During this summer break, the daily two-hour intensive training came to a conclusion with the national martial arts competition that the kids participated in over the weekend. Teams from various places, with an estimated four thousand people including parents, gathered. The kids' teams won both gold and bronze medals, but the most significant gains were the earnest process and the growth experiences gained through participation. "It takes a village to raise a kid." Grateful to have such a group and environment in a foreign land, allowing the children and parents to grow together. This was our first summer training camp, and honestly, shuttling the kids every day amidst a busy schedule and managing various tasks was sometimes quite overwhelming. However, each time I saw the masters and classmates so spirited and dedicated, witnessed the two kids flourishing and advancing in a short period, and understood the meaning of participating seriously in a competition, it became clear that effort leads to success. This was a rare learning experience for the children. Many thanks to the masters who, year after year, tirelessly committed to the daily training from morning to night. It requires immense passion, patience, and self-discipline to teach, organize, be strict yet compassionate, handle administrative tasks, and even cut watermelons and distribute popsicles . They also participated in competitions and served as main referees, making a sincere effort to set an example and promote the spirit of martial arts. Sometimes I feel sorry for the two masters, juggling multiple roles day and night is truly tough, but congratulations on returning with a well-deserved sense of accomplishment . Thanks to all the parents for supporting the children's learning. Although not participating in the competition, the equal decade-long commitment from the sidelines is appreciated. Looking forward to experiencing and growing together with the children in the upcoming journey of life. read more

This dojo is named Pure Shaolin Kungfu but in China, pure shaolin encompasses mixed martial arts based in kungfu foundation. To get a black belt, students are required to train in 8 hand forms and 8 weapons. The black belt exam requires the student to pass soft weapon, hand form, long weapon, single weapon and double weapon as well as strength and flexibility. This ensures that whatever environment the black belt is in, they are able to defend themselves with what's available. This is not a dojo that hands out belts to make money. The students earn their belts and get satisfaction from their achievements. Both my kids have been with Sifu David and Sifu Grace since they were 4 years old. My daughter is 20 at UC Davis. When my daughter was in high school, the high school students decided they wanted to start a Flying Dragon club for 3-5 year olds. Sifu Grace sponsored the program and the students were responsible for creating curriculum, accounting, marketing and promotion. This gave them so much practical life experience that I couldn't have asked for a better place for my very shy daughter to come into her own. My son is 16 and just had knee surgery due to some skeletal issues and upon returning to the dojo, both Sifu Grace and David have customized the training with taichi, chi gong and boxing to promote strength and stability during his recovery. Both my kids have their black belts and have moved on to their 2nd degree. It was fun to watch my daughter train with the wooden mannequin like Bruce Lee. Grandmaster David is one of the last generations to come out of the Shaolin Temple in China. He entered the temple at 5 years old and trained inside the temple until he went to WuHan Sports University. Grandmaster Grace was trained by her grandfather who trained communist military until she also went to WuHan Sports University. Upon graduation, they both taught at the University creating curriculum, preserving the traditional style as well as promoting the Wuxi performance style. I've seen students grow up with the Sifus and become family. They also have visiting scholars from specialists who train the Chinese police, Grandmasters from other kungfu disciplines (not shaolin) for cross training. read more

I have been a student of Pure Shaolin Kung Fu since their opening over 12 years ago. I've seen their growth from a small 30 student studio into the community it is today. It really is a hidden gem. The best thing about the school is the coaching. This school is family run, and each coach is highly qualified. Master David and Master Grace were both university professors in China and are big names in the kung fu community. You'll be hard pressed to find other coaches with a deeper understanding of the art. But most importantly, all of the coaches are all around good people. They're great with both kids and adults, and they actually care about their students' well-being. They put student's needs over their business needs and really do tailor their coaching style to the individual needs of each student. They make sure students develop not only kung fu skills but also good character. I used to be a really shy, low self-esteem kid. Under their guidance, I learned to become more confident and how to actively face new challenges. They know how to find the perfect balance of encouragement and pushing me out of my comfort zone. With each new belt level, each new skill, I learned the value of discipline and hard work. These lessons have served me well in my adult life and I honestly have Pure Shaolin Kung Fu to thank for that. The community here is also great. Everyone is very welcoming and supportive. The classes are fun while also being a great workout, and the coaches tailor classes to your athletic level and needs. I really cannot recommend this school enough. read more

