I've been here 11 months, and I have to say that my experience at AFKA has been life changing. As a girl, there's nothing more empowering than being able to spar and ground-fight with the guys. I never had upper body strength, and now when I fly on planes, I have little trouble lifting my 40 lb bag into the overhead bin. I feel safer when walking alone. I know self-defense skills, and I have the strength to back it up. I was upset by reading Lauren's review, and I recall the day she tried our class. I'm not going to go on a tl;dr tirade, but basically, martial arts is not for everyone. It's a contact sport, and the conditioning for your body is different than other sports. Yes we do sit-ups. Yes we do light contact sparring. Yes we do groundfighting, and you may just groundfight someone twice your size! We are very combat focused. If you can't handle lots of abwork, then try one of the many other fitness options offered in Austin. Each of our instructors have years of experience in various martial arts. I have complete faith in them. They are in tune with what is correct and proper technique. Training goes nowhere if you are injured. However, I stress that martial arts training is different from other sports you may have tried. read more

I've been taking tai chi classes at Austin Kung-fu Academy for a year. Santanu Rahman is an instructor with infinite patience, brilliant teaching strategies, and good humor. Santanu challenges and supports all students' growing abilities and always has a new idea for teaching that is individualized to each class and to each student. Santanu is a master of the martial arts and he is also a master of communicating steps to growing your own practice. In addition to regular class times, Santanu holds "office hours" to help students individually. Santanu is one of the best teachers of any subject I've experienced, and I've experienced a lot of teaching in pursuit of my doctoral degree. In classes for students new to tai chi, Santanu strips the tai chi moves from the overall form to give you a good gentle work out. After students are comfortable with the individual moves, Santanu puts the separate elements together into the first third of the Yang 37 form. Once students master the first part of the form, the workout beginers' class splits into an advanced class that learns the whole form. As the advanced class learns the final moves of the Yang 37 form, Santanu introduces individual elements using a broadsword and gradually unites those moves into the broadsword form. Finally, Santanu has created a series of videos that work with his teaching. If you look at a commercial tai chi video the instructor always faces you. When you try to move with the video instructor you have to move in the reverse direction to get into the correct positions. This mental reversal is confusing for beginners. To address this problem in Santanu's videos he is facing away from the student and looking toward a mirror. In this composition the student watching the video is in the right alignment with the teacher and can see both his front and back. Pros: Brilliant teacher who provides individual extra teaching and videos for outside practice. Cons: None read more

I've enjoyed the cardio kickboxing classes so far. Rick is a great instructor and changes it up a little each time we meet with him (classes are Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday). They have two different rates: paying by the class which is 8 dollars per class and a 10 class pack for 60 dollars. The latter in my opinion is a better deal. In addition, you can choose the days you want to use the class for. Sometimes I can't make it a certain week but it's not counted against me (balla!). Expect to get a good workout. Different techniques are taught so don't expect to only learn kickboxing techniques. I felt like some of the exercises that we do in the beginning of class ties more with tai chi/karate. Another plus? My classes have never exceeded three people. I do wish though more attention was paid on technique. If you're here to lose calories and have a good time, it's worth checking this place out. read more

I've been a student at AKFA for nearly 3 years, and I've studied Chinese martial arts for nearly 8 years. I looked for a school for a long time after moving to Austin, and this is the best one in the city. The instructor (Santanu) is talented and knowledgeable, and very demanding of his advnced students, while being nurturing and encouraging to the beginners. The style is traditional, but Santanu is not afraid to try new things, either. There are several students with black belts in other martial arts in the school (which is a good sign all by itself), but even more, Santanu makes an effort to incorporate elements of their style into the curriculum, which means you get an unusally well-rounded style. I encourage readers to ignore the "Lauren W" review..it's one of those Facebook things that has bled (inappropriately) here. Santanu is one of the nicest most sincere people I've ever met -- and I mean people, not just martial arts instructors. The reviewer on the other hand exhibited behaviors in her trial class that would be unacceptable in any martial arts classroom. read more

My son has had a great experience with the virtual kung fu classes and the monthly in-person classes. The instructors are great and really take care with the kids to ensure they do well. They also make it easy for kids to gain new skills and advance which my son found to be a lot of fun. I would definitely recommend this program for any kid. read more

