china travel – White Crane Academy

White Crane Academy News

China November 2025

WCA China Trip from Friday, 7 to 21 November 2025. After our trip, I was sent this video - we made the news in China: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pc8LZqm5rjE Friday 21th Back home. Well, what a trip! It has been a pleasure the last two weeks to share so many experiences with such a great group of people. … Continue reading China November 2025

China, China 2024, Lifestyle, martial arts, Tai Chi, Travel, White Crane Academy News

China ’24 Blog. Part Two: Arrival in Jieyang

After two days of sightseeing and adjusting to the time zone and temperature in Hong Kong, it was time to venture over the border to Shenzhen. Then take the high speed train to our final destination of Ping’s new school on the outskirts of Jieyang. Filling up for morning at the very tasty breakfast buffet, … Continue reading China ’24 Blog. Part Two: Arrival in Jieyang

China 2023, Lifestyle, martial arts, Tai Chi, Travel

Eating, Training… and a bit (a lot) more Eating….

Mark's China Travelogue: Part 3 As students of mine will well know, it is important to sink your weight when practising tai chi. This becomes easier when training in China, as the deliciousness of the food ensures that there is more weight to sink! Like most places in China that I have been fortunate enough … Continue reading Eating, Training… and a bit (a lot) more Eating….

Drinking Tea, Making Friends… China Travelogue Part 2

I won’t bore you with a run down of the day-by-day account of my week’s stay in Jieyang… you’ll get the picture of a tea drinking, chatting, eating, and training daily routine soon enough! One of my favourite things to do when in China is venture into a local park in the early morning and … Continue reading Drinking Tea, Making Friends… China Travelogue Part 2

Weapons Training

If you like me love a good action movie, you will love the WCA weapons classes! It is less ominous than it sounds (although still pretty cool to wield a sword or a staff), in fact learning tai chi weapons is incredibly meditative. And at the same time fun! It adds an extra layer to your tai chi, you have a partner in crime in your weapon of choice, and like a dance, you eventually learn to perform a beautiful sequence of moves that at times could very well be described as a slow meditative ballet. Without having to go on the the tippy toes. Mark’s knowledge of both white crane and chen weapons is vast and all… Read more “Weapons Training”

Karina

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Not just for the kids!

I’ve been training with Mark for almost 3 years now, starting off with kung fu and then joining his tai chi classes too. Being a slightly older female new to martial arts I was reassured to find all Mark’s classes very friendly and supportive, with a mix of ages and abilities. Attending regularly, it didn’t take me long to notice improvements in both my strength and flexibility. Alongside the physical fitness aspect, my brain is also getting a good workout from memorising tai chi and kung fu forms. Taking up martial arts to gain confidence, focus and skill is not just for the kids, but perfectly valid and doable for people of all ages, and I’m forever grateful… Read more “Not just for the kids!”

Gabriella Lillsunde

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Fabulous Classes!

Meditation and Movement. I love, love, love this class! I have been attending WCA for 7 years now, and could actually have written in glowing terms about any of the various classes I attend during the week! – but as Meditation and Movement is the latest class I have joined I just wanted to let everyone know how fabulous it is! I can hardly wait for each Friday to come round! I have found that there is something about the way Mark leads this which enables us to access the restoration that our bodies and minds are crying out for in this frantic, fast-paced world – and not only access it, but carry it with us as we… Read more “Fabulous Classes!”

Lynne

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Best decision ever……

I was recovering from a long illness and desperate to get back into keeping fit. I had read Tai Chi could help me recover. If by luck Mark Stevenson was starting a new local weekly Tai Chi class. That was over 10 years ago and i have achieved more than I thought possible. Mark’s passion and energy for Tai Chi is infectious that you cannot help but enjoy every class and come out feeling full of energy too. I have fully recovered thanks to Mark’s dedication to Tai Chi and this year even find myself joining Mark and fellow Tai Chi students to China, beyond my wildest dreams 10 years ago.Best decision ever I made to join Mark’s… Read more “Best decision ever……”

Brenda Middleton

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Highly recommended

I’ve been attending Saturday Tai Chi classes since last summer. The classes are warm and inclusive and enable me, someone who often feels uneasy in groups, to feel comfortable and supported. Mark is clearly an expert and experienced teacher, and this manifests in his patient and steady teaching. I particularly like the blend of warm-up, Qigong, and forms practice that compose the average class. If you are thinking of Tai Chi and looking for a place to practise and learn, I heartily recommend White Crane Academy.

Barbara K

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More than just a teacher!

Mark has taught my kids kung fu, kickboxing and sparring for many years now. I can honestly say he has played a major part in their formation, teaching them discipline, persistence, respect and the joy of a fit body. More recently I have started tai chi classes, after a break of many years, which brings me huge joy. Mark is accomplished as a practitioner and teacher – he clearly lives his art. But on top of that, he really holds his community with his reliable, trustworthy and generous presence. During lockdown he offered free online classes, teaching Mandarin to the kids. i was very touched by this, it was above and beyond what anyone expected and I remain… Read more “More than just a teacher!”

Charlie Whitestone

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I would recommend weapons training to anyone as a way to add to their experience of tai chi.

Over 10 years ago I bumped into Mark. That encounter caused me to resume my practice of tai chi, but this time with an instructor of real quality. At first the focus was the White Crane open hands form. When I was coming towards the end of learning the form, Mark spoke about what was next. I had already learnt the cane form – a short sequence of graceful moves. You’d be surprised at what can be done with a walking stick! The options were the sword or the fan. I chose the sword. Starting this form was another challenge- not only all the hand, foot and body movements of the open hand form, but now controlling a… Read more “I would recommend weapons training to anyone as a way to add to their experience of tai chi.”