I have been taking classes here for the past two months, and it has been a great experience. This is a family business run by husband, wife, and their nephew. Two of the instructors are direct disciples of Shaolin Temple, and they are truly masters of their art. You can find some video clips of them here: http://www.youtube.com/user/pureshaolinkungfu They're are very friendly and kind people; always smiles on their faces. You can ask anyone of them after class and they'll be glad to help you individually with any technique you want to work on. They offer classes for both children and adults, though they are very popular with children. Classes here teach you the traditional Shaolin forms. This includes weapon training as well as free-hand techniques. In addition to the forms, they also teach self-defense techniques applicable in real situations. The classes are very helpful in training your body control, flexibility, strength, and stamina. They're also a great workout. Pricing is very reasonable, and you can pay for a whole year or pay by the month. Finally, there's also a great sense of community here. There are several families who have been sending their kids here for many years and they all know each other. If you're looking for Kung Fu lessons, or to improve your flexibility and stamina, or to get a good workout, I highly recommend this place. read more

My children have been going to Pure Shaolin Kung Fu for several months now and absolutely love it. Sifu Grace, Sifu David & Sifu Ming are all AMAZING and we are so pleased to have found this hidden gem. The rates are fair and the art of Kung Fu is best taught here. LOVE this place! read more

My six year old son has attended this school since he was nearly 4 years old. We started him in the Little Dragons classes, and now he attends the class with the "older" little kids in their 5 yrs old and up classes. My son loves this school. The classes are taught by Sifu David, Sifu Grace and Sifu Ming and they are all true Kung Fu masters; one can tell just by looking at their beautiful martial arts. More importantly, they are also fabulous with kids. My child can be more anxious than others when he is transferred to a new class, and cried with each transition (for example, when he graduated from the Little Dragons class to the "white belt" class, then again when he moved on to be with another group of kids when he became a "yellow/black belt"). The instructors could not have been more excellent in teaching him confidence and having him become excited in the class again. Besides teaching my child balance, coordination and strength, these classes also teach him discipline, respect and how to have fun. We truly love this school and adore the masters. If you are considering which martial arts school for your child, check out this school! UPDATE: My tiny little 3 year old just started the little dragon class. Watching him learn Kung Fu is soooo cute! We were thinking of enrolling him into a gym class at My Gym or at the San Carlos Youth Ctr and decided on Kung Fu instead. So glad we did. Besides being way more fun, my little guy is learning a lot more here: coordination, following instruction, flexibility strength and agility training, and just being super adorable doing it the entire time. Highly recommend. read more

Learning Kung Fu at Pure Shaolin under Shifu David, Shifu Grace & Shifu Ming's awesome guidance has been the hugest blessing for our family! My husband and I, and our two daughters (aged 6 & 9) have had the privilege to train with these extremely passionate teachers for over a year now, and we could not be happier! If you are looking for the perfect combination of skilled instructors who teach authentic Kung Fu while being warm, caring role-models to your children, look no further. We feel so extremely lucky to have found them!! read more

My 2 kids has started taking classes at this studio since Feb, 2011. They absolutely love this place. The 3 Sifus who teaches are excellent with kids, they have excellent credentials in the field and demonstrates tremendous patience in the class. The kids have fun, they build confidence, independence and discipline in the class. Our experience is very positive and definitely beyond expectation. I strongly recommend this studio. read more

This place is pure abuse, not pure shaolin. One of the teachers insisted on correcting her for how she did her Kung fu 'kicks' I was looking in the class from a window and saw the teacher would not let up and kept 'correcting her' he wouldn't ' move on or let it go.'.. so my daughter just started to tear up and ran out the class to me in the waiting room. I asked for a refund of classes for 6 months that we didn't use.. the owner refused to get me a refund. I requested to used the 6 months worth of classes during the summer and that was not allowed either.. this place is pure high way robbery.. I've seen other kid run out crying from the class as well. Please don't go to this Kung fu outfit.. it's a scam. we are in America and not in China! read more

My 3-year-old and my 7-year-old both take classes at Pure Shaolin, and they love it. It's wonderful to see how focused they can be and how hard they can work when it's something that they enjoy. They are so proud of what they learn and what they can do. The three Si Fu's work so well with children, each in their own special way. They are firm, and teach the children discipline, but they are also kind and supportive. I love the way that they are able to keep the children attentive and motivated. Within each class they often divide up according to experience level, allowing the children even more attention. Our daughter just got her yellow belt, and we all found the belt test to be a wonderful experience with a community feel. It was fun to see the forms for the different belt levels. The class schedule is very convenient, and the fact that you aren't pressured into a year contract is much appreciated. They allow you to try a class for free to see if it's a good fit, which is also nice. Oh, I am also taking the women's only kung fu class, and I have never had so much fun working so hard in an exercise class before. It must be a great workout, because it feels like every muscle in my body is sore afterwards! read more

