American Jiann Shyong Kung Fu Center is the real deal. The classes are taught by two of the best…read moresources for Chinese martial arts in the area, if not the country. The married team of Grand Masters teach all the classes in a relaxed yet extremely martial setting. They teach a variety of styles; I am a pretty new student (been training for 1.5 years) and am lucky enough to be enrolled in Tai Chi, Hsing-I and Pa Kua. "Jiann Shyong" means healthy strong, I am definitely healthier and stronger now! The teacher's consistency, skill, and health are true testaments to this art form that they have devoted their lives to teach. If you are interested in traditional martial arts in Boston, this place is definitely worth a visit. If you would like to exercise in a healthy, sustainable way, also look no further. Stop by, watch or participate in a class and see what it would be like to experience thousands of years of research into health and longevity; the forms are beautiful in their efficiency and relative simplicity. Master Leung is extremely knowledgeable and welcoming!

If you're looking for a lifelong commitment to martial arts and interested in the health and…read moremindfulness aspects over pounding on people, this is the right place for you. Make no mistake, you'll get in shape and learn effective hand-to-hand and weapons techniques. The emphasis at this school is on lifelong learning and healthy living, vs. belts, trophies and flash.

I have been a student of Master Zhang for nearly 10 years. I have really embraced TaiChi and would…read morelike to truly master Xinyi and inner spiritual health. He provides not only context and authenticity to his teaching, he adjusts his teaching to the needs of his students. So whether you are just trying out martial arts for health, or looking to truly become a master, Master Zhang has the skill, patience and aptitude to guide you in your martial arts journey.

I have been studying tai chi with Huan for almost four years. He teaches the traditional Yang…read moreStyle (85 movements) as opposed to the shorter forms that are around today. Because tai chi is a martial art, Huan teaches applications also. This is something that is not always taught to the beginning student of tai chi. Huan learned from masters in China. He is part of the wonderful lineage of this moving form of meditation. Stop by and see how tai chi can change your health.

I joined Oom Yung Doe a few years ago wanting to learn some self defense…read more I was a little leery about what kind of "bro" energy I would encounter in a martial arts school, but I've found this to be quite a diverse community of people, respectful and accepting of all. The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable and thoughtful. Their teaching of technique as well as principle, thorough. In my experience, they run the school as an actual institution of learning, taking a keen interest in their students' lives/goals, and making their approach to teaching truly holistic. Physically and mentally I'm in the best place I've ever been. People who have known me for years have commented on how differently I carry myself these days. I highly recommend this training for anyone who is looking for a change, a community, or a way to grow.

Did more in a few months than years and years of physical therapy for my joint problems. Very happy…read morewith the attentiveness and quality of instruction.

I've had lots of fun learning Yin style bagua. It is an art that engages the mind as well as the…read morebody. My personal goal was to study a martial arts that draws on the movements, history, and technical aspects of a traditional chinese martial arts, but with clear direct application to hand to hand combat. I feel that Yin style bagua does a good job in uniting those things. Every movement we learn has a well designed purpose. There are no flowery movements just for show. Also Mike and Sean are excellent teachers. Each class is well structured and organized. They do a great job of balancing technical instruction, getting a great work out in, and trying out practical application. From the very first class and every class, the students always get to pair up and try out everything they learn with another person. They know their material well, and have a good eye for seeing why a student is not able to make a move work. Furthermore, Yin style bagua seems to have an endless amount of material. You will never run out of new ideas to think about.

From the owner: Martial Arts, Healthread more

The Wah Lum Athletic Association is one of the oldest full-time kung fu schools operating in…read moreBoston's Chinatown. It's main goal is to promote the study of the Chinese Martial Arts and for the development of physical, mental, and general well-being of students. Training includes kung fu exercises, hand forms, weapons forms, self-defense applications, sparring, as well as the philosophical aspects of Wah Lum Kung Fu. Students are taught at the rate of their own abilities, and in this respect, a high standard of quality is maintained.

During my glory days in Tae Kwon Do at age 12, I really loved the physical activity and stress…read morerelief that came with punching and kicking. So recently I've been looking to get back into martial arts. I found Oom Yung Doe on Yelp because of its great reviews and its proximity to my house. I'd never heard of this form of martial arts, but the website claimed I could take a complimentary introductory lesson. Why not? I called on Sunday afternoon and was signed up for a free class the next day at 8 PM. That was quick. Not knowing what to expect, I showed up to the small studio in workout clothes, looking very out of place among the robe-clad martial artists. I signed a liability waiver and was led into the practice room by the instructor, John. There were a few people practicing individually in the room with wooden swords and fans. I had no idea what they were doing, but they sure looked cool! Where were the other students in this introductory class though? John starts by explaining the many benefits of practicing Oom Yung Doe. It focuses on connecting the mind and the body. He used to have asthma and back pain, and now they're gone. It improves your strength, flexibility, and focus. With regular practice, people start excelling in other parts of their lives as well (high GPA,s promotions, the works). Sounds great! Turns out I'm the only one in the class. Unexpected, to say the least. And pretty intimidating. But John was very supportive and great as leading and explaining each movement. We started out with some breathing excercises, then moved to some strength and flexibility movements, punches and kicks, holding positions, and finished with some self defense training. At the end, he did two full forms, a beginner and a dragon form, to demonstrate what you will work toward. He's been practicing for 7 years so is very committed and pretty incredible at it. The entire lesson took almost an hour, and it was completely free. The individual attention and professionalism was so impressive. From experiencing this class, I'm wondering if this form of martial arts is for me. I'm definitely lacking some of the strength, focus, and flexibility required, but I'm sure those are all things you work toward. I'm also not sure I'd be able to work it into my schedule, as John told me that they encourage people to come at least 3 times a week in order to improve. The introductory month is $150, which includes 3 private lessons and unlimited classes at the studio afterward. I liked seeing the space, learning more about the practice, and witnessing the personal connections the instructor has with the others practicing. It seems like a great environment to try something new and improve your physical and emotional well-being. I very much enjoyed the introduction and encourage anyone to try it out. What do you have to lose? (Except maybe your dignity.. if you care about looking like an idiot as you tremble trying to hold difficult positions or unsuccessfully fend off a fake attacker.)

Starting training in traditional martial arts is the best thing i've done for myself. The…read moreinstructors here are patient, knowledgable, and warm. Movements are challenging but results are almost immediate, no doubt there was a huge improvement by the end of one month. Just like all exercise , consistency is key and instructors are good at reminding you of this without being intrusive or self promoting. This place makes me feel i belong there and i am so glad i've brought it into my life