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701 1/2 South King Street, Seattle, Washington 98104, United States
Kung Fu
Class Schedule & Pricing
All Levels - Tuesday and Thursday evenings:
First Class 6:30 pm - 7:10 pm - In person
Second Class 7:15 pm - 8:30 pm - In person and Online
Saturday Morning - 11:30 am - In person
If this is your first class, please call the school at (206) 954-0965 a few days before your visit. Occasionally we have community events and performances that overlap normal classes and may need to reschedule class times.
Pricing:
Drop-in rate: $15.00
One day per week: $75.00
Unlimited per month: $95.00
Group Classes
Classes are open to all skill levels and ages. Classes are structured in a family friendly and non-competitive environment. Kung Fu is a dedication of patience, hard work and consistency. There are no short cuts and you will see your strength and flexibility evolve with the ancient art.
Class Curriculum
Whether you want to just get into shape or have an interest to learn a fantastic art and self-defense, you are welcome at our school. Our class workouts can be tailored for those who are interested in delving into the culture of Kung Fu and improve their overall health. We offer a very effective program for individuals who would like to develop coordination, flexibility, body alignment, endurance, and strength. Our class uses centuries old fundamental isometric exercises and movements that strengthen every part of the body. Students who decide to enter the "journey" of Kung Fu will find it to be an amazing road of discovery and health.
All classes are approximately 75-90 minutes long. Some sessions are longer if we are training for an event. All students can leave anytime if needed, but should try to stay for the duration of the class.
All classes start with a group warm-up routine (approximately 15 minutes). The group is then separated into smaller units and individuals depending on respective levels. Once separated, each group works on refining and understanding their techniques (approximately 35 minutes); we then come together as a group and begin conditioning exercises (approximately 12 minutes). Finally, we practice forms and techniques. This is the time for questions and extra training. Class then concludes.
Class Attire
Wear workout gear and bring a towel. Initially, any workout wear is okay, but all students should eventually purchase a Kung Fu uniform if they choose to train in Chinese Kung Fu. Having the proper Kung Fu uniform will mentally enhance your workout overall. For students that choose the exercise only option, a uniform is not required.
Class Culture
While everyone has their own Kung Fu journey, at NWKung Fu and Fitness, you’ll find a positive environment where we encourage each other in training and in life. Many lasting friendships are made sharing a passion for Kung Fu and the traditional art of the Lion Dance.
Entering and Exiting and Class Etiquette
Traditionally, it is respectful to acknowledge General Kwan (a famous general in Chinese history and patron of the Chinese martial arts), the Leong family banner, and the school banner. To acknowledge, one should bow three times on entering and three times on exiting the main studio--first to General Kwan, then the family banner, and then the school banner. This process is then reversed upon exiting--bow first to the school banner, then to the family banner, and finally to General Kwan. If you are briefly exiting to return, bow once to the school banner upon your return. There is no religious significance to this process--it is a traditional and Chinese cultural symbol of respect.
Class Photos
Philosophy
Kung Fu Philosophy
To achieve the best results in training, whether it is just to get into shape or learn more in-depth Kung Fu, one should come to class with an open mind and put 100% effort into each training session.
The statement "you get out what you put into the class" is very true. It doesn't matter what type of fitness, coordination, flexibility, or strength you currently possess; it is a common misconception that you must be in peak physical shape to practice martial arts. THIS IS NOT TRUE; your success in Kung Fu is dependent upon your COMMITMENT, CONSISTENCY, and DISCIPLINE that you develop in your martial arts practice.
Everyone can benefit from a sound mind and body. The great Grand-masters of centuries ago developed Kung Fu as a way to understand the body, mind, and spirit to enhance one's life, internally and externally, and to develop one's spirituality, health, and physique. Patience is a key element in being successful in Kung Fu; train at your own pace and don't compare yourself with others in class who may be further in skill level.
Outside training is also very beneficial; it keeps you refreshed on new techniques and skills, not to mention your body in tune during the off days from class.
True Kung Fu takes time to develop. It is a centuries old art that thrives today. There are no short cuts.
Glossary
Kung Fu Terms
* duo-jye - Thank you
* gen lai - Salute
* gong fu -
A. A martial arts system that orginates from the Shaolin Temple.
B. Cantonese for "hard work."
C. The Cantonese pronounciation of "Kung Fu". In the 1970's, gong fu films starring famous Hong Kong stars became increasingly popular in the United States. The term "gong fu" morphed into "Kung Fu" in America due to American pronounciation.
* sifu - Master in Cantonese. Used to address any master of an art, including gong fu. Head instructor.
* si hing - Older brother. Used to address elder male school members.
* si jeih - Older sister
* si jie - Older sister. Used to address elder female school members.
* simo - Head gong fu instructor (female)
* sisuk - Uncle
* so gek - Iron broom sweep kick
* yee-hey - Humility
Stances
* goong hsi ma - Literally: Bow and arrow horse. The second hung kuen primary stance. This stance is assumed by moving into the horse stance and then shifting and pivoting the back foot forward. The back leg must be straight, with the knee locked into position.
* kee lombo - Twist horse stance
*neegee kim yao ma - Literally: lamb sharing horse stance.
* tiu li ma - Cat stance. Also called "hoi jong" -- the fighting stance.
* sae-ping ma - Literally: four point horse. The core hung kuen stance. Also called a square horse and the horse stance. This stance is deep, low, and grounded--the feet are five side steps out from the shoulders and the knees are thrust out to the side, locking the leg position. New students will spend most, if not all, of their first class becoming familiar with the feeling of a proper horse stance by "sitting" in the stance.
Blocks
* biu sau - Snake block/strike
* bong sau - Low forearm block
* chun sau - Open hand block
* fan sau - Open hand arm block
* kiu sau - Extended finger chi block
* long sau - High long arm block
* muk sau - Back first block
* paak sau - Slapping block
* so sau - Round or circular block
Punches and Strikes
* chong chooi - Upper cut punch
* deng chooi - Short fron snap punch
* fu jau - Tiger claw strike
* fung nan chooi - Phoenix eye punch
* gua chooi - Backhand snap punch
* hok chooi - Crane strike
* kam chooi - Literally: hay maker. An overhead punch
* ping chooi - Front straight twisting punch
* pow chooi - Leopard paw strike
* sau chooi - Round or hook punch
* yaat chi chooi - Front straight chi punch
Kicks
* deng gek - Round-house kick
* fu mai gek - Back thrust kick with hand on ground
* lin wan den gek - Double low/high roundhouse kick
* tek gek - Front snap kick
* yang gek - Side kick
Exercises
* muk sau - ping chooi punch - The muk sau - ping chooi punch exercise involves students alternating between muk sau blocks and ping chooi punches while standing in horse stance, sae ping ma.
* ping chooi punch - The ping chooi punch exercise involves the class throwing straight punches in unison while in the horse stance, sae ping ma.