I was looking for a way to change my life when I found Authentic Kung Fu. I left a message so I could ask questions and got an immediate response. I was invited to come to 2 days of classes to decide which style would suit me. The building isn't in the greatest neighborhood and the school was ok. The impressive thing about the school was the quantity and diversity of weapons around the school. Sifu Cottrell, the owner and teacher at the school greeted me warmly. Classes were in session and Sifu took the time to give me a tour. He Started with his lineage, who his teachers were and who his teacher's teachers were. In Sifu's lineage, Ip man had taught his teacher! We sat for a while, while he educated me on Wing Chun and how Bruce Lee was the most famous practitioner.
I came the next day to see Praying Mantis style, which even for a lay person was vastly different than Wing Chun. I had never seen anything quite like it, especially after watching so many Kung Fu movies. Sifu and I agreed Mantis would suit me best and it has.
The instructors are top of the line. So patient, will explain and demonstrate techniques 100 million ways until you get it. I always felt supported and inspired to learn from the community of students. I never heard anyone speak an ill word or treat anyone poorly. The community of students welcomed me and I felt safe to both succeed and feel failure.
Truly, I could go on and on, but there really is no greater place to learn Kung Fu and to embrace your potential. read more