You could not find a better place to learn martial arts. Everything here is in perfect balance - you are pushed to learn more but not asked to give more than you can. You can go twice a week or almost every day. You can push to take a test and get a belt or you can take your time learning all the concepts. The instructors have infinite patience and provide guidance and inspiration to all of their students. Overall an excellent school!! read more

AKFA is not just our martial arts studio, they're our family. My husband has trained with AFKA for 2-3 years, and we mentioned a year ago that we were getting married and that we wanted AFKA to do a lion dance at our wedding. Nisha and Santanu were so generous in offering to come to our wedding with Rick and Ariel and do an amazing performance for us. I myself have attended Nisha's kickboxing classes in the past and have always been impressed with the quality of workout that I get and the quality people that I meet. They are an incredible studio, incredible people, and an incredible part of our lives. Thank you so much, AKFA family! read more

If you are looking for a place to get in shape, learn a little about yourself or just want to learn the ARTS, PLEASE give this place a try! I've looked all over Austin and this is by far the best place for martial arts out there! Santanu is professional, honest and really takes the extra time to ensure you are getting what you need from his classes. I'm only on my first week and I feel better than I have felt in years! I leave his classes feeling refreshed and invigorated! Sign up now! UPDATE: 5/13/2010 I've lost 8 pounds, my blood pressure droped from 140+/80 to 115/75. I honestly feel the best I have felt since I was in my 20's! read more

Austin Kung Fu Academy has it all - excellent instructors, a variety of classes for kids and adults, and a relaxed but intense training program. The instructors are all highly qualified, a lot of fun, and emphasize personal progress, not group competition. This studio is all about doing one's best and having fun at the same time. The instructors teach focus, discipline, self control, and resiliency. I've gained a tremendous amount of mental and physical strength in the three years I have been attending. I especially love the weapons training - broadsword, staff combat, fan, butterfly swords, etc. The kids classes are great too! My daughter (age 9) has also been going for three years, and has loved every minute of it. She can't wait to go to class! It is a wonderful school! read more

I have only been practicing at Austin Kung Fu Academy for a few weeks but the impression that has been made is quite outstanding. In fact, I signed up for a yelp account just to review this establishment. A brief bit about who I am and what I was looking for from a martial arts school: I'm a 24 year old girl who is less than athletic and even less graceful. I travel quite a bit which makes dedication to programs difficult. I was doing my best to look into a way to introduce physical activity to routine. I'd rather get a root canal than run on a treadmill. Martial arts seemed like a good way to do something engaging both physically and mentally. I needed a school that allowed for schedule flexibility, catered to adults of all ranges of skill, and had instructors with a hefty reservoir of patience. I FOUND IT! There are classes every day except Friday and Sunday. You are not locked into a certain day of the week. There is a good variety of payment options and packages. The office administrator is very helpful and quick to respond to any questions. After looking into that, the next big selling point is that they let you attend one class for free. For anyone who is uncertain or a bit anxious this is perfect. What do you have to lose? I went in with some serious nervousness and came out completely hooked - and that isn't just the endorphins talking. There were people of absolutely every sort: Male, female, younger, older, smaller, bigger, incredibly experienced to complete newb. Talk about learning not to judge a book by it's cover. Not only do you receive advice or help from the instructors (who really know how to break it down and explain it) but the other students are very approachable and willing to guide you. I left after that first day and said to myself, "I can do this." This is a place of great community, inspiration, hard work and tenacity. You wont be able to do it all the first time but keep trying! Looking like a fool is okay here as long as you have the right attitude. Be positive and willing to try things you that didn't think you could do and you'll be met with equal parts encouragement and assistance. Thank you to everyone at AKFA. Plus, you get a cool shirt. Who DOESN'T like that? :D read more

