Attending Sifu Torres'/ Dr. Torres's 6 Healing Sounds workshops is one of the best investments a…read moreperson can make. If you have never attended one, the next time he offers it GO! GO! GO! This workshop introduces you to the postures, breathing, and healing sounds of the body's meridians that correspond to each organ. We learned how this practice can help and alleviate illnesses of the different organs. Sifu/Dr. Torres explained how in Chinese Medicine each organ and sound correlates to the different seasons and and elements of nature. We also discussed the different positive and negative emotions associated with the organs, as well as, the different senses and tastes. He even discussed the different foods that can be eaten to nourish each organ. I always enjoy this workshop. This is my 3rd or 4th time attending, but every time I attend, I always learn something new and I enjoy being able to practice with other participants. If you are looking for a new type of meditation to add to your repertoire, then this is for you. I am hoping that Dr. Torres/Sifu Torres will continue offering this very beneficial workshop.

I feel very unhappy, frustrated, and angry with Sifu and his business practices. For our first…read morescheduled private lesson (April 26th at 8:00 am); He never showed up, nor communicated via any medium (telephonic, text, e-mail) that he would be a total and complete no-show. What makes it even more disappointing is the time and energy spent (And lost) traversing to navigate, find, and pay for parking to his studio. But the time that I invested into researching a Martial Arts instructor, and amongst the overgrowth of dojo / guru / studio options - choosing this one. Up until our scheduled meeting today, communication was respectably okay. He promptly responded to my initial email requesting more information about his studio (over 2 weeks ago). This naturally led to a phone call between the two of us in the interim where my questions were answered about pricing, schedule, etc. Afterwards, we exchanged 2 or 3 emails back and forth to confirm the type of arrangement (private lessons) that would best suit me. He agreed, and I was onboard. I felt comfortable enough agreeing to 2 introductory lessons. So we finally came to an agreement on a start time and date (today, Thursday April 26th). He informed me to arrive a few minutes before the lesson time to fill out a waiver, and other forms. Bringing it back to today - I arrived promptly at 7:55 a.m outside the office building where his studio is located. I rang and buzzed the suite 2 times. Voicemail prompt each time. I continued standing there buzzing the suite when a gentleman who works in the building was kind enough to ask if I needed to come inside (Thank you whomever you were). Once inside, I located and knocked twice on Suite 216 intermittently between 8:00 am and 8:06 am. In an effort to really extend my benefit of the doubt to its limits, I stood outside his suite waiting for him (or anyone) to showup. The entire time refreshing my e-mail inbox, checking my phone for messages. Zilch. Nothing. Even before deciding to finally leave exit the building, I re-checked my phone just to make sure. Nothing. Beyond unacceptable. I don't care if your car is encased in amber-like crusted Wrigleyville vomit, or if an Akula class attack submarine emerged from your bathtub drainpipe - There is no excuse imaginable to NOT show up. Absolutely none. Especially if you are meeting a client for the first time. You show up. You communicate. You don't make excuses. Even in the event of an unforeseen change that prevents any meeting from happening, like an emergency, or something beyond your control (like amber vomit) - you pick up the phone, and in any manner of your choosing inform the client that you will be late and or can not make it. Tactfully, respectfully. Sifu, like so many business providers and paraprofessionals don't seem to understand that customers are NOT commodities. Customers feelings and experiences matter; even before the service is rendered. You have one opportunity to make an impression. And once that impression is set, it will almost never change. The marketplace has minimal tolerance for these transgressions, and ultimately will summate and catch up to paraprofessionals like Sifu, and eliminate them from the business landscape.

Fantastic people! I haven't been here long, but I love it. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. You…read morejust have to check it out for yourself. Great rates for classes too.

Excellent Kung fu! Come here for genuine traditional kung fu. You won't see a lot of flips and…read morejumpkicks; instead you get solid footwork, applicability, emphasis on basics, and an excellent sifu with a great set of instructors. Highly recommended to anyone with any interest in the martial arts. Master and instructors are very friendly and the school has a great family vibe. go to ngfamilymartialarts.com for more info.

If you want to study Kung Fu directly from a 8th Dahn Chinese Master then go to CGFI…read more Master Zhang offers classes in TaiJi, Wushu and External martial arts. Zhang has plenty of credentials in Kung Fu and Tai Ji- its rare to study directly from the master so If your into Kung Fu then you should go train here!

