Classes
Welcome to Middle Path Kung Fu! Read below to learn more about our classes and individual programs
A question that is on the minds of many new students is, “What are your Kung Fu classes like?” Trying out a new school can lead to a lot of uncertainty, especially when someone comes in with expectations or anxieties.
Our school values the evolution and empowerment of the self with values of compassion, patience, and community. This ends up translating to classes that balance internal as well as external development.
We begin with a few moments of community discussion, which leads into a reflection. Every week there will be a story, proverb, quote, or concept that we take a few moments to meditate on and reflect on. This is so incredibly important for kids and adults alike, as it provides a chance to challenge those negative beliefs we have about ourselves and the world while finding solidarity and community in those around us.
After reflection, we then move on to warm-ups and the practical body movements of the art. For kids’ classes, this is usually a class warm-up activity, and for adults and teens, this is typically a unit of our basics. These basics cycle throughout the year, so all students benefit!
Then lastly, for kids, we move into individual focus items, where each student has an opportunity to work with a teacher on what they are learning. Kids have a list of concepts and movements that they move through at their own pace. These are the skills they are tested on at the end of their sessions.
For the adults, we end with a unit of our “advanced basics”, which include things like animal styles, self-defense techniques, and weapons that also cycle through the year.
My message to all our new and prospective students:
If you find martial arts intimidating or overwhelming, you may be pleasantly surprised by our classes. Our approach does not participate in Kung Fu as a sport (with respect to the practice!), but more so as a tool for life and growth.
If all this sounds interesting, consider attending a free try-out class. Contact us here to get started!
Girl Power
All Levels Ages 6-12
A martial arts program for the empowerment of girls and female presenting/identifying kids; a program originating from Si Tai Gong Robert Firestine.
Girl Power focuses on the exploration of self-respect, self-defense, and self-confidence through the practice of Shaolin Kung-Fu. Our classes are about fun, discipline, expression, and inner strength while supporting one another along the journey. In an era where the flame of self worth is beginning to ignite for women and girls before the public eye, it is important to continue that momentum into the next generation. To learn to defend oneself is important, to learn that you are someone worth defending is priceless.
Peaceful Warriors
All Levels Ages 6-12
A martial arts program that focuses on the inner journey for boys and male presenting/identifying kids, a program originating from Si Tai Gong Robert Firestine.
Peaceful Warriors teaches boys self-respect, respect for others, and self-expression. In a time where we’re seeing more and more voices coming out of the #metoo and #timesup movement, it’s important to support the change in our world from both sides. A peaceful nature is often treated as “un-masculine” or “soft”. But we believe that it is much harder to find the peaceful alternative to a conflict, and masculinity means more than just aggression. Through our training, the students explore the physical and self-defense aspect of the art, while also being creative and self-expressive.
For trans, non-binary, and gender neutral students:
You are welcome in whichever class you feel most comfortable with. Please feel free to contact us if you want to discuss which class feels right to you.
Middle Path Shaolin Kung Fu for Teens
All Levels Ages 12-18
An empowering kung fu class for teens
Non-gender specific and an hour and a half long, students will learn a variety of styles and skills through a cyclical curriculum together, as we forge ahead into the teenage years and the discovery of the self in a safe and supportive environment!
The Middle Path Shaolin Kung Fu Academy
Beginner Level Ages 18+
A holistic and modern kung fu class for adults
This program focuses on the journey of self-mastery. Through the practice of the basics, animal styles, self-defense, weapon training, and philosophical & spiritual discussion, we learn about our innermost self. In learning who that innermost self is, we discover that we don’t need to prove our worth to world, but rather that we were always worthy.
F.A.Q.
Have more questions? Feel free to send us a message and ask!
Kids and Teens
We welcome anyone wanting to try out a class to send us a message to let us know that you are interested. We will then email you the registration forms and discuss when you’d like to attend your free try out class.
While you’re trying out your first class, we suggest the student wear whatever they’re most comfortable moving around in. Once registered, we will be able to order or provide you with your very own uniform!
Our kids’ classes are for all levels of experience. We structure our classes around a revolving cycle of topics and styles, so advanced and beginner students all benefit from lessons. Students will also learn individual focus items at their own pace.
Kids and teens classes have 12-week sessions. You can check when our next session begins on our calendar!
Nope! Kids can join classes at any time in the session. The only difference is that more often than not, they will not be eligible to test for a promotion until the session following. Sometimes, kids find this to be more approachable anyway, as they can observe the testing process during their first go-around.
All practice and progress will count towards the next session’s test!
Adults
We welcome anyone wanting to try out a class to send us a message to let us know that you are interested. We will then email you the registration forms and discuss when you’d like to attend your free try out class.
While you’re trying out your first class, we suggest you wear whatever you’re most comfortable moving around in. Once registered, we will be able to order or provide you with your very own uniform!
We structure our classes around a revolving cycle of topics and styles, so advanced and beginner students all benefit from lessons. The Adult classes are currently aimed towards beginner students, or those who are new to Kung Fu.
Our adult class is ongoing throughout the year. Students are welcome to start attending classes at any time.