Zhongnan Mountain Dojo, China
The Zhongnan Mountain Dojo in Shaanxi, China is a retreat dojo established by Pengzu Academy. Drawing on the millennium-old Pengzu–Xufu lineage, and centred on the ancient practices of Pengzu esoteric arts, Tu-Na inner alchemy, foundation stake standing, and Bigu fasting, it offers a closed 2 nights + 2.5 days intensive training program (model course). Created for practitioners who seek the authentic root, the authentic method, and the balance of yin and yang, it offers pure cultural study, authentic practice and quiet contemplation to students from China and Japan.
Important notice
Dojo Gallery
Photo credit: on-site photographs of the dojo (13 September 2026)
1. Program positioning
To transmit the authentic Pengzu–Xufu wellness lineage. Practise the ancient methods of yin-yang harmonisation, Qi-breathing (Fu-Qi Tu-Na), stillness and spirit nourishment, Bigu fasting and quiet cultivation, body-mind return to origin, and foundation stake standing, blending the cultivation wisdom of the Chinese Taoist tradition, and offering authentic cultural exchange and practice study to practitioners from many countries.
2. Format and duration
- Residential · 2 nights + 2.5 days intensive (model course): fully removed from outside distraction, immersed in quiet cultivation, with oral transmission, hands-on practice and Q&A.
- Fasting is optional: from the second day onward, full fasting or light fasting is practised throughout the day, at each participant's own choice.
- Resident Health Manager: one dedicated health manager is on site for the whole program.
- Health checks: a full check-up on the first day (blood pressure, blood lipids, body weight and related indicators), the same items re-checked before completion, plus daily monitoring throughout the retreat.
3. Main practice content
- Morning Tu-Na inner alchemy: expelling the stale and taking in the fresh, releasing turbid Qi and drawing in the clean morning Qi.
- Foundation stake standing: adjusting form, breath and mind in the standing frame, with individual correction.
- Stillness and spirit nourishment: introduction to stillness, group seated meditation.
- Bigu quiet cultivation: full or light fasting by choice, with the health manager recording suitability.
- Theory classes and Q&A: the origin of the lineage and the essentials of cultivating mind and body.
- Pengzu Yin-Yang Harmonisation core method (transmission decided by the Dojo Master based on each student's disposition and foundation).
4. Schedule
Day 1 · Friday (half-day arrival)
Day 2 · Saturday (beginning the daily eightfold practice)
Day 3 · Sunday (full-day refinement, closing practice and completion ceremony)
5. Teaching team
6. Certificate rules
Participants who complete the full 2.5-day residential training receive the Pengzu Academy Junior Practice Certificate on the closing day.
The Pengzu–Xufu Lineage Inheritor Certificate is reserved for inner-disciples who have fully mastered the core Pengzu–Xufu Yin-Yang Harmonisation practice. It is not awarded at this completion. Within three months after completion, based on actual mastery, the participant may apply voluntarily; after the Dojo Master's initial review and review by the ancestral seat, it is examined separately and awarded at a later date.
7. Application notes
- This is a residential traditional-culture intensive retreat centred on quiet cultivation of body and mind, suited to those sincerely wishing to study ancient wellness methods and cultivate a calm mind. It is open to practitioners from China, Japan and other countries.
- During the program, dojo rules apply: noble silence, regular schedule, no loud noise, no disturbing others' practice. Fasting and cold-water bathing are both optional, chosen by each participant according to constitution; a resident health manager monitors health throughout.
- Applicants with serious illness, acute conditions or mental illness cannot be accepted at this time. Participants must truthfully disclose their health condition; any risk arising from concealed health problems is borne by the participant.
- Enrolment is confirmed by formal registration and payment of the commitment fee. Places are limited and ranked by order of reservation; the program officially opens once the minimum number of participants is reached and the Academy's opening approval is received.
8. Application form
- This is a residential traditional-culture intensive retreat centred on quiet cultivation of body and mind, suited to those sincerely wishing to study ancient wellness methods and cultivate a calm mind. It is open to practitioners from China, Japan and other countries.
