Both my kids go here and I couldn't be happier. The teachers are really good with kids and Susan is really responsive. The staff are considerate and they all make and effort to make sure the kids learn the moves properly. With all these good reviews I was afraid they ask people for them, but no one asked me for a review - I'm choosing to leave this because I want to support them. read more

I had been looking for a kung fu class for my daughter, after a disappointing experience at another school. Sifu Cindy took time to speak with me and answered all my questions and concerns before we even did the trials. I was concerned that the classes were short but they were high energy and my daughter left the first class sweating and excited. Fast forward a year and a half later, and my daughter went from whining and saying I hate kung fu to saying she wishes she could go to kung fu every single day. I can see that her confidence has grown in leaps and bounds over the months. She has not only learned discipline and how to do the moves but also how to use her voice. Her movements have gotten stronger and she is eager to learn more and work harder. I could not ask for more patient or nicer instructors in Sifu Cindy, Sifu Alex, and all of the instructors there. They do not let the kids get away with misbehaving but they also do so in a fun and engaging way, which is not easy to do. Their experience and love for the children and the art shows. A well run and professional school that is structured and fun. The kids love it and we are so happy that we found Five Animals! read more

We were looking to join a Kung Fu Academy and joined Five Animals in March of 2021. We emailed them through their website and the follow up was prompt. The two part trial sessions were such a great taste of what to expect going forward. Sifu Cindy guided us through those sessions and we immediately signed up for a year. At almost a year later, the classes continue to be challenging and gratifying. Sifu Cindy, Sifu Alex and Sije Sarah are really good at making their students both young and adult feel welcome, strong and a part of a family like no other. They are so good at training people of all ages. We were hoping to learn Kung Fu, but got way more than that. There are Kung Fu Forms, Kick boxing and self defense rolled into their programming. We never leave feeling defeated. If anything, we leave feeling accomplished. This is a welcoming, inclusive family and my Wife and I are lucky to be a part of it. read more

We just started Five Animals Kung Fu and the staff and teachers are amazing. They are incredibly welcoming and supportive to my daughter and son who are beginners. Sifu Cindy and Sifu Alex are warm, fun, and excellent teachers. The rates are affordable and the structure of the program seems designed to help kids learn and grow in both their technical and physical skills. Susan is excellent in terms of her communication and willingness to answer questions etc to help you get set up at the studio. We are so glad we were recommended to join this studio by our friends! read more

This review is long overdue. My son (13, brown belt) and daughter (10, blue belt) have been going to 5AKFA since they were 6 years old. Both Sifu Alex and Sifu Cindy are amazing with the kids. They both make the class fun while teaching these kids life long skills. Kung Fu forms, self defense techniques, weapon training, sparring are taught along with discipline with a dash of humor. They create a great atmosphere for kids to learn and build self confidence. They even offer adult classes. I've recommended (and will continue to) them to everyone I know and the ones that enroll their kids, echo the same sentiment. read more

Love the different dynamics each of the instructors bring to the classes, as well as how they divide up the students based on their varying levels to give each group more attention. My 4yo son tries his best to focus and you can tell a lot of the older kids have mastered this. He keeps getting more motivated at the idea of earning more stripes and a higher belt color! Offering outdoor lessons is just the cherry on top. read more

Great group of instructors! Dedicated and very personal to each student! Recommend for kids and adults alike.

Sifus Cindy and Alex run an amazing program that not only engages kids, but teaches them proper kung fu forms. My 5 year old looks forward to class each week and his skills have been advancing along nicely. Sifus Cindy and Alex keep class fun and they only promote students who have demonstrated the necessary skill set. Communication is also prompt and their outdoor classes during COVID has been safe and convenient. read more

We have been members of the Five Animals family since the very beginning, Alex and Cindy run an amazing business that is not only professional and proficient. But, they truly enjoy and love the students. The two of them are almost like family. My son thinks "the world" of Sifu Alex. And there is no doubt why. He treats my son with respect and expects respect in return. I think that is honorable. My son has studied with Alex since he was three and a half years old. He has gone through all of his tiger belts proudly earned their first Black Tiger belt in 2015. Under the guide of both Cindy and Alex, he also won a Bronze and also a Gold Medal at the Annual Tat Wong Kung Fu Competition. I highly recommend five animals Kung Fu Studio. My son has matured into a respectful young boy. read more

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Our seven year old son has been taking Kung Fu lessons with Sifu Alex and Sijeh Cindy since he was 4 years old. He started with them at Silver Dragon and then we moved to Five Animals Kung Fu when Alex and Cindy opened. They are excellent instructors, very knowledgeable and disciplined yet approachable and caring. I have watched the kids here (boys and girls) grow and develop and do amazing things. Learning Kung Fu has been a wonderful way for our son to channel his energy in a positive way and learn to be strong, graceful and coordinated. The school has a creed and a code of ethics that the students must abide by and they teach focus and persistence as part of the training. Also, I value that students are not promoted to the next level until they show that they have progressed and are ready -- such an important lesson in this age of trophies granted for just showing up. I would recommend Alex and Cindy without hesitation to any parent interested in exploring martial arts with their child(ren). There is so much to be gained by doing so. read more

