstrong
Master Iain is a Kung Fu philosopher and author with 36 years of living Kung Fu. Trained personally by Grand Master Tan Soh Tin in Singapore, he’s a two-time world champion and veteran of real street battles. Famous for his high-quality Kung Fu teaching, his instructional films and magazine articles, and for his demonstrations of Iron Shirt Qigong, Master Iain is a mine of information but retains a very practical, down to earth, and realistic approach. Most people who meet him are struck by his air of calm, patience, and wisdom.
The Nam Yang Teaching Team.
Our teachers are our greatest asset. In any school, and in particular in martial arts schools, nothing makes more difference than the quality, experience and character of the teachers. They are the people who make the school great. We know that a great teacher not only needs to know their Kung Fu, they also have to know how to pass it on to others.
Course Dates:
Spaces are limited and avilable on a first booked – first served basis.
- October 31st, 2026 - November 28th, 2026.
- January 30th, 2027 - February 27th, 2027.
- May 29th, 2027 - June 26th, 2027.
Price:
- Full Package with Private Room: $4,620
- Full Package with Shared Room: $3,300
Paying for an Instructor course does not guarantee passing the course or receiving a teachers certificate. Read the FAQ (bottom of this page) to learn what you will need to do to pass
Testimonials - What people are saying about this course:
“I signed up for (the 200 hour teacher training course) on the back of almost 3 months training and I’m so glad I did. My development as a leader, teacher and as a person came through many hours of FaceTime with Master Iain. He is an incredible person and to be learning from someone who is the embodiment of Kung Fu, is somewhat priceless. My Kung Fu came on leaps and bounds but i took much more than extra hours training from him. This course was 50 hours a week, for 4 weeks and it was incredibly difficult and would not be for everyone, but if you’re motivated and willing to put in the work the rewards are many.” -Anthony, Student
"What I achieved during my stay was exactly what I wanted. I think of my time here as a life investment. I have become both physically and mentally stronger." -Vinny K, Student
"It was one of my best lifestyle experiences so far. The lessons were intense, diverse, fun, challenging, sometimes mentally tough but so rewarding making progress each minute of the training. Master Iain has build something special over there and he is indeed a true Master. His wisdom and knowledge being shared over there is just fantastic." -Floris L, Student
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is this course intended for? What are the entry requirements?
A: People with a strong desire to become a teacher, leader and role model but who perhaps lack the time and the money to complete a longer course. It is open to those with no prior experience. A reasonable level of physical fitness is desirable. Since the schedule is very demanding, only the dedicated should apply. Character values are important. If you are rude, disrespectful, lazy or similar this is not the right course for you!
Q: What qualification does this lead to?
A: Successful completion of this course will secure you a Level 1 teaching certificate allowing you to teach Kung Fu and Qigong with the recognition and authority of Nam Yang Pugilistic Association.
Q: What will be my future progression?
A: Successfully completing this level 1 course gives you the opportunity to take on of our teaching internships which lead to level 2 certification. This is not compulsory, though. We will do our best to support you with online training and a variety of future courses. You will be welcome to stay and train with us at the Kung Fu Retreat when you want. Ideally we want you to succeed as a teacher, leader and role model and to expand our kung fu family. We will do what we reasonably can to support you with this.
Q: Who are the teachers?
A: The course will be lead by Master Iain Armstrong who will deliver a lot of the training directly. The rest of the teaching will be done by the resident teaching team here.
Q: What is a grading? How do they work?
A: During your time with us you will take one certified kung fu grading (examination). The cost of this is included in the course fee – you will not be asked to pay extra.
Q: Can I extend my stay beyond 4 weeks?
A: Yes. You will be welcome to continue at the Kung Fu Retreat and further your training. There are two ways of going about this:
- Apply for a teaching internship - from 12 weeks with our Fast Track Internship. This is our recommended option.
- Simply book an extension. The cost will be as usual, based on the length of stay. We will continue to coach you as a teacher and arrange teaching practise for you.
- Please let us know exactly what you want and we will do our best to make it happen.
Q: Can I come before the course?
A: Yes. You will be welcome to come and begin your training on our OpenStay program before the instructor course starts. This will give you a head start on our arts before beginning instructor training. Simply book your instructor course, and a second book for your openstay training. Then let us know the date in which you'd like to come.
Q: What will I need to do to pass?
A:
- Attend the lessons. A minimum attendance rate of 85% is required.
- Conduct your self in a fashion worthy of an instructor – i.e. with dignity and respect. Follow our code of conduct.
- Make a reasonable effort with your training.
- Most people will pass. Displays of bad character, rudeness aggression, disrespect, argument and similar may stand in the way of your receiving a teacher’s certificate. We expect anyone representing us as a teacher lead by example with good character values.
Q: If I do not pass the first time, can I take the course again?
A: Yes.
Q: If I did not pass because I missed part of the training, can I take just that part again?
A: Yes, in which case you will only have to pay for that part of the course.
Q: Does my teaching certificate need to be renewed every 2 years?
A: Yes. We are dedicated to maintaining a high standard amongst our teachers. Hence we require teachers to pursue their own training. We believe that if our teachers slack on their own training and let their standards drop it will bring the whole association and its teachers and students into disrepute.
Q: What do I have to do to renew my teaching certificate?
A: Either:
- Complete at least 14 days training per two years (i.e. and average of 1 week / year) with a ‘master level’ teacher or:
- Complete a 1 week instructor’s refresher course.
- Online renewal is coming soon. 🙂
Q: Will I have to pay for my certificate renewal?
A: No. Training is charged as usual. Provided that you complete the training, certificate renewal is free of charge.
Q: Can I split the courseo over two visits?
A: Yes. Although we don’t particularly recommend this. For people who can only take short breaks from work or other commitments, it is possible to take this course in two parts – most likely of two weeks each. The certificate will be issued at the end of the course.
Q: What resources will you supply?
A: You will be supplied with Master Iain’s book Get Your Health Back Fast With Chinese Chi Kung: digital copy after paying, hard copy on arrival. You will be given access to a large volume of notes, videos and pictures stored online.
Q: What support will you give me as a newly qualified teacher?
A: We will help with publicising your classes where we can, provide letters of endorsement, give you access to our logos, supply uniforms etc.