What type of Chinese Martial Arts do you teach? Is it Northern or Southern?

It is a combination of both. The ancestors of our system traveled throughout China and picked up techniques from all over. We start out more Northern, which is a more long arm style or dealing with larger movements. This trains the students to use their waists for all of their strikes. We then become more of a short fisted Southern style, which is good for inside fighting, which is where most fights end up.

What's the difference between Tai Chi and Kung Fu?

There is mostly a difference in approach, which ends up very similar. Chinese styles were broken up into WuDong and Shaolin arts. WuDong is considered the internal arts, like Tai Chi, Pa Kua, and Xing Yi. Shaolin was considered the external arts. Tai Chi originated from Kung Fu, which means that the Shaolin arts have the internal components that Tai Chi does. In Tai Chi, you learn how to use the body first, and then we add the arms and legs. In Kung Fu, we start by learning how to use the arms and legs first, and then we add the body into it. Again, they both achieve a similar end result. They just take a different path to get there. 

What's your ranking structure? Do you have belts, sashes, or what?

We have ten ranks under the black belt and ten ranks over the black belt. This is a fairly standardized system of ranking in most Martial Arts styles. Some have different color belts, and some have several kyu's within each rank. They still have ten ranks under and over the black belt. In a lot of traditional Chinese systems, it was just beginner, student, and master. When Grandmaster Pai started teaching in this country, he felt it necessary to adopt the ranking structure that we use. In a school situation, it allows the student to know where they stand.

How do I develop attributes like Discipline, Balance, Confidence, etc.? 

• Fitness: We will work your body internally with breathing exercises and externally through push-ups and sit-up type exercises. The aerobic or cardio end is taken care of through punching and kicking drills.

• Discipline: Just by coming to classes on a regular basis requires discipline. By doing so, you'll feel like you have accomplished something. That always feels good, which will encourage you to do more. This process develops very growth-oriented individuals.

• Confidence/Self-esteem: We focus on this right from the very start by imitating a confident disposition. This is done by the way you stand, speak, and move, and eventually becomes a part of you. As you develop the ability to defend your self, this will reinforce that confident disposition.

• Balance: Your life, your spirit, and your body all need to be centered or balanced. This is one of the most important aspects of the training you will receive here. The study of art is like a study of life. You'll discover your strengths and weaknesses and then work through it. This makes you a stronger, more balanced individual. We just use the study of fighting as a way to this. Your martial arts training will be a way to maintain balance. 

• Focus: Focus is developed by getting your mind off of everything else. In class, you won't have time to think of anything else. You will be concentrating on how to execute a punch or kick properly. You will be focusing on blocking so you don't get hit. If you develop this in one area of your life, it will carry over into other areas as well.

• Stress Relief: Stress relief is achieved in two ways. One, you will be able to yell and scream! This lets you release that trapped aggression and aggravation you feel. Second, you will relieve stress through breathing, meditation, and learning what it truly means to relax.

Do you sell martial arts equipment and books?

Yes, we sell a wide variety of martial arts supplies, equipment, and books. Uniforms may also be purchased at the Mechanicsburg Kung Fu Center.

What weapons do you teach?

Under the black belt, we teach bo staff (con), nunchaku, and Chinese broadsword (darndo or plum sword). With each weapon, we deal with different ranges of attack; short, middle, and long-range. Other weapons, such as the three sectional staff, kuando, and iron whip, are taught after a black belt. Also available are Modern Arnis classes. In this class, we deal with a stick (escrima) and knife training. Please see the calendar for the times of Modern Arnis classes.

What should I look for in a martial arts school?

• Qualified Teacher: Credentials are necessary for any "professional" in their field. Most would not seek the advice of a physician who flunked medical school or retain a lawyer that attended 1⁄2 of law school. When seeking a martial arts teacher, find someone that is authorized by their teacher.

  To aid in determining the qualifications of a potential martial arts teacher ask the following questions: 

  • Who's their teacher?

  • Do they still train with their teacher?

  • Do they have the authorization to teach?

  • View their "teaching license".

  • To validate their claims, ask, "May I speak with your teacher?" If their teacher has passed away, did they receive permission to teach before he or she passed away?

  Some martial artists may feel interrogated by this line of questioning, but as long as you have a very respectful approach, no offense will be taken.