WARNING: This review is long. I am about to write a novel about the worst experience I've ever had with a business. If you want the meat, skip to the last 2 paragraphs. I will try to stick with only the facts ( but it's very difficult to critique a lesson without opinion), and I will not use any names. Here we go: I have been physically active for a long time (swimming competitively since 7). I even used to work as a fitness instructor at a fitness center during college. I wanted to throw something new into the mix, so I decided on martial arts (I tried a few jiu jitsu classes once, but determined rolling on the ground wasn't my thing). I brought this up to a friend and she recommended AKFA. I did a ton of research and decided Choy Lay Fut was a style I very interested in, so I proceeded to contact AKFA. My Intro to AKFA was fairly positive, except for my uneasiness with the one instructor's fitness knowledge and some other minor things. I really try to not be critical of other instructor's classes (everyone does things differently), but during the core segment of the class, he proceeded to show the class how to do a certain variation of a crunch, and violated some very basic rules of crunch exercises. Never tuck in your chin (only in some instances is this OK), do not lead with your head, and if you are bending at the hips, you are definitely doing something wrong - you aren't even working out the muscle group you are trying to target. After my first class, I was asked to sign up for a payment plan right then and there, but I was hesitant, because it's a little difficult to trust someone to teach you physical training who does something as simple as a crunch so wrong. I concluded that I would like to go back to AKFA, but I decided to postpone my membership for a few months. I emailed the studio to let them know that I would be postponing my membership, and feeling like I was qualified to do so, I also addressed my concerns I had from my group class session. It only makes sense to discuss your concerns with a business before you decided to give them hundreds of dollars! The owner proceeded to respond saying that I could join a few months later, and then gave an explanation for the execution of the exercises, stating that there are vast differences between eastern and western fitness styles. OK, I've done yoga for years, and yes there is a difference between eastern and western training, but I don't care what side of the world you're on, If you aren't working the muscle group you are trying to target - you're doing it wrong. I even checked with several other martial artists & fitness instructors, just to make sure I wasn't making things up, and they agreed that I was correct and that the instruction was wrong. But I honestly didn't care that much, so I left it at that and wouldn't think about AKFA for a few months. Now here is where things go terribly wrong, and I apologize for how lame this is, because it involves Facebook. Yes, Facebook, but because this all happened on Facebook, as lame as it is, it is equally disturbing that the owener of a business, whom I have never met, attacked me on FB. Facebook, to me, is something private that I use to communicate with only my friends, and my settings are established to try to keep it as such. A few months after my intro to AKFA, a friend of mine posted on her Facebook page that she wanted to find a new place to workout because she couldn't trust a gym where the instructor couldn't do something as simple as a push-up. I replied saying that I had similar feelings about AKFA. Really simple, nothing rude, and I was just relating my experience with MY friend. Well it turns out the OWNER of AKFA also happened to be Facebook friends with my friend, and after seeing my post, he proceeded to berate me in detail (using a slew of fabrications and assumptions), and repeatedly on her page. I felt that this was unwarranted. Those who also saw the diatribe agreed it was undeserved. The behavior that the owner of AKFA exhibited was not only beyond unacceptable from a customer service standpoint, but was just plain disrespectful. I have never been treated with such contempt in my life. His tirade was so crazy, it really freaked me out. I've blocked him, but he may still have my information from the studio, so this really freaks me out. What makes this man think he can speak to someone the way he did to me is beyond my comprehension. He needs to do some soul searching. Just because you're a KungFu master, doesn't mean you can treat people like dirt. I see what nice things other people have said about him, so maybe this guy just snapped? ...But that still wouldn't justify his behavior. He has since deleted his comments, so maybe he feels regret? Oh well, he said he wasn't trying to run a business (obviously), so I'm sure he won't mind the money he has lost or the decrease in his Yelp rating. I'm just happy I'm moving soon, so he will no longer have my addres read more

I trained at Austin Kung-Fu Academy for more than two years, as part of director Santanu Rahman's first class of Austin students. While I had a strong athletic background, I had never practiced martial arts prior to attending Santanu's classes. As with many potential students, I was looking for a challenge, both physically and spiritually, and I wanted to immerse myself in the culture and practice of Kung Fu. At AKFA, I found that every student was empowered by Santanu to embrace their own relaxed power, their own pace, and their own understanding of what Kung Fu meant to them. You learn about the physical form, as well as what it means, its origin, and the philosophy behind the form. Some students like myself enjoyed sparring and physical contact, while others preferred to master the myriad demonstration forms of Choy Lay Fut. Regardless, everyone was afforded the respect, patience, and attention they needed to further their goals and exceed their prior limitations. In short, every student of any shape, size, or physical ability was allowed to blossom in the art of Kung Fu under Santanu's guidance. Classes were demanding, both physically and mentally, and, as the term Kung Fu literally represents, it took practice, practice, and more practice to master the forms and movements of Choy Lay Fut. However, this was never a grind, as Si Fu Santanu would always strive to keep a lighthearted, fun atmosphere within which students could feel comfortable to challenge themselves, try and fail, and eventually find that moment of achievement on their own. Santanu is an exceptional teacher and embodies such a deep virtue and patience that you cannot help but grow as an individual in his presence. In fact, in my own role as a baseball coach for select high school players, I find myself referring to and "paying tribute/stealing" his teaching philosophies when I work with my students. He is equally adept at working with children as adults, and it truly doesn't matter your skill level or confidence - you will find a comfort level that suits your needs and empowers you to truly challenge yourself. I can't speak on the other teachers at AFKA, but I trust that they're just as competent and proficient if they're in Santanu's facility. In summary, I highly recommend Austin Kung Fu Academy, and encourage anyone to visit and try out a class. Maybe I'll see you there, when I get back to train for my black belt! read more

