RTM Membership - RTM Sprints
“The biggest challenge people have in speaking Mandarin is nothing to do with their ‘level’—It’s about confidence.”
RTM Sprints are a 3-month immersive group coaching program designed to help you improve your spoken Chinese through weekly discussions in Mandarin.
Think of it as a shorter, intensive version of our premium membership, RTM Pro—the same proven structure and methodolgy, but without the year-long commitment required to join Pro.
In just three months, a Sprint will help you rebuild the confidence and fluency you need to speak Mandarin with ease.
If you join, you will
Gain confidence to speak even if you feel rusty and out of practice
Get up to date with what people in China are really talking about right now
Move beyond “textbook language” and learn how to use real authentic language
Access unique current affairs based content in newsletters, podcasts, and native language resources
Get motivated and inspired by joining a private community of learners just like you!
How it will happen…
Sprints are designed to help you build routine, and confidence by gently pushing you through:
- Weekly “Mandarin only” Zoom discussions
Every week over three months you’ll join a private group call.
Each one-hour session is a guided discussion (not a lesson) moderated by native speakers. Discussions are about the RTM “topic of the week”, based on three discussion questions.
You’ll get feedback and support as you practice new words and phrases in a private, encouraging setting.
Calls are not recorded.
- Structured learning “Flipped Classroom” framework designed for maximum progress
Every Wednesday, you’ll receive a pre-reading email with everything you need for the next session.
It includes newsletter and podcast episodes for different levels, and three discussion topics.
You can choose content at your level—intermediate, advanced, or native—and prepare your responses in advance.
You do the learning first, so you get to apply it and ask questions during group calls—in a “flipped classroom” approach.
- Private community of dedicated learners keeping you accountable and motivated
Connect with a community of dedicated Mandarin learners who share your passion, and can relate to your learning challenges.
Each session is an interactive discussion with group members as well as moderators.
If more than five people join, breakout rooms ensure everyone gets ample speaking time.
- Three months of 1:1 support
When you join you get a 1:1 onboarding call to help you understand how to use the content based on your needs and level.
After one month there’s an optional 1:1 check-in call too so you can get more feedback and guidance on how to fine-tune your learning approach.
Throughout the Sprint you’ll get ongoing email support, and we can even jump on quick support calls if necessary—especially ahead of your first group session to make sure you are fully prepared!
“Andrew and his team are very committed to provide a structured and high quality discussion, and their enthusiasm has given me a new weekly purpose.”
Who RTM Sprints are for
This program isn’t for everyone.
It’s for you if:
You describe your Mandarin as “intermediate”, “advanced but rusty”, “fluent but with gaps”
You have been learning Chinese for at least five years, and are ready to take it to the next level
You are highly motivated to invest in putting in the work to improve your spoken Chinese, but need some structure and inspiration to help you get there.
It’s not for you if you’re just starting out, are not yet at intermediate level, or don’t have the time to commit to weekly live sessions.
Why RTM Sprints — and why now?
RTM Sprints offer a unique and proven way to accelerate your learning, boost your spoken Chinese, and build real confidence in conversation.
Each week you’ll immerse yourself in real Chinese news, with the support, structure, and methodology you need to practise, apply, and retain what you learn.
This isn’t a class, an app, or a self-paced course.
RTM Sprints are intensive, guided discussions — fully in Mandarin — designed to push your speaking skills in a practical, dynamic way.
Whether you’re preparing for a trip to China, using Mandarin at work, or simply want more structure and accountability in your study, RTM Sprints help you stay consistent and make real progress.
Why join now?
Fits your schedule — Bite-sized learning over several days, or one focused block. Flexible, but structured.
Complements what you’re already doing — Pair it with your lessons or apps for real-world context and conversation-ready vocabulary.
Reinforces learning — Our ‘flipped classroom’ format lets you study at your own pace, then lock it in through discussion.
There’s no better way to stay motivated, consistent, and on track to real-world fluency.
“The weekly calls and their structure provide just enough accountability for me to engage with the newsletter in a way that fits into my lifestyle as a working mom.”
How to apply
RTM Pro Sprints start at the beginning of each quarter.
The next Sprint starts on Saturday July 5, 2025.
The deadline to join is Saturday June 30.
The investment required to join is $225.
A maximum of 10 members are invited to join each Sprint.
Qualified applicants will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis so the sooner you apply, the better your chances of getting in.
All applications will be reviewed and I’ll follow up with you by June 30th.
Thanks for your interest and let me know if you have any questions.
“I look forward each week to reading newsletter, listening to podcasts, and speaking with fellow RTM Pro friends. RTM Pro provides a full immersive experience. Highly recommended.”