  Be aware of martial artists that claim to teach multiple styles. Most authentic martial artists refer to this as "Jack of all arts, master of none." Some of these martial artists dabble in one style than another, never truly developing skill in any particular one. One good reason is that true self-discipline is necessary to maintain training & studies to progress in one style.

  At some point, these "martial artists" believe they no longer require a teacher. They open a school with limited knowledge of martial arts and teaching martial arts. Soon someone, unfortunately, becomes their student. We do not want this to happen to you. This type of teacher will try to entice you with the following: "I've studied all these styles, see how much I have to offer you." Think Jack of all trades, master of none."I am less expensive than the (qualified) teacher across town." Think: You get what you pay for. (Most of the time.).Insulting another teacher, or bragging that their skill is far superior. Think: This is not the appropriate behavior of a true professional.

• A Teacher with Your Personal Development in Mind: Most authentic teachers live what they teach. Qualities such as honesty, integrity, and self-discipline are a large part of their foundation, and what they base their life upon.These qualities are what is usually passed on to the student or your child. Most martial arts teachers take on the responsibility of being a "guide", someone who can truly guide you since they've walked a similar path. Although, your teacher can only point the way in which to live your life, filled with strong character and a belief in yourself. It's up to you, the student, to follow through with your commitment.

  The teacher runs a full-time school. This demonstrates a commitment towards teaching and a lifestyle. It demonstrates confidence in their ability to teach, and rely on it for their livelihood. The student will benefit from more focus on self-confidence, discipline, stress release, persistence, accomplishments, fitness, self-defense, and so much more.A school that offers an organized program that's designed for the student to make maximum progress. As with any art (i.e., musical instrument, etc.), there are no short cuts. Discipline is required and is developed through the proper stages of training. If you find yourself sparring by the second week of training, something's wrong! It's important to first develop your foundation. These are your basics: punching, blocking, kicking, stance work, footwork, etc. It's important to first strengthen, stretch, and condition your body to prepare it for further development as a complete martial artist. If this is not occurring, maybe you're not with a qualified teacher. There are many other stages in your development as a complete martial artist.

  A qualified teacher will be able to convey this in proper stages. Remember, the job of a teacher is to give you what you need to develop as a complete martial artist, not give you what you've decided you want. This is why you go to a teacher and why you should dedicate yourself to helping the teacher do their job by doing what is required of you, the student, to the best of your ability.Consistent training is important for the student to feel accomplished, and it lessens the feeling of frustration.

  A full-time school will offer day and evening classes, which allows the student to make maximum progress.Search for a school that offers separate children and adult classes. The approach of teaching adults and children is different. The pace of learning differs for adults and children. Their reasons for training are different, and motivation for learning is on different levels. Strengths and weaknesses will vary drastically. Separate programs for children and adults involve more time, work, and understanding, which is precisely why many schools don't offer both.

  Your decision of where you or your children study is critical for proper development, a development that goes beyond punching and kicking.Qualifications of a teacher will make all the difference in the quality of instruction. 

Why should I study martial arts?

• An Alternative Way to Stay Healthy: A total body workout in a fun, inspiring way!Increased levels of energy, strength, stamina & flexibility! Great cardiovascular workouts!

• Personal Growth & Development: Empowerment to accomplish & achieve in martial arts & life through increased self-defense.Accountability for yourself, your health, self-protection & awareness lead to personal growth.

• Meet New People: People from all walks of life, with a shared interest. People are looking for positive goal-oriented activity. People just like you.

• Develop Confidence: I believe I can" attitude!A positive atmosphere to develop a positive attitude.This will make you feel complete.

• Reduce Stress: Learning how to truly relax.Stress is the source of most major health problems.Eliminate the source & good health will follow.

• Reduce & Control Your Weight: Lifestyle changes to keep it off (create healthy habits).Breathing exercises to strengthen the internal body (organs, digestion, & circulation).This allows the external body (bones, muscles, & tendons) to respond better to physical exercises.

• Improve Focus & Concentration: Elimination of outside distractions.Concentration & focus are the cornerstones to quick, effective learning, and these create better work & study habits.Focused individuals accomplish & enjoy more in life.

• Improve Self Image: Belief in yourself creates self-respect. With self-respect comes a non-judgmental attitude towards others.Respect for others allows you to focus on good qualities in others.The result is a positive state of mind, which leads to improved self-image.

• Protect Self & Loved Ones: Awareness eliminates dangerous situations before they occur.Develop self-confidence from knowing you can defend yourself.Become accountable for your own protection (self-reliance).