I have no previous training in martial arts. Will I be able to do Shao-lin?

Yes. Shao-lin Kung Fu is a method of training specifically designed to take someone with no experience and give them the full set of skills that made the Shao-lin warrior monks famous throughout all of China. The system has proven successful for 1500 years worth of students - there's no reason it can't work for you!

Is Shao-lin Kung Fu applicable for self-defense on the street?

Definitely. The techniques taught in Shao-lin Kung Fu have been combat tested for generations, and the instruction at the Chinese Shao-lin Centers emphasizes an understanding of the applications behind all of the movements taught.

How is Shao-lin different from other martial arts like Tae Kwon Do, Karate, and Jiu Jitsu?

First of all Shao-lin is much older than all of these arts, so it has had a much longer time to develop an advanced repertoire of effective fighting techniques. It is said that "all martial arts come from Shao-lin", meaning that many other styles were created by someone wishing to share their exposure to Shao-lin's fighting methods with a new group of students. The application of Shao-lin Kung Fu is pragmatic and ferocious with an emphasis on the elegant delivery of finesse-based techniques.

How much are classes?

Visit the fees page for class pricing information.

What is the sparring like? Are there competitions?

We do not have any competitions. Shao-lin Kung Fu is not a sport. The free sparring, practiced both in pairs and larger groups, is a strategic exercise working on intelligently applying the techniques you are learning in class in a fast-paced, safe and creative environment. As a laboratory for exploring the effective application of techniques, you are allowed to work on a much wider variety of applications than would normally be emphasized in a competition oriented sparring environment.

I thought there was only one Shao-lin temple, why do you refer to others?

In fact after the first burning of the original Shao-lin Temple the art spread to a whole network of 7 Buddhist temples and Daoist hermitages across China, so as to have a better chance of keeping the knowledge fully intact.

Is there a specific time in the class cycle when I should start my training?

No, the classes are designed for you to begin at any time, so don't hesitate to come see for yourself if the ancient art of Shao-lin Kung Fu is right for you!