My Journey To The Nam Yang Kung Fu Retreat

It all started when I completed my graduation with a B.Com from the University of Rajasthan. Like most graduates, I was preparing for entrance exams like CAT, MAT CMAT, and many others to get into a reputed business school. I was doing fine and I got into a good business school in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra. I got admitted for the 2016-2018 batch sometime around March 2016 and my orientation was in June 2016. I asked my parents if I could go to a Kung Fu retreat in Thailand. And they said that I should focus on my career and education first. After having a decent education and a job, I could do what I wanted.


Might sound a bit controlling, but that’s how it works in the region where I am from in India. Now, don’t get me wrong here. My parents are very supportive. But, that’s the norm. School, graduation, master's, and then a job.


I agreed to it and went on to do my Master's in Financial Markets. I was staying in the college hostel for the first year, that is for 2 semesters. The first semester is usually the most difficult. You meet many people, make new friends, try to fit in, want to be heard and known, and amongst many other things, you also want to perform well. Somewhere among all these things I wouldn’t say I was losing my confidence, but I lost sight of what I was doing. In that monotony, everything was still.


One evening, at the beginning of my second semester, I saw some kids in Kung Fu uniforms and asked them about it. They told me that Mr. Deshraj Kadam teaches Kung Fu in the school right behind my hostel. The classes were held thrice a week and I joined these classes. So, I was not in a bad place to begin with but I felt vitalized after joining those classes. I was able to feel good about myself again.


All those insecurities that had laid a foundation in my brain started absolving. Nothing really changed. Same classroom studies, same projects, same group of awesome friends, The only change was these Kung Fu classes that I joined. It was then that I realized that I am the happiest when I am learning Kung Fu. I could only continue these classes for four months. That was enough for me to realize what I wished to pursue.

I moved out of the hostel for my third and fourth semesters and couldn’t pursue Kung Fu in Navi Mumbai anymore. The third and fourth semesters are a little different. You go for your 5-month industry program and make your capstone project. Amidst all this, I couldn't continue Kung Fu. I finished my master's and got placed in India’s one of the largest private sector banks. I worked in the bank for a year. I’ll skip the reasons as to why I left. I left the job in August 2019 and I took a break for a few months because I wanted to go for the basic skiing course in Gulmarg, Kashmir, India. I started looking for a job after I came back home from the skiing course in March 2020. It was when COVID started and my break of a few months got extended.


I couldn't find a job that I wanted. After a long wait, I got a job at another bank in February 2021. I worked here for four months and my next job was in a start-up as a Business Manager. I worked here for seven months till November 2021. By then I had decided that I wanted to learn kung fu at a residential Kung Fu school. I got my visa and finally went to The Nam Yang Kung Fu Retreat in Pai, Thailand on the 2nd of April 2022.



A Journey of Discovery


I came to the Nam Yang Kung Fu Retreat for 70 days. I booked the 10-week program. I arrived here and I didn’t know what to do. I have lived such a sheltered life, that making a simple decision whether to eat at the retreat or eat in town felt like a task for me. It took me some minutes to come out of that passive mode.

It was not a challenge of any sort. Just the realization that I had become this passive, clicked something in my brain. I am adaptable and fairly calm so I was able to blend in well. It took some time but it happened. This is where my kung fu journey began. I came here for 10 weeks and ended up staying for 15 months. I learned Chi Kung & Kung Fu and I stayed there long enough to complete the Chi Kung and Kung Fu instructor courses.


Now, I am a Level 2 Instructor at the Nam Yang Kung Fu Retreat in Thailand. I have been teaching Chi Kung and Kung Fu for a little over a year now. I am glad I took this step and where I am now.



Mastery Through Practice

Kung Fu is a skill acquired through practice over a long time. I have honed my skills in forms, techniques, and Chi Kung by consistently working on them. It's only through practice that you get better and excel. To quote our grand master Tan Soh Tin, "All you need to do to succeed in Kung Fu is start and not give up."


When you train in the various aspects of Kung Fu, you get a better understanding of the art itself. In turn, this equips you with the skills that would make you an ideal teacher.

Teaching Kung Fu at the Retreat

Seeing How much Kung Fu has helped me in unspoken ways, I now desire to share my knowledge with others. It was overwhelming in the beginning being a teacher but I very much enjoy it now. I enjoy having the luxury to call myself a student and have embraced the teacher role as well. I take pride in calling myself a Nam Yang Instructor and being able to reach the students in my way.

A Vision for the Future

My vision is to open a Nam Yang Kung Fu Retreat in India. A retreat where you will find authentic Kung Fu teachings, a place free from all discrimination, and a community you can cherish. Working on your mindset is essential. But, to know which type of mindset to nourish is equally important. To extend what I have learned on my journey is the best way to see the change I envision.

Akshi Bhargava

Kung Fu and Chi Kung Instructor.

A traveler, teacher, and a learner.

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