An Introductory Workshop by Nieke op ’t Ende, assisted by Ludmila Rodrigues.
Who is this suitable for?
This workshop is open to anyone aged 18 to 60 in reasonably good physical condition. The practice involves a degree of flexibility and body awareness, but participants are welcome to take breaks and rest whenever needed.
The goal of this day is to offer a brief introduction to this remarkable martial art and to spark curiosity in those who may wish to explore it further.
We will demonstrate both Northern and Southern styles, including forms such as Nanquan and Jianshu (sword ).
Workshop description
Kung Fu is a deeply embodied form of Chinese knowledge that has evolved over centuries through various styles and lineages. While rooted in combat techniques, it also encompasses a rich philosophy and way of life that may improve one’s (mental) health.
This workshop offers an introduction to the art of Kung Fu, with a particular focus on modern styles that emerged in the second half of the 20th century, today called Wushu. These contemporary forms highlight flexibility, agility, and a dynamic, that result in an acrobatic, spectacular expression of movement.
This workshop includes a participatory lecture, a guided warm-up, and a 30-minute practice of the basics, followed by demonstrations by the facilitators and by group exercises.
Workshop break down
– Introductory lecture 15 min
– Warming up & stretching 20 min
– Demonstration & Break 5 min
– Basic techniques 20 min
– Interactive lecture 15 min
– Luohan form and applications 30 min
– Demonstration & break 30 min
– Sword practice (Jianshu) 45 min
About the facilitators
Niek op ’t Ende has practiced Eastern Martial Arts since his early childhood. He started practicing Jud from the age of 4. Later becoming more and more interested in Chinese culture, he started to learn Chinese Martial Arts. He began learning Wushu at the age of 14 with master Fei Yuliang in the Netherlands and later practiced in China, while doing his bachelor in Economics and Trade. Since then, Wushu has been an important part of his life. He is a certified teacher of Martial Arts (LMA-3); as well as a member of the Judges Committee for the International Wushu Federation and has been Head Judge at the 2023 and 2025 World Wushu Championships. He’s also technical assistant to the National Coach of the Dutch Wushu Team and has been teaching at his Wushu school “Yunde Wushu” since 2018, located in Rijswijk.
Ludmila Rodrigues is a Hague-based interdisciplinary artist and designer, researching movement and collective experience. She has been practicing Wushu since 2019, becoming such an enthusiastic practitioner that she is as well supporting the classes and competing within the Netherlands. Rodrigues is also a teacher at the KABK, Royal Academy of Art, The Hague and is the most recent member of iii.