Portland Kung Fu is the real deal. Us Mainers are so lucky this school exists. They are bring a 500…read moreyear old fighting system and tradition right here to Maine. It is taught in the traditional manner, and the Ving Tsun (Wing Chun) system is highly effective for fighting, self defense, muscle development, cardio, and overall fitness. The Kung Fu taught here makes you fight better, think better, behave better, and live better.

This place changed my life. Portland Kung Fu is an incredible place to learn an ancient and…read morepowerful martial art. You will get the best training available, in a relaxed and respectful environment. You will develop powerful skills in self defense, focus, and mental relaxation. If you are looking into martial arts training, I would highly recommend that you contact the instructor for an intro.

I have only positive comments regarding my experience with SAF Kung Fu, Sifu Nate, and the classes…read more Every day I feel challenged and accomplished. I noticed changes immediately but after six weeks, I've achieved improved balance, confidence, muscle memory, coordination, flexibility and peacefulness. It's also a fantastic, fun and satisfying workout! Before joining, I felt very self-conscious about recent weight gain and wasn't sure what to expect from as I'm overall clumsy by nature. I opted to start with a free introductory session and followed with 2 private lessons. I immediately felt satisfaction with what I was learning and was eager to continue by joining classes. I would like to note that there is no pressure whatsoever regarding joining, or subscribing to special belt programs. I pay monthly. The classes are great and anyone could easily start with them. No one gets lost. I've gotten very specialized attention when needed. It was a pleasant surprise to find a balance of women in the group and more surprised to have a mix of people (different ages, shapes, sizes, abilities) working seamlessly well with each other. Everyone is well spirited and enthusiastic, excited to participate and share their skills. I was immediately comfortable in the environment and quickly lost the heavy self-conscious feeling. Since, I've increased my plan to include extra sessions and keep training through the week. These sessions are allowing me to pursue instruction in specific topics I'm interested in whether it be to increase proficiency in a form or to try something new. For example, I recently learned my first weapon, sticks! The experience is incredibly gratifying and I encourage anyone to join. I was looking for a physical activity that excited me to partake in and could easily become part of my daily routine rather than be a chore to me like going to the gym had become. If I skip a class because of my work schedule, I truly miss it. I'm frankly amazed at how fluid some of my motions have become and it's always fun to see your forms and moves appear in a television show or film you're watching.

First of all .....Sifu Gary is "the man". He has spent the last 20 years building and developing…read morehis talent and reputation in the business and martial arts community. He is a genuine person and excellent teacher. Sifu Gary teaches Thai chi and chi gong at local senior centers around Worcester county in addition to running his school. By the way, did I say he was "the man", if you don't believe me stop by the Millbury, Sutton or Holden senior centers,the people LOVE him. In April he hosts world Thai Chi day, which is an incredible event. Stop by the school, bring your son, daughter, better half or grandmother. The floor is usually filled with all types, shapes, sizes and off course personalities LOL .

I wish everybody could attend this school. When I joined, I had been thinking about learning…read moremartial arts for a long time, and finally got the guts to set up a free trial class here. That was almost three years ago. I still remember walking in the door and seeing the big smiles on everybody's faces -- that wasn't what I was used to seeing on Main Street in Worcester. The atmosphere is fun and we laugh a lot, which is amazing considering how intense the training can be. The community is super welcoming and everybody helps everybody -- that includes the black sashes, who go out of their way to draw you in and help you succeed. Sifu Gary is a natural teacher, and meets everybody where they are at, while challenging them to become better. Basically the school is a huge part of my life now, and at 30 years old, I'm in the best shape of my life so far, and I feel more comfortable in my skin than I ever have. It's a wonderful place.

I have been training with Sifu Stanley Jue for about a year and a half. I trained for a few years…read morein a different lineage of Wing Chun . I also have over 30 years of involvement with the arts and have black belts in Karate and Ju Jitsu ( 1rst degree and 6th degree respectively, plus some other stuff. Having been around for a while, one develops a knack for determining if someone is the real deal. I have trained with some amazing high level martial artists. Sifu Stanley may perhaps be at the highest level I have ever trained with. He is also an awesome guy. The training is now semi private with much individual attention.

Sifu Jue has been my Sifu for many years. I feel very fortunate to have found him. I'm a senior (Gu…read moreLao) Wing Chun student and I've practiced continuous sparring here for many years. If I had to defend myself, I could. For me, Wing Chun and continuous sparring are practical, useful, interesting, and effective. Sifu Jue teaches authentic, traditional kung fu in the traditional Chinese way ~ the way Kung Fu classes were taught in China past and present, and integrates his own method. This school is not a franchised business or part of an organization with a standardized curriculum. Having practiced Wing Chun under 2 previous teachers, I can say that Sifu Jue understands Wing Chun very well, is an excellent practitioner, and is an effective teacher with an ability to teach anyone. Over the years I've witnessed many people in his class develop into surprisingly good fighters. Sifu Jue knows many things but is a modest instructor. Everyone is comfortable learning here. As with anything, if you commit yourself you will continue to improve. Note: I chose to learn Kung Fu because I knew it offered something additional that modern fighting arts do not. There are the tangible benefits of self~defense, strength, and fitness, that come with training of any kind, but kung fu offers much more.

