Authentic traditional martial arts given to you in its purest form taught, by great teachers.

I have been training at the SKFTC for about 10 months. Shifu Hengxin and Shimu Arlene have been nothing less than spectacular teachers. The school is fairly small and individual attention is given to all students. Every class is lead and overseen by Shifu Hengxin, Shimu Arlene, or in most cases by both. What I noticed right away when I began training at the SKFTC is that Shifu Hengxin has no interest in convincing you, or selling you on his martial arts practice. There are no frills or exciting welcomes when walking into the school.. it's simply a matter of getting to work. To me this was refreshing, and says a lot about the sincerity Shifu has in his teaching, and the type of students he wants to acquire. The vibe is true, the vibe is authentic, those who are interested can stay, those who are not can leave. It sounds cold but I think in reality it is a warm and genuine way to teach. No student receives praise, you never hear "great job!", and your always asked to do more. They treat every student the same, which keeps everyone humble and connected.. not divided. Trying the free introductory class at the SKFTC was the best decision I have made in a long time. Being a student has revitalized me, and brought so much more balance into my life. The classes are very demanding and Shifu and Shimu work together to bring the best out of every student. This place has become a second home for me and will continue to be for a long time. p.s. Read the filtered reviews. You can find them in the bottom left of the page. Yelp needs to relax with the censoring. What's the point of having a review site if you can't leave a review??? read more

Both authentic and modern, this is the best martial arts place I found for what I'm looking for. No belts or sparring, but rather an intense workout with something that supports my growth as a person. A unique diamond in the rough with a lovely community of people of various ages and walks of life. I love it. read more

Shaolin Kung Fu Training Center - During Summer Intensive... a 5-weekend kfu boot camp - Chinese Martial Arts Near Me - New York, New York

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First the quick version: If you are looking to really learn the art of Shaolin kung fu taught in the traditional way, the instructors here are a wealth of knowledge. This is the place you are looking for. No gimmicks. Bring your spirit, you'll need it. A little more detailed: As a student, I've found a home at this school. It's all I need in a martial arts gym. I think learning kung fu is a very personal thing, and this school acknowledges that while welcoming you into a community of martial arts, history and philosophy. There is no ranking among students, no comparisons to others, just you and your hard work. Training here, you will be strongly encouraged to REALLY push yourself and work at YOUR maximum capability. In my experience, its rare that instructors put so much energy into demanding your best --- they never phone it in and practice right beside you. The reward is continuously seeing your limits extended. You WILL see gains in cardio, strength and flexibility as well as hand-eye coordination, health and endurance. Every class is energizing, therapeutic and a great workout. Sometimes I come in feeling exhausted or stressed, but I always leave feeling better. Everyone is great and the instructors work really hard to keep it that way. Usually a student is selected to lead the warm up and then the rest of the class is taught by the two instructors -- plenty of personal attention for every skill level and the classes are small so you won't be forgotten. I would recommend being highly self-motivated and patient if your intention is to really learn at this school. This is the real deal, traditionally taught traditional Shaolin kung fu straight from the source (the instructor is a disciple from the Shaolin Temple). The focus of the classes alternates on what is stressed: traditional Shaolin warm ups and stretches, basics (kicks, etc.), stances and forms. As you become more adept, the instructors may ask you to start learning many of the classic weapons and animal patterns. You can choose between kung fu classes or qi gong classes (which are a little softer) or do both. There's also an intensive training program during the summer. The classes are a mix of younger and middle-aged to much older students and the instructors tailor the lessons for each individual's ability. Kids and teens have separate classes. Sometimes I'm amazed at how the instructors have inspired the kids to work with so much dedication; it's clear they love it and have fun, but it's great to see them behaving seriously. They are also given the chance to let loose sometimes, laughing and socializing while they play some martial arts games. Coming three or more times a week, I don't feel like I need to go to a normal gym. In my opinion, even if you haven't given thought to learning martial arts before, if you are looking for a great way to get and stay in shape, but the gym isn't the kind of place you are comfortable, you can do it here and I bet you'll find yourself loving it. The class structure is a great way to get into a routine and learn the self-discipline you need to work out. I'm actually grateful to live in New York and have access to a place like this. read more

First, some basic info about the school: SKFTC is not the cheapest shaolin school in NYC, but you get what you pay for. Every class is instructed by Shifu Hengxin. As of the time of writing, there are incentives for new students, so you can try it out for a few months to see if shaolin kung fu and this school are a good fit for you. Otherwise, there are no contracts; you pay month to month. Call the school for tuition info. There is no contact, no sparring. The emphasis is on mental and physical cultivation. There are no belts or ranks. No matter how good you are, you can be better and there is always more to learn; that is the philosophy here. You train in a t-shirt and inexpensive baggy pants. The instruction is traditional Shaolin with direct lineage from the temple. Compared to other martial arts classes I've taken (Korean and Japanese styles), we do a lot of conditioning exercises. If you've ever seen documentaries on Shaolin Temple training, you can guess what you're in for. It's not half as severe, because we are amateurs, not professional athletes, but it's hard work! I'm seeing muscles in places I've never seen them before. Adult classes include all skill levels, and even with everyone in the same class, the class size is pleasant. Maybe 10-15 people, most days. You will be split up into drills according to skill level. As a beginner, I don't feel that I am neglected in favor of the more advanced students. I think that Shifu and Shimu are very good about giving equal time and attention to everyone. You won't get ignored because you aren't any good, you'll get pushed to become better. Qigong classes are usually smaller, and it's not unusual to end up with a lot of one-on-one attention. In Qigong, you will practice the same kung-fu drills, just in a slow and relaxed manner--but you will also learn traditional Qigong forms, such as Ba Duan Jin. The teachers: Adult classes are primarily taught by Shifu, with help from Shimu, who takes over if for some reason Shifu cannot be present. Senior students help lead drills but they never give instruction. Shifu and Shimu are both caring and attentive teachers. They have very different teaching styles that complement each other well. Shifu is more reserved and basically makes students hit the ground running. You watch and follow along. He will give you space to figure out where your limbs are supposed to be and give you corrections as you practice. Shimu is warm and gregarious. She likes to explain things in more detail, and she will give you a lot of feedback and make sure your technique is correct. Shifu and Shimu both are clearly very passionate and dedicated and I feel that they really want to share their knowledge with you. They are accepting of everyone. The other students are friendly and supportive. The atmosphere is not competitive at all. The adult students range from 18 up through 50s and there's a good mix of men and women, so whoever you are and whatever your fitness level, you'll have company! Don't be intimidated. I've had a really great experience here and I'm glad I chose this school. read more