Looking for the best tai chi in Chicago? The Chinese Gong Fu Institute at Western and Wilson may…read morejust be it! Choosing a tai chi teacher is tricky. To reap the many benefits of the art, one needs to learn it correctly. But students don't know enough to evaluate the skill level of instructors, so what's the answer? For me, it was to find the most experienced, credentialed tai chi teacher I could find--Grandmaster Zhang of the Chinese Gong Fu Institute. Grandmaster Zhang is the real deal. Trained in China under elite and rigorous martial artists, he brings a technical insight and wisdom to his teaching that ensures his students will receive the proven rewards--strength, health, flexibility, and peace of mind--of tai chi practice, rather than waste their time doing it wrong. Anyone can wave their hands around in a slow motion dance, but tai chi is so much more than that! For example, after just 12 classes with Master Zhang, my balance and posture have improved tremendously and I am amazed at how this has reduced my daily stress level. I feel more "grounded" going about my daily life, with the result of less anxiety and more confidence. For those with flexible schedules, the weekday morning classes avoid rush hour and are great, but there are evening and Saturday classes, too. In addition to tai chi, classes in fighting-style kung fu (/gong fu) are also offered. Master Zhang (pronounced "jong," rhymes with "long") teaches all of his classes personally with a section of each class devoted to working individually with students. The other students are a friendly, helpful bunch, and his top student--a woman named Molly--is positively inspiring to watch! After 20 years of studying tai chi with Master Zhang, she is the embodiment of strength, flexibility and grace. Another thing I love: sometimes, during warm up or while we're doing the forms, Master Zhang will sit down and play the zither, a horizontal string instrument that I had previously only seen played by zen masters in martial arts movies. It is quite beautiful. We are very lucky to have Master Zhang here in Chicago, as tai chi teachers with his training, lineage, and artistry are becoming increasingly rare. Learn with him now, while you still can. Someday he'll retire and you'll have missed your chance!

Excellent school with a great environment. Great teacher and traditional martial arts training in…read morethe Ving Tsun style of Kung Fu with roots in Hong Kong at the Ving Tsun Athletic Association.

A great school, in the tradition of Ip Ching, son of Ip Man, led by Sifu Matthew Johnson, an…read moreextremely well-read, thoughtful, insightful, wise gentleman, and brilliant, authentic martial artist. Also a lovely group of people, friendly, intelligent, and kind. A true kung fu family! Very highly recommended!

You won't find better and more authentic Kung Fu place than Illinois Shaolin Kung Fu, for both,…read morekids and adults Kung Fu training. I've been training there for a year and a half together with my teenage son, and we both love it. We love authenticity of the place, love Master Chen and Sean and their style of teaching, love learning Forms and working with different weapons /staff, sword, broad sword, nunchucks, spear, even bull whip - we both love working with all of these, and I am a female/. To train with real Shaolin Master, captain of Shaolin Temple Performance Team side to side and to watch him going over the movements is unforgettable experience. Don't get me wrong, it's a hard work /that what kung fu means, hard work/, the warm up is like a bootcamp , cool down is another one , but you will definitely get in shape you've never been in and maybe loose few pounds. I also love flexible schedule, they have classes for every level almost every day, weekends too, you even have 2 options. I love parents train together with kids, we practice together with my son at home and test together, we have fun together. I also take Tai Chi class there and I highly recommend trying this one too. I can't speak of this place and quality of Master Chen's training highly enough. Thank you Illinois Shaolin Kung Fu Academy for this opportunity!

I was a former student at this school and I really enjoyed being in the class for the first few…read moremonths although I did started to gain anxiety over the belt tests and trying not to mess up all the time which was a problem for me. Although Kung Fu did helped me to learn some self defense, but it's mostly motion movements. I would recommend who is really into martial arts but I'm personally into more self defense techniques which wasn't shown up in Kung Fu.

My child cried for days after the way he was treated here. All the parents that I've spoken to have…read morehad AWFUL experiences with these people. Don't waste your time and money and whatever you do don't alow your children near these people!

