Q: What is the purpose of the Kung Fu Island Retreat?

A: The purpose of the Nam Yang Kung Fu Island Retreat is to provide a profound journey of self-discovery and transformation for individuals seeking to break free from the constraints hindering personal growth. Our curriculum emphasizes training not only the body but also the mind, emotions, spirit, and soul. Through intensive practice, you will strengthen your body, tendons, sharpen your reflexes, and discipline your minds, fostering a holistic approach to personal development.

Q: What is the philosophical basis of your teachings?

A: Kung Fu is built around the three philosophies that have shaped China: Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. We teach about all of these philosophies although more about Taoism and Buddhism than Confucianism. Please understand that these are philosophies, not religions and that our teachings are available to people of all beliefs.

Q: Where is the retreat located?

A: We are located on a privat Island in the waters of the Veluwemeer, near to Harderwijk in The Netherlands. It is a privat island, with all proper accomodations, like tents, areas for meals, training areas and nature.

Q: How do I get to the Retreat?

A: see directions

Q: How much does it cost?

A: see tarifs

Q: When can I come to the Retreat?

A: We offer 2 blocks. Your experience starts on September 1th 2025 until September 5th 2025 OR/AND September 8th 2025 until September 12th 2025

Q: What is the language used at the Retreat? Do I need to know Thai or Chinese?

A: All teachers are fluent in English and most are native speakers. English is the common language here and all lessons are conducted in English. Conversation between students is almost always in English. It is also very easy to get by with English in the local area.

Q: Where can I read reviews about your retreat?

A: You may find our students’ testimonials on Tripadvisor, Google Reviews, and our social media pages like Facebook and Instagram from our Nam Yang retreat in Thailand: Kungfuretreat.com

Q: Is the retreat suitable for beginners, intermediate, or advanced practitioners?

A: Nam Yang Kung Fu Island Retreat is suitable for all levels. Any previous experience in martial arts should prove very helpful to you and will allow you to progress more quickly with our training. Should you have no previous experience, then you need not worry about being new to this. Many of our students arrive with no knowledge or experience in Kung Fu, Qigong or meditation, but all leave fitter, more experienced, and better than when they came. We will get you off to a very strong start and it is very likely there will be others here with zero experience.

Our advice: do not hesitate, you will not regret coming.

Q: I am a female travelling alone, is it safe for me to come by myself? Do you have other Female students or Instructors?

A: Yes, The Netherlands is an extremely safe place! Females travelling alone should not worry about any danger. We also have female instructors and often have female students with us who have immensely enjoyed their fulfilling and exciting experience here.

Q: How does your Retreat promote a healthy lifestyle?

A: We wake early, sleep early, exercise very intelligently, eat healthy and maintain a strictly stress-free environment. We also promote contentment and tolerance of each other. Very importantly, we employ special breathing methods around which our exercises are based, and we meditate regularly.

Q: What are the age groups of the students at the Retreat? Could I come even if I’m in my 60s?

A: We welcome students who belong to all age groups. We have previously held kung fu classes for children, had students who are in their gap year, and have also accepted students who are in their 60’s and 70’s who have all done very well at our Retreat so you should have no problem at all. Master Iain Armstrong himself is in his 60s.

Q: I’m out-of-shape/not very fit. Is this suitable for me?

A: Yes, absolutely. We always take students as they are and support them towards their goals.

Q: Can I speak with someone over the phone or video call?

A: Yes, our manager Coen would be very happy to talk with you. Please use our contact form to get in touch with him.

Accommodations and Facilities

Q: What type of accommodations are available?

A: We offer shared rooms (shared between 2 or 4 people), private rooms for single occupancy, and private rooms for couples to share. Read more about our accommodation on our website.

Q: Are meals provided? What kind of dietary options are available?

A: We provide breakfast and lunch every day and evening meal 3 days during this week. Drinking water is supplied free with meals and is available from the kitchen free of charge at any time for resident students. We can cater for standard Dutch and vegetarian diets. We cannot cater for High Protein (Body Building) or Severe Nut Allergies

Q: What facilities are available on-site (e.g., training facilities, meditation areas, etc.)?

A: Our facilities include 2 training areas – 1 of which is roofed with mats . We also have a Tree House, Dining area and relax area where we prepare food and teas,

Q: Do you train under the sun when it is hot?

A: We never train under the sun when it is hot. Lessons will take place in the roofed training areas. For morning lessons, we will use the open training area in the early mornings before the sun is hot.

Q: Is there a kitchen for student use?

A: We have kettles and tea making facilities available to students. We do not have a student kitchen as it raises hygiene and safety issues.

Q: Is Wi-Fi or 4G available? Is it good enough to work remotely?

A:. If you absolutely have to have internet all the time that you are here, no exceptions, then you should consider buying a sim card with 4G which should never be cut out. The phone networks here are super reliable. Ultimately, the internet at the Retreat will be fine over 99% of the time. We are constantly upgrading our connection as better packages become available.

Q: Is there laundry available on-site?

A: no

Q: What should I pack?

A: Most of what you need for training and relaxing.

Shoes. We train barefoot, so the most you will need is flip flops. You might want tennis shoes for walking around town in or if you plan to go on a run.

Washkit, Toiletries, etc. (Please note that we do provide personal items such as soap, shampoo, toilet paper, etc. We do provide towels and bedding.)