- During the program, dojo rules apply: noble silence, regular schedule, no loud noise, no disturbing others' practice. Fasting and cold-water bathing are both optional, chosen by each participant according to constitution; a resident health manager monitors health throughout.
- Applicants with serious illness, acute conditions or mental illness cannot be accepted at this time. Participants must truthfully disclose their health condition; any risk arising from concealed health problems is borne by the participant.
- Enrolment is confirmed by formal registration and payment of the commitment fee. Places are limited and ranked by order of reservation; the program officially opens once the minimum number of participants is reached and the Academy's opening approval is received.
9. Frequently asked questions
Is fasting mandatory?
No. From the second day, full or light fasting throughout the day is your own choice, and you may also follow the master's and health manager's advice. It is never compulsory.
Can I join if my constitution is weak?
Yes. Cold-water bathing is optional and those with a weak constitution may skip it; the resident health manager monitors your condition daily. However, applicants with serious illness, acute conditions or mental illness cannot be accepted at this time.
When does the program officially open?
Enrolment is confirmed by formal registration and payment of the commitment fee. The program officially opens once the minimum number of participants is reached and the Academy's opening approval is received.
Do I receive the Inheritor Certificate at completion?
No. On the closing day you receive the Pengzu Academy Junior Practice Certificate. The Pengzu–Xufu Lineage Inheritor Certificate requires a voluntary application within three months after completion, followed by the Dojo Master's initial review and review by the ancestral seat, and is awarded later.
How are places and fees confirmed?
Places are limited and ranked by order of reservation. Fees are quoted in US dollars under the Academy's unified global commitment-fee standard; for the exact amount and payment method, please confirm with the Dojo Master or the Academy when applying.
10. Disclaimer
All content of this program is Chinese traditional wellness culture study, ancient-method cultivation exchange and quiet practice experience. It has no medical function and does not replace medical consultation, diagnosis, treatment or medication; no cure, rehabilitation or therapeutic effect is promised. Any improvement of body and mind arises from traditional quiet cultivation, breath regulation and mind cultivation. Participation in fasting and cold-water bathing is voluntary; assess your own constitution and follow the resident health manager's advice.
Organiser, host · Contact
Organising partner: Japan Pengzu Academy Co., Ltd.
Host dojo: Zhongnan Mountain Dojo, China
Dojo Master: Zhang Chao
Location: Zhongnan Mountain, Shaanxi, China (the exact check-in address will be notified after enrolment is confirmed)
Enquiries: phone/WeChat 177 8062 2722 (Dojo Master Zhang Chao), or contact the regional officer via the Contact page.
Is fasting mandatory?
No. From the second day, full or light fasting throughout the day is your own choice, and you may also follow the master's and health manager's advice. It is never compulsory.
Can I join if my constitution is weak?
Yes. Cold-water bathing is optional and those with a weak constitution may skip it; the resident health manager monitors your condition daily. However, applicants with serious illness, acute conditions or mental illness cannot be accepted at this time.
When does the program officially open?
Enrolment is confirmed by formal registration and payment of the commitment fee. The program officially opens once the minimum number of participants is reached and the Academy's opening approval is received.
Do I receive the Inheritor Certificate at completion?
No. On the closing day you receive the Pengzu Academy Junior Practice Certificate. The Pengzu–Xufu Lineage Inheritor Certificate requires a voluntary application within three months after completion, followed by the Dojo Master's initial review and review by the ancestral seat, and is awarded later.
How are places and fees confirmed?
Places are limited and ranked by order of reservation. Fees are quoted in US dollars under the Academy's unified global commitment-fee standard; for the exact amount and payment method, please confirm with the Dojo Master or the Academy when applying.
Organiser, host · Contact
Organising partner: Japan Pengzu Academy Co., Ltd.
Host dojo: Zhongnan Mountain Dojo, China
Dojo Master: Zhang Chao
Location: Zhongnan Mountain, Shaanxi, China (the exact check-in address will be notified after enrolment is confirmed)
Enquiries: phone/WeChat 177 8062 2722 (Dojo Master Zhang Chao), or contact the regional officer via the Contact page.