I came on here to do a review of Austin Kung Fu Academy and was shocked to read 'Lauren's' review. This has NOT been my experience AT ALL !!!! My 15 year old son has been going to AKFA for almost a year (he has always been in the adult class). I looked long and hard for a serious Kung Fu school for him. I wont just stick him any where. Here was my criteria. 1.) The school had to have an owner/ lead instructor that ate, breathed, and slept Kung Fu - meaning they did it because they loved it, not just started a studio for a buck. 2.) They had to be a good example to my impressionable teen. They had to be someone I trusted. Someone with good moral character. They had to be supportive, yet not except incorrectness. They had to be patient, yet still push him to his full potential. 3.) They had to talk the talk plus walk the walk. Meaning they had to have certified knowledge of what they were teaching from a long lineage of other instructors. They had be able to do what they taught. Have you ever run across a very overweight instructor that had to have another person show certain jumps, kicks, etc ? Sad, but true. 4.) They had to be personable. Ever get great knowledge, but it came at the price of having the person teaching it be a know-it-all jerk? Not acceptable to me. 5.) I didnt want to 'pay for a belt'. I wanted him to learn it and retain it, not just learn it, get the belt and forget it. I wanted the instructors to keep incorporating the learned forms so my son could see the value in it. Learning pointless, useless forms has no purpose imo. I have to say that AKFA did not meet my criteria...they exceeded it by miles. They have done all the above plus more. I know my son thinks of all the instructors Rick, Santanu, and Seth as his friends. And he doesnt call someone a friend easily, so this is huge. What has my son got from his year at AKFA? He has dropped 7% body fat, gone down 2 pant sizes, gained a huge amount of muscle, is a green sash and knows 7 forms inside and out, has gained confidence in himself, set goals and reached them, is healthier, and happier. As far as I know, there has been NO drama at this school. This 'Lauren' woman, the poor thing, must be mentally/emotionally unstable. It seems she is the kind of person that goes around trying to cause drama and making things up to get attention. I hope she gets the help she needs. THANKS AUSTIN KUNG FU ACADEMY !!! I owe you so much !!! read more

I have two young kids that are in this school and have been here for over two years. They are always treated with decency and are very well trained. Santanu, is a very calm, well trained instructor. Both of my kids look up to him and more importantly his school. I personally have attended the FIT and HIT classes weekly. This is the best work out you can ever give yourself! The exercises are safe, very effective and I am living proof that they work! If you are reading this, please take the time to visit this school and judge for yourself! read more