Tom Nicholson-Pratt

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Patience, Encouragement and always a ‘good listener’

I first met Mark some 11 years ago when I had recently been given the news, after a few years of tests etc, that I had a long term neurological disease. I felt relieved when told, which may seem strange, but I was beginning to think I was imagining things and going crazy. All this had knocked my confidence in many ways and I had become very insular. I started a one to one ‘back to fitness’ course with Mark which then gradually became one to one Tai Chi, followed by joining classes, most of which went well. (I still can’t handle that fan it always ends up biting me). Well I am still having classes with Mark… Read more “Patience, Encouragement and always a ‘good listener’”

Norma Speller

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Excellent Tuition and Knowledge

Mark is an excellent teacher of several Tai Chi forms, qi gong and Strength, Mobility and breathe work. His knowhow and patience in teaching the accurate forms in tai chi produces great results. The classes are friendly and inclusive. It’s a great way to increase body awareness and mindfulness, as well as helping your brain remember the form. Totally recommend.

Elizabeth Griffin

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great classes.

Been attending the Saturday Tai Chi class for about a year. Have seen much improved flexibility and balance as a result. Good banter in the class, good class size, very friendly. Mark, and others, always willing to help and coach. Have tried to learn Tai Chi several times in the past, this is the only one I have really progressed in and wanted to learn more Thoroughly enjoyable. Would recommend to anyone and everyone. 🙂

Emmet Hayes

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Movement and Meditation

I was nervous when I went to class for the first time as I had never been to any class before, I needn’t have worried as everyone made me feel welcome and I enjoyed the class. My fitness, breathing and balance have all improved and the meditation is really relaxing. Mark is a very good teacher and doesn’t expect us to know all the moves.

Merle Harrison

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Kung Fu Family Classes – Great Fun for all

My children and I first started the WCA Saturday family kung fu classes 8 years ago, and from the very first class, we absolutely loved it! It’s fun, we get fit, and on top of that we learn self defence! Not only that, it’s great to have an activity the whole family can take part in and enjoy together. Mark’s classes are engaging and educational. It’s not just about learning to throw a punch! Can highly recommend.

Karina

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I’ve really noticed how the strength in my legs and arms has increased since attending the class

Mark’s strength class is so beneficial, it’s challenging if you want it to be but you can work at your own level and gradually improve. It’s also fun and varied. I’ve really noticed how the strength in my legs and arms has increased since attending the class. Also balance, so important for over 50s – I can now do the balance exercises without holding on to the wall.

Jane Watkins, Cuckfield

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I thoroughly recommend White Crane Gentle Strength classes

As somebody over 60 who hadn’t done any regular exercise for several years, I thoroughly recommend White Crane Gentle Strength classes to anybody in the same boat who wants to get back into a gentle exercise routine & who would like to improve their well being & fitness levels. There are a wide range of exercises done at each class, so even if you are not as supple as you used to be, you should be able to do some if not all of the exercises. The classes are fun & rewarding with no pressure to do anything more than you are able to do. I for one have noticed an improvement in my balance, core strength &… Read more “I thoroughly recommend White Crane Gentle Strength classes”

Paul, Haywards Heath

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A good variation of exercises means that an overall body workout is always achieved

I first got involved with White Crane Academy when I did beginners Tai Chi classes locally. Mark was therefore my first port of call when I turned my focus to getting fit after years of not exercising and a sluggish lockdown 1. We started weight training once a week in my back garden and Mark would bring the equipment with him. Enjoying it so much and feeling heathier not only in my body but my mind too, I increased my sessions to 3 a week. I now go to Marks studio and garden which is well equipped and my training is going from strength to strength. Mark took great care to ensure I developed a good technique and… Read more “A good variation of exercises means that an overall body workout is always achieved”

Nanette, Haywards Heath

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Strength, fitness and flexibility has really improved

My kids have been training in Kung Fu with white crane academy for a number of years. As well as learning a martial art their strength, fitness and flexibility has really improved. This has in turn helped them with their confidence and has helped them when playing other sports such as football. I thoroughly recommend martial arts training for kids especially with the white crane academy.

Satisfied parent, Balcombe

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I enjoyed being able to burn off my energy and have fun

I enjoyed being able to burn off my energy and have fun whilst doing it. I like the environment with lots of friendly ppl and I like the lessons and the exercise itself

Harry, age 11, Balcombe

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All the benefits have made me so much stronger mentally and physically.

I have been learning the White Crane Tai Chi form with Mark for just over a year. During that time my health has improved in a number of ways, which has been a very pleasant surprise. I try to attend three classes a week and really enjoy the Qigong as well as the Tai Chi. Before starting the classes I had problems with my left knee, it just did not move properly and there was constant pain – all better now! My sense of balance has improved so much and I’ve also lost two inches off my waist! The most wonderful thing is that the tinnitus which I have had for about twenty years has calmed down so… Read more “All the benefits have made me so much stronger mentally and physically.”

Dilys, Haywards Heath

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I would recommend his classes

On the advice of my doctor because of balance problems I joined Mark’s Tai Chi classes. I was quite nervous at first not knowing what to expect but I can honestly say I have not looked back. Mark is an excellent teacher. My balance has improved and I look forward to each lesson. I would recommend his classes.

Carol, Haywards Heath

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Classes are relaxed and very friendly

Eighteen months ago I had my first ‘back to fitness’ session with Mark and appreciate everything he has done for me. I have a long term degenerative problem which affects my balance, concentration and thought process all of which has improved greatly since starting Tai Chi, Quigong and a general fitness programme with Mark. The classes are relaxed and very friendly. I definitely would recommend giving them a try.

Norma, Scaynes Hill

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