Great place I have been coming here for 2-3 years and have a bunch of experience in Martial arts. Shifu David has a wealth of knowledge and has been around the block. Shifu Grace is great with kids and helps their development. Shifu Ming is very dynamic and explosive. Individually I have seen how they have their own strengths and helps many people. read more

My son and I started at the school back in January 2009, and have been dedicated students ever since. Love the teachers, their direct link to the Shaolin temple, and the opportunity to learn how to wield traditional Chinese weapons (if you've ever watched the Matrix training sequences you know what I mean). Great for children's physical development and confidence, plus self defense. For adults, a phenomenal total body workout (plyometric and bone/muscle building) and great stress relief. Something about swinging those weapons... For those of you with more time to read through a review: I had studied several other forms of martial arts over the years (tae kwon do, judo, etc), but have always been looking for a great school for Chinese Kung Fu. Grand Master Xu trained from childhood at the Shaolin Monastary and was a champion martial artist in China. His teaching experience is deep, and he helped to train the Chinese Olympic team. It's quite a privilege to have a teacher of his ability right in our backyard. With him you not only learn the traditional forms, but the why behind all of the movements from a combat perspective. He is joined by Master Yan (his wife), a rigorous and strict instructor, as well as Master Ming (his nephew), an energetic and very athletic teacher. The three masters teach the children's classes, while Master Xu generally teaches the adult classes (except for a women's only class taught by Master Yan). Unlike the more commercial martial art schools nearby, you and/or your kids are not going to be taught by other students. Instead of just repetitive kicking and striking and yelling, you will learn how to channel a massive repertoire of martial art movements through your body. There really is no comparison. What could be better? It's conveniently located, but parking can be difficult as it's street parking. Sometimes the adult class can be noisy with the children in the waiting room...including my own (the adult students are pretty understanding about sometimes needing to bring kid(s) to class with you). The school has also gotten quite popular in the last several months and so some of the classes have become more crowded which decreases the individualized learning. But I think Master Xu and Master Grace may move the school into a larger facility with more parking and potentially augment the teaching staff as the school grows. read more

My two children (boy, 6 & girl, 3.5) LOVE their classes at Pure Shaolin. My son is so disiplined in class and pays great attention. My daughter basks in the attention given to her. ALL of the teachers have such patience and genuine caring for the children. Would give Pure Shaolin more stars if possible. read more

Great club for "real" Chinese Kung Fu. All three instructors studied at the Shaolin Temple and haven't Americanized their club.

This is an update to my previous review. Our children continued to progress in the art of Kung Fu and LOVE IT. My husband and I have started the adult classes a while ago. Not only are the classes fun and help burn calories, you gradually gain the ability to maintain balance, improve flexibility and strength. When you learn forms from Sifus, you are not just learning how to perform the steps, but to understand and comprehend reasons for each form and put them in practice. We've just completed the staff forms, and now learning Shaolin broad sword forms. Pure Shaolin is like an extended family to us, and I strongly recommend. read more

We have been coming to Pure Shao Lin for over four years now with my two children. They have learned so much and the teachers here have been fantastic and very importantly, consistent over the 4 year period. The kids also get a little taste for the Chinese culture with different shows where they get to perform their routines. i knew nothing about Kung Fu before and I have learned a lot myself. The discipline for the kids has built their self esteem and the class activities have really developed their coordination. I highly recommend this group of teachers - they are great! read more

Son has been here a year now. Before coming to Pure Shaolin we tried several other places for several months each. This is absolutely the best because you have 3 excellent Masters teaching the students. They are all great and balance the learning. Not too easy. Challenging and great discipline. They teach the kids respect and although my sins says it is hard he loves coming and has learned quickly. Highly recommend. read more

My family goes there for classes. I cannot speak more highly of the teachers (sifu's) professionalism, expertise, and above all, patience and kindness toward the students. This is a perfect place for children to build self-confidence, skills, as well as get good, healthy exercise. Highly recommended. read more