I have been training at AKFA for seven months now. I wanted to wait until I had some depth of experience before writing a review. This review is for the adults program. Based on my experience, I find the other positive reviews to be accurate, so I will try not to cover a lot of the same ground. I see that there is one very negative review on here, which predates my experience by about two years, so obviously I cannot speak to her experience. I can say that my experience has been extremely positive, the director is a really nice and laid back guy, and I anticipate continuing my study and practice with AKFA for a long time. There are several points I would like to address. First, I never felt any pressure to join or to sign a contract; there was no hard sell at all. The price structure, as one might imagine, makes the six month contract appealing because it saves money, but the price difference is not huge and the non contract pricing is still a good value, IMO. Second, the culture at AKFA is very open, respectful, and easygoing. To be sure, you are practicing martial arts so there is intensity, rigor, and hard work, but there is not a macho atmosphere at all. I think this is a very important point because martial arts can sometimes attract some immature and insecure guys who want to be bad a**es - that is definitely not the vibe at AKFA. Classes contain students of all ages, teens through mid-forties. Everyone can learn at his/her own pace and different folks are looking for different things from their practice. Importantly, no one wears their sashes (rank belts) in class so there is no obvious hierarchy in the room. One can quickly figure out who is more advanced, but there is ample opportunity to work with people of varying skill levels. Third, the quality of instruction is excellent. There are three instructors: the owner/director and two senior belt instructors. All three are talented and skilled martial artists with experience in other styles (Tae Kwon Do, Wing Chun, Wushu, etc.). The school sticks to traditional Choy Lay Fut, which is the main reason I chose this school. Each instructor has a different teaching style and different strengths. They are all patient, kind, and respectful. I learn a lot from each of them. Something that I really like is that they have all been willing to give me as much information as I care to seek out; they are not trying to withhold anything. This is traditional Chinese Kung Fu and it is a very combat-oriented style. There are forms but most of the class time is spent doing drills involving partners, gloves, and pads. There is sparring, but only light contact. There is a lot of striking and kicking pads and working on foot work, getting in and out, different angles of attack, and timing. Also, there is instruction in a variety of traditional Chinese weapons, which is a lot of fun. I don't expect to be in any sword or fan fights, but it really is fun to learn how to use them, if you go in for that sort of thing. Finally, the teaching lineage of the director is clear and verifiable. For some this may not be an issue (or they may not even understand the issue), but for others it will matter a great deal. For me, I wanted to study a bona fide traditional Chinese art with some degree of assurance that what I was being taught was genuine and not a mixture of different styles packaged under the name "kung fu." AKFA is teaching real Choy Lay Fut and this direct link to the origins of the style adds another enjoyable dimension for me to what is already a very fun and engaging pursuit. I highly recommend this school. read more

My child has been going to Austin Kung Fu Academy for a few years. My daughter has been taking their jijitsu class this past year and loves it. I really like what she is learning beyond self-defense. I really appreciate the emphasis on using "minimal force" and the care that is taken in explaining not just what to do, but appropriate use. I'm writing a review because today and this past week my child and I tried out other places that teach jijitsu to help out a friend who wanted opinions on other jijitsu programs. Rather than write a few negative reviews, I wanted to express my gratitude for the great experience we've had over the years. I don't think I appreciated how confidence inspiring Austin Kung Fu Academy is and what a great atmosphere it has until I had the misfortune of interacting with other places that teach jijitsu here in Austin. Austin Kung Fu Academy does not engage in aggressive sales tactics. I feel safe dropping my child off at her classes here and running an errand which I cannot say of the two jijitsu places my child tried with her friend. I realized I have never once worried that Santanu would hurt my child while demonstrating a jijitsu move for the class on her or that another child would hurt mine nor have I ever wondered what she was learning because she actually talks about what she learns in class beyond the physical. Santanu has a passion for what he does, but even more important he understands what is appropriate for the different ages he instructs, shows the appropriate concern for safety, and is great at breaking down complicated movements to make them easy to learn. He is also the best Tai Chi teacher I have ever had... read more

Finding the right martial arts school is a tricky endeavor. I was lucky to have stumbled across Austin Kung-Fu Academy. My six months with AKFA changed my life to be perfectly honest. My fitness routine had become boring so I decided that martial arts would be a great way to shake things up. I originally searched for a Kenpo Karate school, then tried looking for Muay Thai. I was looking for a place to learn strikes and kicks on Thai pads, sparring, weapons training, AND practical self-defense. A tall order to fill. To my surprise, Austin Kung Fu Academy taught ALL of these things, plus the traditional Choy Lay Fut forms, and general fitness classes. AKFA has everything, but what really makes it great is the people. The instructors are amazing people who really care deeply about their students. They really pay attention to their needs and explain the techniques in a way that makes sense. I felt very comfortable approaching them with absolutely any question about anything we learned, and even just to chat about random stuff. Even my fellow students were always extremely helpful and accommodating while we all learned together. The students all share a great sense of camaraderie. I've made several friends for life. Unfortunately I had to move out of Austin and search for a new martial arts school. I have visited several different styles of martial schools in Texas and in Washington DC, and NOT a SINGLE one comes anywhere close to what AKFA has to offer for both mind, body and spirit. Austin Kung-Fu Academy will not disappoint! read more

