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Since work in SW part of the perks is that I get to travel a lot(especially to EU/Asia) and I always try to find local clubs and join. Here's what I noticed the past few years:
1. China(Peking/Shanghai):
99+% of high level players(non-pro use DHS/other chinese rubber.
Coaching lesson fees were very reasonable.
Various different styles ranging from old-school short pimples to JooSeHyuk styles defense.
Predominantly more shakehands bue definitely the most chi-penholders around the world. One of the strongest aspect was the level of physique required by the young aspiring students in their early teens. They all seemed a little fatigued but still had the eyes of the tiger.
2. Corea(Seoul): mostly shakehanders but occasional lots middle-ages gurus still use jap-penholders.
Very diehard fans and lessons were extremely popular.
Some players are maybe a little too serious and almost everybody I played with really really hated to lose lol
Various mix in equipment usage but cldnt stop but notice a wide use of Butterfly equipment in all clubs(somebody told me Korea's the top3 Butterfly market worldwide).
Lessons were quite pricy but some coaches were highly skilled and very professional. Most coaches I've seen didnt have a single break the whole day. Lessons seemed a little too short(mostly 20~30 mins).
One impressive club I visited outside of Seoul was launched by a former gold medalist(Hyung Junghwa?) And even had some current pros training on weekends.
3. France(Troyon), my home club
Friendly atmosphere mixed wit both very serious players and aspiring pros. Some former national champs make surprise visits as well.
Not as focused or serious as the Chinese clubs but I'd say it it probably more free style that respects variety and diversity. Very hard to find penholders or any sort and if u happened to be one, chances are people will ask you to play with them at least once(especially kids, and who can resist that eh?). Not much pattern but I'd say there were more Donic/Stiga/Yasak/Cornellieu users than Asia.
4. Scandinavia(Gothenberg)
Not exactly the hometown of Persson and Waldner but close enough I occasionally visit and also used to be an exchange student here in this wonderful town.
Either you are super serious about a career or just there to have fun at the club with friends.
Very nice clubs with good facilities and definitely a strong presence of Stiga all around the region. Very creative players and some players were even friends with the local phenom, Mordegord. Personally a great balance of fun and scientific training in my opinion and also notices a couple coaches from abroad as well.
Merci
1. China(Peking/Shanghai):
99+% of high level players(non-pro use DHS/other chinese rubber.
Coaching lesson fees were very reasonable.
Various different styles ranging from old-school short pimples to JooSeHyuk styles defense.
Predominantly more shakehands bue definitely the most chi-penholders around the world. One of the strongest aspect was the level of physique required by the young aspiring students in their early teens. They all seemed a little fatigued but still had the eyes of the tiger.
2. Corea(Seoul): mostly shakehanders but occasional lots middle-ages gurus still use jap-penholders.
Very diehard fans and lessons were extremely popular.
Some players are maybe a little too serious and almost everybody I played with really really hated to lose lol
Various mix in equipment usage but cldnt stop but notice a wide use of Butterfly equipment in all clubs(somebody told me Korea's the top3 Butterfly market worldwide).
Lessons were quite pricy but some coaches were highly skilled and very professional. Most coaches I've seen didnt have a single break the whole day. Lessons seemed a little too short(mostly 20~30 mins).
One impressive club I visited outside of Seoul was launched by a former gold medalist(Hyung Junghwa?) And even had some current pros training on weekends.
3. France(Troyon), my home club
Friendly atmosphere mixed wit both very serious players and aspiring pros. Some former national champs make surprise visits as well.
Not as focused or serious as the Chinese clubs but I'd say it it probably more free style that respects variety and diversity. Very hard to find penholders or any sort and if u happened to be one, chances are people will ask you to play with them at least once(especially kids, and who can resist that eh?). Not much pattern but I'd say there were more Donic/Stiga/Yasak/Cornellieu users than Asia.
4. Scandinavia(Gothenberg)
Not exactly the hometown of Persson and Waldner but close enough
I occasionally visit and also used to be an exchange student here in this wonderful town. Either you are super serious about a career or just there to have fun at the club with friends.
Very nice clubs with good facilities and definitely a strong presence of Stiga all around the region. Very creative players and some players were even friends with the local phenom, Mordegord. Personally a great balance of fun and scientific training in my opinion and also notices a couple coaches from abroad as well.
Merci
