Rister Martial Arts keeps the mix of traditional with modern tactics alive. I really enjoy working…read morewith these guys. They focus on the tactics and ways to combat against various opponents. The mentality is real. I had some martial arts experience before and found this to fit my interest of martial arts. There is a lot of knowledge here.

From the owner: Close quarter combat tactics with and without weapons including edged weapons and improvised…read moreweapons . Tactics and strategy for people with limited strength to overcome superior opponents.

I have been taking classes here on and off for the last three years…read more Master Jia runs most of the classes I attend, though several are led by senior students. Class sizes may vary from 8-10 (when I've attended on Saturdays) to 2-4 (when I go Thursday nights). Age ranges generally run from 30s to 60s (with parents occasionally bringing young children with them). Suitable for a wide range of skill levels - often new students working alongside folks who've been doing this for years. Focus is generally on health and wellness, not marital arts (though Ch'en style classes do get into push hands). All major families of Tai Chi are taught, along with Qigong. Having studied several different places here in the Richardson area, this is the school I continue to go back to.

I started learning Kung-fu at Iron Phoenix 2 years ago with no experience in any kind of martial…read morearts. I felt welcomed and was treated like a part of the family from the beginning. Even though I am twice as old as most of the students, and with no experience, I never felt like I was out of place. Sifu and instructors create a positive and challenging environment where we are motivated to learn both physically and mentally. Not only learning impressive Northern Praying Mantis Kung-fu, we are improving our self-confidence, respect, and dedication. I strongly feel that I am a better person than 2 years ago. The curriculum are well thought out and challenging for all ages and all levels. Leveled belt system creates short term goals and motivation. Every time we advance, skills, mindset, and theories are tested. Mindset writing always makes me learn more about my inner self. There are options to take electives, such as weapons and specific skills, every 3 months. I have taken Staff, Straight Sword, Chin-na, Core Strength, and Flexibility electives and they were fun and challenging. I never thought I would be learning Kung-fu, but here I am, loving the classes at Iron Phoenix. I encourage anyone, children and adults, to try out for a week and see why I am recommending this place.

From the owner: We teach traditional kung fu to all ages and ability levels. For adult students, our Seven Star…read moreMantis Academy offers old school training, weight loss, and high-level conditioning. For parents, our Seven Star Youth Academy provides a fun and novel approach to building disciplined habits in their child. All students will develop grace, coordination, and confidence! Our school offers new classes every three months, so you can choose the areas you want to focus on. These courses include weapon training, contact sparring, Tai Chi, and specialized courses exploring Praying Mantis kung fu and other styles. Trial classes are free with no obligation, so come and see what we're teaching today!

I practiced Shaolin Kung Fu with Sifu for a number of years. The months leading up to my green…read morebelt test were met with a different test called life. As life had different plans for me I was not able to test. At the very beginning, Sifu had us write a paper on a specific topic about kung fu. I laughed a bit inside because who writes papers in a kung fu class. Little did I know that I would reach far deeper into myself, not to come up with comical kung fu paper, but to discover more about myself. I told Sifu I wanted to write about Bruce Lee and his influences from Shaolin Kung Fu, Wing Chun and Tai Chi. Sifu paused and explained that Jeet Kun Do is a slight departure from traditional kung fu. He said if I could break each aspect down and explain it then I would have his blessing to write the paper. He pulled me aside after class when he handed back the papers and said that I have an introspective energy that could be put to good use in his class and to focus. Fast forward years and belts later and I still remember the energy I cultivated. I do not live anywhere close to this school anymore but what I would do to return! If you come to class expecting the instructors to show you forms and mimic then you're not in it for the right reason. Any circus animal can learn tricks. However, we are humans with mighty amounts of chi. Use it during class and practice and you will discover another you. I am from the class of Mr. Diaz and Mr. English. I ran into them at Chili's once in Addison and they progressed wonderfully. I think both of them were already instructors back then. It has definitely been a long time since I have seen them. This school comes highly recommended from me. Sifu treats everyone the same and so do his instructors. The classes are thorough and he explains a lot so pay attention. Well worth it to push you to become a better you!

This is a great place to learn martial arts. I have been training at White Lions of Shaolin for…read more quite sometime now and to be able to learn Tai Chi, Wing Chun, and Choy Li Fut kung fu at one school is a blessing short of a miracle :) The atmosphere is great and the school is filled with loving and kind people. Sifu Giatrakis is not only a very skilled martial artist, but he is also a great friend. I am thankful to have him as a teacher. You can also enroll in his college class at Brookhaven community college which is where I got started about 5-6 years ago. For more info visit the website www.wlions.com One more thing, I feel that I must comment on Kendra's comment. Sifu Giatrakis did not teach Choy Li Fut, Tai Chi, or Wing Chun back in 2003-2007. As a matter of fact the school was not even called White Lions of Shaolin. You were taught "Long fist" from a completely different system, which is not part of the Plum Blossom Federation. The system that you were taught moved to Plano several years ago.

I would absolutely recommend this school for anyone interested in learning traditional Northern…read moreShaolin kung fu. Authentic Chin Woo forms. The school has been in existence for over 30 years. They also teach Lion Dance. The only negative review you'll find of the school is from a disgruntled student who had to be dismissed due to bad behavior and is now trying to play the victim.

I've been at this gym for a little over a year now and it's such a great place to learn Kung Fu and…read moreTai Chi from Grand Master Jimmy Wong. I'm loving my elite tai chi class and I have friends in the Kung Fu who all really love their classes too. This is a first rate place, and very professional and respectful. Master Wong traveled for a couple of years before the pandemic but since the pandemic, he's hands on and I'm so incredibly grateful to have an instructor with so much knowledge and experience. The other teachers are amazing as well

Awesome class and the shifu is great at teaching authentic kung furead more

I've been going to Dallas Wing Tsun for two months now and I really enjoy it. Sifu Jason is very…read morepatient and good at explaining all of the techniques. He is also very encouraging and takes the time to make sure that all of us fully understand what he is teaching. I recommend this Dallas Wing Tsun to anyone who is looking to learn a martial art.