I have been a student in Santanu's adult tai chi class since he offered it in the Mind Body Studio of Body Business Health Club five years ago. The group exercises at the beginning of class are an excellent warm up for the muscles and joints. All students from walk-in beginner to more experienced work together. Santanu stands at the front of class with his back to us which makes it easy to follow him! At the end of class we break up into groups by experience and work on our routines - this is the mental workout because we do what we can from memory as Santanu tours the room and watches each individual or group of 2-3 in order to correct and teach the next several moves. The strengths of Santunu as a teacher are that he breaks down moves into simple parts and works with each student as an individual (where you are now). We talk about tai chi in class and he encourages us to read and experience other classes and teachers. As we first learn a routine, he checks us for the basics. We get a huge sense of satisfaction from learning a routine! Then we move on to learn another. At a certain point we re-visit previously learned routines and then polish them. I have experienced improved health and movement from attending class weekly and practicing on my own. Standing meditation is one of my favorites. The class has a warm, friendly and collegial atmosphere. We (the teacher and existing students) are very welcoming to new students. read more

My friend recommended AKFA last July and having earned my first belt a couple of days ago, I can't wait to get my Black Belt. All of the instructors embody a relaxed but focused demeanor and love to teach. One of my favorite things about AKFA is that they aren't out to nickel and dime you. The first and last time we've discussed money was July when I signed up. I remember when I was ten I took karate at a place in Dallas and they were constantly charging for full uniforms, shoes, cups, and boards to break. Sign up, then bring your gloves not your wallet. Naveen read more

Austin is very lucky to have Santanu and AKFA. Not only is Santanu an incredible teacher, but a very wise and positive role model that we all can learn many life lessons from. Rick is also a fantastic teacher, he seems to eat and breath Kung Fu. Learning Kung Fu is an excellent way to get in shape while learning skills that could possibly save your life. As a female, knowing self defense is critical. Kung Fu has given me the confidence to walk down the street knowing I can protect myself if I ever found myself in a compromising situation. Believe me, I think about this on a daily basis. My walk into work from the parking garage I have to park at is sketchy. I started caring mace after I was approach several times by homeless schizophrenics. After learning Kung Fu, I carry myself differently when I'm faced with scary situations. I think that makes a huge difference if a predator is looking for an easy target. My Kung Fu energy says, "Don't f*** with me, and if you do, I will kick your teeth in with my heels!" All you ladies out there: Get Fit, Be Strong, Be Confident, Du the Fu! read more

I have known Santanu and the Austin Kung Fu Academy since he first started her in Austin. My daughter started with his classes and excelled. One thing I have appreciated the most about the class is how Santanu and his instructors will take special time with kids at their level. For instance my daughter was ready to learn more than what the class was covering so they took time after class and she learned the full form through these individual classes. I have always been pleased with the way that the business has been run and they are always easy to work with and get hold of. Mr. Rick who is teaching the kids classes is terrific and really knows how to speak to the kids. He is approachable but yet expects them to do their best every day. It is the best martial arts experience I have had. read more

This is my 3rd martial arts school I've attended and second one in Austin. The staff has been so helpful and great! I can't recommend them enough! Other schools don't care about you as you are just $$ to them, but I've never felt like that here. read more

We have been taking lessons since they first started and are so glad that Santanu now has a great location and another great teacher to work with him - Rick. My two sons, ages 10 and 7, both take classes and love it! It's a great work out and they are also learning patience, focus and respect at the same time. It's funny but my kids are very different and don't like a lot of the same types of activities - one likes soccer and football, one likes musicals and pets - but they both LOVE Rick's fun and challenging way of teaching and personality. This is our favorite of about three martial arts places we have looked at. read more

I love this kung fu academy. Nisha and Santanu have created a solid, reputable, supportive school. The instruction is clear, fun, and challenging. Everything you need to know, including pricing, is clear on their webpage - no gimmicks! read more

