Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need an appointment to visit?

  No, you are welcome to visit any time a class is in session. Instructors will be available to answer any questions you may have and there is no commitment to join. You may also direct questions to questions@kungfuwusu.com

• Do you have beginner’s classes?

  No. New students are given private instruction for their first weeks to help them acclimate. Once they have become familiar with some basics, they are integrated into the rest of the class. Classes are typically broken into groups based on experience level for instruction.

• Do you have children’s classes?

  Children’s classes are Saturday mornings 11:00am to 1:00pm. There is a high instructor-to-student ratio and the children study the same curricula as the adults. Ages range from 7-16, with the older children (16 and over) given the option of attending adult classes.

• How long will it take me to advance?

  We use the traditional button rank system. The average student takes 3-4 years to obtain her or his 1st Degree (this is roughly equivalent to a 2nd Dan Black Belt in a typical Karate system). There are 5 degrees on the way to the rank of Master. It typically takes 20-25 years of consistent study to attain the rank of Master. 1st Degree students are called Assistant Instructors, 2nd Degree students are called Instructors, and 3rd Degree students and above are called Senior Instructors.

• Who teaches your classes?

  There are currently six active Master level instructors at the temple. There are an additional 15 senior level instructors each possessing 12-30 years of experience. Each class is directly overseen by at least one senior instructor with others assisting in teaching. They are complimented by over 30 active degree holders of varying experience who divide their class time between receiving and providing instruction.

• I’m interested in Chi Kung and Tai Chi. Do you have classes that deal with that?

  Yes and no. Internal development plays a fundamental role in our system, however we do not teach specific isolated classes in it. Chi Kung, breathing, mind control, meditation and other similar disciplines are fully integrated into our curriculum.

  We do not teach Tai Chi Chuan.

• What makes your school different from others?

  Our school is unique in several regards, the first of which is its traditional pedigree. Grandmaster Lee is the inheritor of many different, rare styles of Chinese martial arts. With the government codification of Kung Fu into Wushu in China many of these have become more obscure and difficult to find genuine instruction in. Our lessons are presented in two ways, physical and written. Unlike many schools, we have a twenty chapter written outline that details the substance and philosophy of our teachings. A third unique aspect of our school is our full contact fighting. We use the traditional techniques we learn to spar without protective equipment.

• You mention many styles are incorporated into your system; what can I expect to learn?

  Every student comes to study martial arts for different reasons. We believe the highest purpose of Kung Fu is to help shape a more complete person. This is facilitated through a high level of discipline and mental and physical mastery. In terms of more tangible lesson material, our students learn fighting, animal styles, weapons, ground fighting, grappling, joint locking, throwing, breaking, escape techniques, discipline techniques, meditation and internal development, among other topics.

• I hear Kung Fu isn’t practical for “real life” application?

  Chinese Kung Fu is widely accepted as the “father” of all other Asian martial arts. As such it contains the elements and application that gave rise to other currently popular arts such as Jujitsu and Muay Thai. While these systems are certainly unique and effective in their own right, it is important to note that Chinese Kung-Fu, Wu-Su encompasses many techniques that are highly effective in “real life” application such as grappling, ground fighting, vital point striking and pressing, choking and joint manipulation. Furthermore, Chinese Kung-Fu, Wu-Su contains many elements not as readily identified with these other systems, which are equally effective in a street setting.

  Many other kung fu schools only teach forms. The Chinese Kung-Fu,Wu-Su Association also teaches forms, but we emphasize specific techniques and their applications.

• What commitment do I need to make?

  There is no requirement to pre-pay for a designated period. As we are a non-profit organization all instructors offer their time free of charge. In reciprocity, we ask that our students commit to their studies and approach them with a serious and respectful attitude.

• What can I expect from a typical class?

  A typical class will start with 45 minutes of exercise. Generally this takes the form of various calisthenics such as running, push ups and sit-ups. We emphasize general physical development so that our students are capable of learning and effectively using the skills that we teach. The exact format of the warm-up will vary from day to day, emphasizing such factors as strength, endurance, internal development or flexibility. After the warm up we generally break up the class into smaller groups based on experience. These groups will work on a variety of topics such as technique drills, fighting, forms, weapons or body conditioning.