This place is one of New York City's little-known gems. Our family's experience at the Shaolin Kung Fu Training Center began with Shifu Hengxin over four-and-a-half years ago when our oldest daughter became a student. Her younger brother began training the following year. Last year, our youngest daughter began her studies, as did my wife and I. Shifu Hengxin and Shimu Arlene Yau have, as with everybody, welcomed and supported us. It didn't matter that we were in our forties and had never studied Kung Fu or Qigong. It only mattered that we did our best. Admittedly, the workouts are extremely demanding, and perhaps not for everybody, but the benefits are manyfold. The experience training at the Center--now up to four classes weekly--has affected much more than our physical health. Through close personal attention, Shifu and Shimu evoke every student's best efforts and remind us of our true inner potential, as they transmit the rich and extensive history of Shaolin. Leading by personal example, following the eight-fold path, and emphasizing hard work and dedication, Shifu and Shimu have been not only extraordinary teachers, but roles models as well. I would highly recommend SKFTC for adults, children, and families. read more

Shaolin Kung Fu Training Center is the real deal. This is traditional Shaolin Kung Fu taught in the traditional way. Shifu and Shimu are extremely knowledgable, patient, and skilled instructors. The school has a great vibe-- everyone is supportive of one another. But they will push you to your personal limit, and then past it. This is a killer workout, and very rewarding. I truly look forward to class-- doing the forms is like a moving meditation, and you feel great afterwards. Whenever I have to miss for work or travel, I truly miss it. Come ready to work out, and to be sore for a while! (It gets better quickly-- I can't believe how I can keep up, now only 5 months into training). Kung Fu is hard work. There are no short cuts, but there are no limits to how far you can go either. One last thing: the youth class looks incredible. My son is just a baby, but I can't wait until he's old enough to do this with me. read more

The Shaolin Kung Fu Training Center is a hidden gem in NYC for both Qi Gong and Shaolin Kung Fu. It is a place where one can learn and appreciate martial arts, at any age. There are people who have been training for a decade, while others have been there for only a few months, and there are people of all ages. It is never too late to start, and beginners are welcome and are taught with much respect and patience. This is a place where one becomes stronger both physically and mentally due to the vigorous physical activity involved, as well as the healthy, genuine, respectful and friendly environment which Shifu Hengxin and Shimu Arlene have created at the training center. I have studied and/or visited other schools and this is truly without a doubt the very best place I have found. There is a free introductory class so you can try it before signing up and no one makes you buy tons of merchandise or yells at you as if you were in a military academy. I highly recommend anyone to start training there because as soon as you start you will realize what you had been missing and will wish you had started sooner. read more

Still attending the classes and doing great ! Come and try out a free trial class on thursdays!

Very disappointing. My wife took one of the trial classes early this year. She was so excited that she bought a 3 months groupon deal to train there ($183). When she came to class, she was told she could not use the coupon because she was not a "new student". This makes no sense. The coupon is there to attract new members, not punish those who were curious. Taking a trial class does not make a person a member of anything. When my wife asked for the refund, she said it was probably gone. Tough luck. I cannot describe how unprofessional this was. We are extremely disappointed, since my wife loved the class and was looking for training there. Avoid it like the plague. Place has no ethics. read more

Shifu Hengxin and Shimo Arlene are truly skilled, genuine, and humble teachers of Shaolin Kung Fu who strive to preserve the tradition and educate the seekers in the art - not only through highly disciplined, intense physical training, but also through mental cultivation. They teach the ways of Shaolin martial arts in practical and down to earth manner and they focus on and build personal relationship with each individual student, giving the student helpful advice on how to improve his/her skills, form and abilities. One can truly grow under their guidance, both as a person and as a martial artist. The atmosphere in the class is that of a family that works together as a team to assist each of its members' inner and outer development. read more

My 9 yr old daughter had been hinting at wanting to study a martial art, but nothing too strict!! Well, this place is certainly strict, but it's rigorous in such a positive way that she fell in love with it immediately! Now she has a whole new confidence about her body, and is so much stronger. It has also helped her appetite, and general outlook on life! Who would have thought it? The instructors are so kind and caring, and they really know their stuff. They are great role models for the kids and adults alike. Very highly recommended. read more

I've been a student at Shaolin Kung fu Training Center for 2+ years and for me it has been and continues to be a great experienced. I feel the Shaolin kung fu martial art training has yielded in me more physical strength in a relaxed way, balance, flexibility, better physical coordination and mental focus. Shifu and Shimu are great teachers and always encourage the students to do their best in every form and in every exercise. For me it all comes down to personal development as to how far and how much you want to push yourself. I highly recommend this school to anyone who is looking for a great martial art workout and mental focus. read more