Everything you need to know before you walk through the door.
Do I need any prior experience to join?
None at all. We welcome complete beginners of every age and background. Our curriculum is structured so that new students learn at their own pace alongside experienced ones. You'll never be thrown into something you're not ready for.
What age can children start training?
We offer a Little Dragons program for children starting at age 6. At that age, the focus is on coordination, listening, and fun — the foundation everything else builds on. Our Youth Program introduces more structured technique and forms training as students grow. When a child turns 12, they have the option to join the adult class and train alongside older students in a more advanced environment.
What should I wear to my first class?
Comfortable athletic wear is fine for your first visit — sweatpants, a t-shirt, bare feet or clean sneakers. Once you officially enroll, you'll train in a traditional Kung Fu uniform. We can point you in the right direction when the time comes.
What can I expect at my first class?
Come in, observe, or jump right in — your call. Senior Master Kevin or one of our instructors will introduce themselves, walk you through the basics of how class is structured, and make sure you feel welcome. There's no pressure. Your first month is completely free.
Is the first month really free?
Yes. No strings attached. We want you to experience the school, meet the instructors, and see whether this is the right fit for you before you commit to anything. If you love it — and we think you will — enrollment is easy from there.
How often should I practice to see progress?
Come to class as often as you can — every session builds on the last. But the real progress happens at home. The students who improve fastest are the ones putting in work between classes, not just during them.
Start simple: fifteen minutes of stretching every night. The best part is you don't have to carve out special time for it — do it while you're watching TV or scrolling your phone. It adds up fast, and your flexibility will show it.
Practice your forms at home too. Even running through them slowly in your living room reinforces muscle memory in a way that can't be rushed in class. The mat time is where you learn — everywhere else is where you get good.
Are there any etiquette customs I should know?
Bowing is the foundation of etiquette in our school, and in every context it carries the same meaning — respect. You bow when entering and leaving the school out of respect for the space and the tradition it represents. You bow at the beginning and end of your forms out of respect for the art. And you bow to those who hold a higher rank than you out of respect for their experience and dedication. It becomes second nature quickly, and it sets the tone for the kind of environment we cultivate here.
Is Kung Fu effective for real self-defense?
Our system was built for it. Shao-Lin Kung Fu is a complete fighting art — strikes, kicks, locks, throws, and takedowns are all part of the system. Sparring is introduced as students progress, and practical application is woven into every level of training.
This is not a sport. There are no rules, no referees, no point system. It is a martial art designed to end a confrontation decisively — with techniques you won't see in mixed martial arts competition. Strikes to the vital organs, the top and back of the head, the joints, and pressure points. Moves built with one purpose: to leave a fight with your opponent no longer having the capacity to harm you or anyone else.
Do you teach weapons?
Yes. Weapons training is a traditional part of the Shao-Lin system and requires a solid empty-hand foundation before it begins. Core weapons include the Dao (broadsword), Straight Sword, Bo Staff, Spear, and Daggers — each with its own forms and fighting principles.
The system also includes exotic and specialty weapons: Fans, Tiger Hook Swords, Hand Axes, and the infamous Great General's Kwandao, among others. In total, there are 36 traditional weapons in the Shaolin system. The further you advance, the deeper the weapons curriculum goes. See the full Curriculum for more.
What animal styles are taught?
The Shao-Lin system includes five classical animal styles: Tiger, Crane, Leopard, Snake, and Dragon. Each animal represents a different principle of combat — power, precision, speed, softness, and spirit. Students encounter all five as they move through the curriculum, though instructors often develop a natural affinity for one or two.
The system goes well beyond the classic five. Animals like Turtle, Horse, Bear, and Deer appear throughout both the internal and external systems, each bringing its own principles of movement, power, and strategy. The further you go, the more of the animal kingdom you'll find woven into the art. Explore the Curriculum to see how the animal systems are structured across the ranks.
How long does it take to earn a Black Sash?
There's no shortcut. Earning a Black Sash in our system typically takes several years of consistent, dedicated training. The journey itself is the point — rank in our school reflects real skill and character, not time served. Senior Master Kevin Mullins earned his at age 11, making him the youngest in the system at the time.
How does the sash/rank system work?
Students progress through a colored sash system — White, Gold, Purple, Blue, Green, Brown, and Red — each representing a distinct level of technical mastery and form knowledge. Black Sash is where the deeper journey begins, with advanced degrees extending all the way to Senior Master. Each rank has its own requirements in forms, application, and character.
How are students tested for rank?
Rank testing is conducted by the instructors every three to six months. Students must show technical proficiency, proper spirit, and understanding of the material — not just memorization. There is no pressure to test. Every student progresses at their own pace, and you are never rushed toward a rank you aren't ready for.
Black Sash progression works differently due to the sheer volume of material involved at that level. Each degree carries a minimum time-in-tenure requirement: advancing from 1st to 2nd Degree takes two years, 2nd to 3rd takes three years, and so on. This ensures that rank at the advanced level reflects genuine mastery, not just technical completion.
What are the monthly tuition rates?
Please visit our Pricing page for current rates, or contact us directly. We offer individual and family rates and are happy to work with you.
Are there family discounts?
Yes. Families training together are a big part of our school's history and culture. Reach out to us directly and we'll put together something that makes sense for your family.
What if I need to pause or stop training?
Life happens. Talk to us — we're a school, not a gym franchise. Students who take breaks are always welcome back, and your rank doesn't disappear. Some of our most dedicated and talented students are the ones who stepped away for a time and returned. The art stays with you, and so does your place here.
How do I officially enroll?
Come in for your free trial class first. From there, just speak with one of the instructors. Enrollment is straightforward — no lengthy contracts, no sales pitch. You can also reach us through our contact form and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.
Call us, email us, or just come by. We're happy to talk.