Sifu Alex and Sijeh Cindy are fantastic instructors. They have the patience and skills necessary to teach any level of kung fu student. My son has been with both instructors for 2 years and has always enjoyed learning from Sifu Alex and Sijeh Cindy. I recommend trying them out if you're looking into learning martial arts. I'm sure you'll find this kung fu school the place for you. read more

the martial art masters, cindy and alex, are the kind of instructors you want teaching your kids. both are intuitive to how kids feel and react, while keeping them honest and disciplined. their teaching style is where kids will love attending class, rather than whine about not wanting to go, or worse yet, being afraid. i've heard of other schools where kids leave traumatized by the experience.. you won't find it with cindy and alex. both are black belts with multiple degrees, trained hard for years and are continuing to train, so they can bring the best to their students. they were also head instructors/directors, in other martial art schools, in the bay area. we started our boys in kung fu because we wanted them to exercise, learn how to focus [extremely difficult with our kids!], be disciplined, respectful and raise their self esteem and self awareness. our boys received all of that, since they started with cindy & alex over 3 years ago. its one of the best investments i've made for my kids. its also a great sport for girls to get into, to keep them strong and confident. i see it in the girls, in cindy & alex's kung fu classes. cindy is a great mentor and example, that they can be on the same playing field, in all areas of life. i highly recommend cindy and alex, to any parent looking for the same.....you won't regret it. read more

My kids have benefited tremendously from working with Cindy and Alex for the past three years, first at Tat Wong/Silver Dragon and now in their new space on 19th Avenue. I can only echo the other positive reviews of their tremendous skill in kung fu and excellent kid-management techniques. They are absolutely the best at motivating and challenging children to be the best they can be, pushing them without ever denigrating them. I write a separate review only to highlight that I have a daughter who also loves kung fu at Five Animals. We originally signed up our son, but within a week of watching his classes our then-6-year-old daughter was hooked. This school is terrific for girls as well as boys. read more

Just wanted to let everyone know, things are going great. As an affiliate of Tat Wong (the biggest Kung Fu school in the area), Five Animals is invited to the annual Tat Wong tournament. Let's just say that our kids did very well. Five Animals is growing, deservedly, but remains personal and attentive. read more

Great school! Sufu Alex and Seiji Cindy are great instructors. They make everyone feel welcomed no matter what your level. They are disciplined to the arts but make classes engaging and enjoyable. They also now do birthday parties!! It worked out great for my daughter's 12th birthday. Her preteen girlfriends ran home to boast that they were able to break a board with either their hand or foot. Very empowering for the girls. read more

This place has changed my life. The instructors are amazing, caring, friendly, humorous, and compassionate people. You get an exhilarating work out especially through their kickboxing classes. It's a huge family feel and everyone is so nice/ welcoming. If you're looking to get a good work out, have a lot of fun, or want to learn a new discipline this is the place to be. read more

What? No recent reviews? Let me correct that. My 7yo son has been going to Five Animals for 2 years now, and he loves it. The classes are so fun and energetic. When we don't make it to class, he asks when he's going next. The instruction (Sifus Alex and Cindy) is top notch, personal, engaging, friendly, and challenging. They are just amazing with kids. They have classes at each level 6 days a week at various times so there is great flexibility of schedule. I've enrolled my son in various other activities to try new things, and when I ask him which one he wants to stay in, it's always kung fu, no hesitation. For the parents, there are chairs and wifi, and the location is very convenient for running errands before and after class. I have had no trouble finding street parking either, within a block or two. As part of the Tat Wong larger school, there are also opportunities, if desired, to participate in competitions once or twice a year. This is a great school, growing, and deservedly so. read more

Great crew here! I took their Saturday morning bootcamp class. Very welcoming, positive and supportive environment:-)!!

My son, Liam, has been receiving Kung Fu lessons from Instructors Cindy and Alex for almost two years. Both instructors are outstanding. They are thorough, competent, and enthusiastic. They monitor the performance of each student closely. When they are instructing, it's all business. But at the same time, they make learning martial arts fun. Of all the activities my son participates in, Kung Fu is the one he is most passionate about. He never wants to miss a class. They have plenty of chairs for parents & Wi-Fi which is great because I really enjoy watching Liam's training. read more

What a find! Sifu Alex and Sijeh Cindy teach the kids real valuable life skills which include but not limited to self defense, respect, self confidence and the importance of fitness and health. They are both so dedicated to their students, so encouraging and they really are attentive to keep each and every student engaged in the lesson. They teach them techniques and they also teach the kids the art and history of Kung Fu all at the same time! It was my idea to enroll my kids in a trial class but it was my kids that decided they wanted to continue with the lessons. They enjoy going to class twice every week and this is one sport that I catch them practicing their learned skills at home without prompting. I love that their set up is so open and they are so friendly, we get to sit in on every class and watch. I find it very entertaining as well. Sifu Alex must have been a comedian in his previous life. He adds a lot of humor during lessons and he is so good with the kids, you can tell that he enjoys teaching the kids as much as they enjoy being in his class. This is definitely a family friendly, hidden gem! read more

This is a fantastic little kung-fu school! The instructors are warm and friendly, but completely command the kids' attention! Great impact on young kids' self-confidence, focus and discipline! Also more affordable than many similar martial arts classes. My son loves his Sijeh and Sifu! read more