Sifu Grace, Sifu David and Sifu Ming does a wonderful job running this studio. My son is 7 years old and has been going there for a few years now. What was critical to me in deciding the appropriate studio to join is to determine what the tone for the younger children was going to be. I wanted to see if the children were allowed to just come and have fun or truly learn martial arts. I wanted my son to learn discipline, have structure, be challenged, and have fun along the way. The staff is passionate about what they do and it shows. In comment to the person who had a horrible experience, it is not fair to say this is a "scam" and that we are not in China. These types of words are extreme and not an objective viewpoint of the studio. Maybe this studio wasn't appropriate for what your expectations are for your child. Structure and discipline is important to teach and in a class setting, important for everyone to abide by. If your child does not have the maturity yet to be in this environment, that's fine. Please do not be irresponsible and to say this is a scam. That is just not right. For anyone looking to see if this is a good fit for your child, they offer free sessions for you to try it out. Like all other decisions for your child, decide if the teachers and the students attending the studio are a good fit. I just personally think it's worth the time to go check it out. It's turned out to be one of the best investments of my time for my child in terms of what he has gotten out of it (ie: soccer, baseball, and all the other activities I have him in). read more

This place is very awesome, they teach you how to box and they teach weapons such as the staff broad sword and the spear. This place is definitely recommended. read more

Great place for a kid to take martial arts from our experience so far. My 7 year old son has taken the white and yellow belt classes here for the last 5 months and loves it. He does a lot of activities and Pure Shaolin has become his favorite. Sifus Grace, David and Ming are all very experienced/great teachers, they do the majority of the instruction which is a good thing (along with some higher level students). The first place we tried nearby was mostly taught by the students, not the masters like is the case at Pure Shaolin. Good balance of focus and fun, at the right times either laugh and have fun during some of the unstructured parts of class (such as agility training which they do a fair amount of) or get stern and encourage focus when working on form or self defense techniques. read more

My two kids have been students here for over a year and they both love it. The classes are fun and a great physical outlet. Sifu David is a former monk at the famous Shaolin Temple where kung fu originated. His wife Sifu Grace is formerly from the Chinese National Wu shu team. They are both expectional instructors and teach the authentic kung fu of the ancient Shaolin tradition. The students all get personal attention and the classses are not overly crowded. Many of the students have gone on to win at competition which is a great experience for the kids as well. For instuctuion in the authentic kung fu of ancient china and for the cultural experience as well I can't recommend Pure Shaolin Kung Fu more. read more

My 7 yo son has been taking classes at Pure Shaolin for several months now and we would absolutely recommend this studio to all of our friends. The teachers are warm, fun and very encouraging. They keep the ratio of the classes low(4 to 5 kids per group max) by having three sifu's available to teach at all times. This is a family business and the care and passion is clearly reflected in the way the studio is run. My son loves going to kung fu class and every time we get ready to go to class, he jumps up and yells "yes"!! read more

My 4 year old son loves the little dragons. All the instructors are very patient and the weekday classes are less crowded than the weekends. The classes are fun for the students as learning the techniques is augmented with fun activities. read more

I agree with all other reviewers 110%! I like that the program is 50 minutes long. It is typically broken down into 1) stretching 2) warm-up exercises that include some fun relays 3) learning/practicing the forms. It's great that there's enough time for all three parts, but more importantly, the kids have so much FUN doing it! The si fu's are patient and respected by the children. My son practices on his own accord at home and looks forward to going to his lessons twice a week. I've researched several other kung fun/ tae kwon do/ kuk sul studio from Foster City to Menlo Park and believe this program is the BEST in terms of 1) cost of the program 2) building confidence and perserverence in children, and 3) delivering exercise in a way that's fun and exciting for the children. Stop by with your child(ren) and I'm sure they'll be just as excited as my son was when I first brought him there. read more

My son is attending a four week Kung Fu- Tai Ji camp at the studio. I had the opportunity to watched some classes during the past two weeks. It seems like Shifus have spent a lot of thoughts into planning each class. They make training fun and interesting by using different props: bean bags, chairs, balls. They explain every skill in detail step by step which makes learning easier and faster. I believe many of the self defense skills taught can only be learned here. They pay close attention to each child when they are practicing and correct they as they go along. I believe this kind of deep learning skill will benefit the children in the future when they learn other materials. I'm also happy to see that kids are able to settle down and focus on their breathing faster as compared to the beginning of the camp after physical exercise. This is also something that will benefit them in the long run as many of the kids are wired up all the time. This skill will allow them to calm down when needed. This is a very unique camp. I'm very happy that my son is part of it. read more