I've walked by many times to see kids enjoying martial arts classes here. I've thought my own kids…read morewould enjoy, although sadly the times of the classes for their ages have never quite worked out for our busy schedules. Perhaps one day! I recently planned a scavenger hunt for my daughter's birthday party and was thinking a mini martial arts class may be fun. However, when I looked at their website I noticed they had virtual reality, which I knew would be an even bigger hit among the 3rd grade girls. I set up a virtual reality station w/ Richard for the scav hunt and it was the highlight (among many other amazing activities). There were 3 different stations for the kids to choose from including a roller coaster for the bravest of the kids. I did it myself and it truly feels like you're on a real roller coaster. Richard went out of his way to make sure the kids had fun and even brought in a DJ to make it extra fun. So many of the kids mentioned to me they had no idea Temple of Kung Fu was even in the mall and can't wait to go back. Virtual reality and martial arts are just a few of the things Richard/Kung Fu offers so definitely encourage you to check it out!

I have been training here for 3 months and I couldn't be happier ! This is my home away from home …read more Sifu Richard and Tom are great instructors who truly care about seeing their students succeed in all areas of their lives . Kung Fu translates to excellence through hard work. My confidence has increased since I have started training here. The Temple of Kung Fu is great for fitness, realistic self defense applications, and stress relief !

The school offers different programs for all levels. Master Song and Master Shi are great examples…read moreof what martial artists can become as they truly love their students and selflessly dedicated to their craft. Our son has been studying here for over a year and his experience has been excellent. I would highly recommend this school. S. Wang

I don't understand why there is no review for Shifu Song. He volunteer his Monday to teach class in…read moreChicago and for over three years we learn a lot from him. He is strict but he doesn't mess around. His workout are intense but if it doesn't challenge you it is not changing you. I went to a Kung Fu competition this year for the first time and all of his students are amazing and outstanding. He is the real deal Chinese Kung Fu Master. If you ever get to train with him, it is a blessing. If you are out his way, you won't regret going to any of his class and he works well training with the kids. In the end, it is sad to see him leave us in Chicago, we wish him the best because the best is what he is.

I have been going to classes here since 2018. The teacher is phenomenal. I feel so much better…read moreafter every single class I attend. The new space at 1118 N. Ashland is large, airy and peaceful/relaxing. Monthly cost is very very affordable. The more you go, the cheaper it is. Learn tai chi form, sword forms, knife forms, chi gung and much more.

I was recommended to try Tai Chi as a way to relieve stress, help with physical balance and…read morestrength, and for overall health. I've been coming here a couple months, and cannot say enough about the class structure and instructor. Since I'm a way beginner, I wasn't sure what to expect. However, this workout is different from classes I've taken for yoga, Zumba and most cardio-type class structures, since I didn't have to just "pick up" where the class was at. The class instructor (Stirling) is excellent, and takes time to show you each move and guides you every step of the way. He is very thorough, non-critical, peaceful, skilled and patient. It's a class you can take at any level and not feel lost or behind. If you're advanced, Stirling has been doing Tai Chi since the 70s and is skilled in the various forms, such as sword form. He has a lot of students that are at advanced levels and can also provide instruction. If you're a beginner like me, the practice is so fascinating and you don't necessarily need practice/knowledge to start, since you will definitely learn and "feel" when the moves are correct. There are a lot of underlying principals when it comes to perfecting the form - learning these has had a huge impact on my progress. Learning how each move can be used in combat is so empowering! Benefits I've gotten: A lot of energy as opposed to lethargic, physical and mental balance and strength, reduced stress/increased calmness, greater ability to focus, and stronger legs, arms and core

Been a member of this Dojo for three years and it has changed my life. It's an amazing, and…read morediverse, community that revolves around physical wellness, discipline, and camaraderie. You will be pushed, but it is safe for anyone to join no matter the experience level. There are adult classes every day: karate, kick boxing, or jiu jitsu; and kids classes for as young as 4 years old. Sensei Seijo and Sensei Joy and all the Senpais including Ciprian and Jose are amazing teachers of Kyokushin and mentors that go above and beyond to invest in each student's development. Legit love it here, it's become a second home and a second family. And I'm in the best shape of my life as an add on.

I'm so grateful Thank you imazaki dojo. The culture, the community, the leadership & investment of…read moreour kids is a rewarding experience everyone should have an opportunity to be apart of