Tiger Crane Kung Fu provides excellent Tai Chi instruction. Through a series of classes, their…read moreexpert-level instructors have taught me the correct way to do a Tai Chi "form," or dance-like sequence of coordinated upper and lower body moves. They point out and demonstrate martial applications, discuss related philosophy and welcome questions. In addition to the form, we have learned "Tai Chi walking," two-person "push-hands" practices, standing meditation, various "qi gong" movements, diaphragmatic & related breathing techniques, and unique and interesting warm-up exercises. Tiger Crane's studio is well-lit, spacious and inviting in a sparkling new location. Overall, Tiger Crane is a great place to learn Tai Chi. I highly recommend this establishment as well as Tai Chi, in general, for people of all ages and body types to enhance physical fitness and mental ability. As Tiger Crane's full name indicates, they also teach Kung Fu (and they do a good job here, too, as their Kung Fu students win regional tournaments.)

From the owner: Kung Fu -- Self-defense and effective practical applications are the emphasis of Hung Gar, a style…read moreof Kung Fu that originated at the Shaolin Temple in Southern China. The Hung Gar practitioner combines internal and external power, while strengthening the body, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Tai Chi -- Tai Chi is a moving meditation that aids in relaxation and improved health. In addition, the movements have the extra benefit of self-defense applications. The Mayo Clinic states, "Tai chi helps reduce stress and anxiety. And it also helps increase flexibility and balance." Lion Dance -- Lion dance involves the coordinated effort between the performers and musicians. Lion dances are performed during Chinese New Year and special occasions such as festivals, weddings, and business openings, bringing good luck wherever they go. We also offer classes in Weapons and Qi Gong

The students, under the direction of Sifu Mai Du, performed a wedding blessing for a couple in…read moreFramingham, MA. There were 4 lions and drummers/musicians. Their performance was outstanding!! The group was on time, followed all the directions (as they were part of the wedding ceremony), and were all highly skilled. All of the guests, many whom have not seen lions perform before, were amazed. I highly recommend this academy if you are looking for a blessing, performance, etc for a special event.

Traditional arts taught here. Great family feel, awesome place for kids and adults to learn.read more

I have been a student here for 6 years, and I can safely say I have been made a much better person…read moreby it. The family that is created there and the care that Laoshì Eliot has for all of us students is unmatched. He always finds new ways to challenge us and improve our kung fu. He shows a patience that I have never seen in someone before. The school is easily the most welcoming environment I know (other than my own home of course). In fact, it is like a second home. We don't go there just to train and get fit, we go there to grow as people and as martial artists. We learn to protect ourselves and others, and to show respect for everyone, no matter who they are. The environment is also very safe, and from what I've experienced with some years in both the kids and adult classes, Laoshì can handle a full plate like an absolute champ. This place has without a doubt changed my life.

Chuck E. I was looking to learn traditional kung fu, and fortunately I came across Metrowest Kung…read moreFu (MWKF). I took the free week of classes (kung fu and tai chi), and decided to take both styles. MWKF has a good schedule of classes, is very progressive in that they invite special instructors that teach similar although slightly different kung fu styles, and has an overall excellent culture that focuses on the students. If you've studied kung fu before or are curious about the style, I highly recommend giving MWKF a shot.

The Guy Chase Academy is among the best in the country when it comes to Martial Art instruction and…read moretraining. Whether it's MMA (Mixed Martial Arts), Muay Thai Kickboxing, Jeet Kune Do, Savate, Catch Wrestling / Grappling, Brazilian Juijutsu, Kali, or Silat; Guru Chase is the best. Chase has direct linega to Bruce Lee, Ben Largusa, Mel Lopez, Herman Suwanda, Salem Assli, and Karl Gotch among others.

Guru Guy is a truly world-class instructor and it's incredible to have someone like him in…read moreNewburyport. Prior to signing up, I had no experience in martial arts, but had a vague idea of what I was looking for. As a fan of MMA, and always enjoying the fighters with a Muay Thai background, I knew that's what I wanted to train. I also knew I didn't want to do "cardio kickboxing". On the flipside, I didn't want to train somewhere that was 100% focused on training active fighters! I wanted to learn *real* muay thai but in a somewhat casual manner. Guy Chase's gym is utterly perfect for this. Guru Guy will teach you the real thing. For instance, you aren't just going to hit bags repeatedly merely for the sake of bringing your heartrate up. He's going to make sure you're utilizing your range properly and not lowering your guard while you throw punches. You'll learn proper form, combinations, blocks, counters, etc. Everything is very practical and designed for maximum efficacy in the ring - like what you'd be taught in a gym in Thailand. I was also worried that there would be pressure to partake in hard sparring. There is sparring, however it's light and technical and you only partake if you want. As someone who is competitive and wants to put what I've learned to the test, but also doesn't want to eat heavy shots to the head, it's perfect. You'll see where you stand, but won't get beat up in the process :) The people who train there are great as well. Everybody is friendly and helpful.