I've been attending the cardio kickboxing class for almost two years, and it has been challenging, both mentally and physically, and so very rewarding. When AKFA first introduced the class, my son, who attends kids classes there, urged me to take it. I was very reluctant, being in my mid-forties, 50 lbs overweight with aching knees and back, no stamina, and no strength. I was quite content to sit on the sidelines, watching my son learn focus, commitment, discipline, and perseverance - all noble pursuits, but frankly a bit elusive to me at the time. However, the spectres of diabetes II, hypertension, osteoporosis, and arthritis pushed me to the edge, and I decided to take the plunge - lose 50 lbs in two years, starting with the first scheduled kickboxing class. I recall being nervous the first day. After all, the teacher Rick Galione, also my son's teacher, is this young, fit person with a fourth degree black belt in Choy Lay Fut Kung Fu who can effortlessly span the exercise floor with gravity defying kicks and spins. Being passionate and extremely knowledgeable about Kung Fu, kind, humorous, and patient, he had been an excellent teacher for my son and other youngsters. However, would these attributes hold up with lumbering, spluttering out-of-shape adults who have difficulty following instructions with more than two or three steps? The only thing keeping me there was my promise to my son that I would take the class. I inhaled deeply, silently rehearsing an old go-to mantra, "You can live through humiliation." But there was no humiliation that day, nor has there ever been. Within this two year span, director Santanu Rahman's wife, Nisha, who is a second degree Choy Lay Fut black belt, has added a Sunday cardio kickboxing time slot and, like Rick, is kind, supportive, and patient. Both infuse the class with basic Kung Fu moves - straight line punches, swings, blocks, kicks, shoot/scoot sparring footwork, and stances. Even more importantly, both instructors stress HOW TO DO THE MOVES PROPERLY so as to provide the maximum power. It's one thing to hit a bag with your arm, using only your arm's strength. It's quite another to hit a bag with your arm/hand, using the pivoting force of your torso. What a wonderful way to burn energy while pounding away at the day's frustrations! (Poor bag) In addition to Kung Fu cardio, both teachers usually include some forms of strength training, stretching, and balance exercises, to make it a well rounded workout. Sometimes Rick has students spar each other. Though it's little or no contact, it allows us to the use the moves we have learned and appreciate the stamina it takes to use Kung Fu in a sparring situation. An unexpectedly gratifying bonus has been the mental challenge. Initially, struggling to correctly execute a sequence of moves despite near exhaustion seemed futile. However, as I have stuck with the class, I have learned to really enjoy this struggle, even as mastery has become easier. Similarly, the circumstance of having to focus and choose proper sequences of blocks/strikes while exhausted in a sparring situation, a seemingly elusive circumstance for a middle aged woman, has become strangely appealing. I don't discount this appeal. I use it. It's what helps me exercise on days I don't attend kickboxing. Sparring in the near or far future? Who knows? Who cares? I'm all about the baby steps and the distant glimmer of hope. What's important is the striving. I've come to enjoy it. In the two years, I've lost the extra 50 lbs, the pain in my knees, the pain in my back, and feel better than I have in ten years. I credit much of this to the instructors at AKFA. However, what I am most grateful for is that glimmer they have given me that keeps me striving on and on and on.......! read more

My child has been taking classes at Austin Kung-Fu Academy for over a year and we love Rick, the instructor. For the class itself, I would give 4 stars. I can't give the business more than two stars because of the woman that runs the "front desk", Karyn. She is, unfortunately, the face of Austin Kung-Fu Academy because she is the one that answers the phone, emails and is the only person you really interact with except for the instructor. She makes them look really, really bad. She talks ridiculously loud and will then turn around and will scold a parent or child for carrying on a conversation while classes are going on. She is very, very distracting to the parents trying to watch their children and also to the children that are trying to pay attention to Rick. She is also out of bounds when she scolds the children. I can't tell you how many times I have seen her pull children aside and have a "discussion" with them about manners, respect and how they behave. I have no problem with the instructors talking with the children about respect & behavior because I expect that from a Kung-Fu instructor. I would be okay with her doing this if she did it properly and respectful the way Rick does it. She is extremely rude to the children and talks to them in a way that I would NEVER talk to my child, much less a child that wasn't mine. I would never let her speak to my child that way. Thankfully she never has because I don't want to have a confrontation with her. I have talked to other parents about this to make sure it wasn't just me thinking this way and, of course, I found out that I wasn't. Several of the parents won't recommend this place to anyone because of her. One parent has even asked Karyn not to speak to her son again. Again, we really like Rick and I would recommend the children's classes but just be prepared to deal with Karyn. It is a shame that she can bring a negative aspect to an otherwise great place. FYI - I have a created a separate Yelp account to leave this review with my middle name. I am an active Yelp user and Karyn would be able to tell from my profile who I am. I don't want this taken out on my child and I feel that it would be if they knew I was the one leaving this review. read more