Camp 2019 in Jämtland, Sweden

The training camp in July 2019 was a very special camp, because the Zi Ran Wu Yi Kung Fu school celebrated its 20th anniversary. All but a few students could arrange this time in summer for the camp and make this great trip together with the school.

The journey to Östersund, Sweden, was made in small, self-organized groups. This all worked out wonderfully. Once arrived, we lived in small cottages on a camping site about 30 minutes from Östersund. A small river was flowing through the site, which was used by many as a welcome cool down (or toughening up). It is fair to say that a morning swim in a cool river/lake is more effective than a cup of coffee ?

The training itself took place a few minutes drive from the campsite in a sports hall and a nearby sports field. Depending on the weather therefore indoors or outdoors. The subjects covered were very varied and challenged us physically as well as mentally. Among them were mobility and flexibility exercises, strength exercises, sparring, mental training and meditation. The lessons brought the understanding about the martial arts of each individual and the whole school to a higher level. We were able to practice many techniques and principles together and thus strengthen them. All this was supported by the surrounding nature and clean air.

Beside the training we made a trip to the nearby open-air museum “Jamtli”, where we experienced different ages of Sweden, learned some historical background about the country and its inhabitants and had a lot of fun. Furthermore one day we drove to Åre, which is about 2 hours away. There we trained on a plateau surrounded by meadows, forests and mountains. The training on the rather uneven terrain was very exciting and challenging. After the summery warm day we allowed ourselves a refreshment in a nearby river before we drove back to the camping site.

The wonderful and enriching time we spent together in this camp will be long remembered. The new experiences we made will support us in our future learning of the martial arts and on our path of life.