You won't find better and more authentic Kung Fu place than Illinois Shaolin Kung Fu, for both,…read morekids and adults Kung Fu training. I've been training there for a year and a half together with my teenage son, and we both love it. We love authenticity of the place, love Master Chen and Sean and their style of teaching, love learning Forms and working with different weapons /staff, sword, broad sword, nunchucks, spear, even bull whip - we both love working with all of these, and I am a female/. To train with real Shaolin Master, captain of Shaolin Temple Performance Team side to side and to watch him going over the movements is unforgettable experience. Don't get me wrong, it's a hard work /that what kung fu means, hard work/, the warm up is like a bootcamp , cool down is another one , but you will definitely get in shape you've never been in and maybe loose few pounds. I also love flexible schedule, they have classes for every level almost every day, weekends too, you even have 2 options. I love parents train together with kids, we practice together with my son at home and test together, we have fun together. I also take Tai Chi class there and I highly recommend trying this one too. I can't speak of this place and quality of Master Chen's training highly enough. Thank you Illinois Shaolin Kung Fu Academy for this opportunity!

I was a former student at this school and I really enjoyed being in the class for the first few…read moremonths although I did started to gain anxiety over the belt tests and trying not to mess up all the time which was a problem for me. Although Kung Fu did helped me to learn some self defense, but it's mostly motion movements. I would recommend who is really into martial arts but I'm personally into more self defense techniques which wasn't shown up in Kung Fu.

A nice shaolin temple that teaches authentic martial arts from the mountains in China.read more

They offer kung fu, qigong, and sanda classes. Both of the masters (shifu) are really nice and…read moreaccomodating. Kids who take classes here are amazing!

Deep knowledge with practical transmission...hands on street functional fighting skills taught in…read morean entirely affable environment. Allan put up with me for almost two hours today lol and constantly listened to my feedback relative to my - hopefully temporary - inability to assimilate concepts into near application...then reframed rerouted redirected the information until I kind of got it. Have done wing chun with a number of people...none better than him.

I had never studied martial arts before and I started at WTK a little over a month ago, both with…read moreWing Tsun and Atillo Balintawak Eskrima. The atmosphere is very welcoming. I was a little apprehensive as it is obviously a small, close knit group, but both the instructors and students have included me warmly (and I've seen that be true for students who have started after me too). From the first session, I learned techniques that are usable, and I have left every session with a clear sense of what I needed to practice. The curriculum for both arts is very organized. The instructors have a very aware of each student's ability and what s/he needs to work on next. I've also been impressed by how each student gets individual attention during each class. With the two week free trial, I would highly encourage anyone to give WTK a shot.

I have been going to classes here since 2018. The teacher is phenomenal. I feel so much better…read moreafter every single class I attend. The new space at 1118 N. Ashland is large, airy and peaceful/relaxing. Monthly cost is very very affordable. The more you go, the cheaper it is. Learn tai chi form, sword forms, knife forms, chi gung and much more.

I was recommended to try Tai Chi as a way to relieve stress, help with physical balance and…read morestrength, and for overall health. I've been coming here a couple months, and cannot say enough about the class structure and instructor. Since I'm a way beginner, I wasn't sure what to expect. However, this workout is different from classes I've taken for yoga, Zumba and most cardio-type class structures, since I didn't have to just "pick up" where the class was at. The class instructor (Stirling) is excellent, and takes time to show you each move and guides you every step of the way. He is very thorough, non-critical, peaceful, skilled and patient. It's a class you can take at any level and not feel lost or behind. If you're advanced, Stirling has been doing Tai Chi since the 70s and is skilled in the various forms, such as sword form. He has a lot of students that are at advanced levels and can also provide instruction. If you're a beginner like me, the practice is so fascinating and you don't necessarily need practice/knowledge to start, since you will definitely learn and "feel" when the moves are correct. There are a lot of underlying principals when it comes to perfecting the form - learning these has had a huge impact on my progress. Learning how each move can be used in combat is so empowering! Benefits I've gotten: A lot of energy as opposed to lethargic, physical and mental balance and strength, reduced stress/increased calmness, greater ability to focus, and stronger legs, arms and core

We've been taking Tai Chi with Heritage Tai Chi and Kung Fu for 6 years, and the experience has…read morebeen great! Master Troy and Gloria teach the Heritage style of Tai Chi, which goes all the way back to Zho Bao town in the 1600's, and focuses on Tai Chi for health. Master Troy knows and has practiced other styles, and will occasionally explain how a move is done differently in the Yang style, for instance. Or the Cheng Man-ch'ing style. This is one of the ways he keeps things interesting, and I find it also helps to understand and appreciate the nuances of our style. The COVID lockdown and social distancing requirements have been a problem for everybody, but Master Troy and Gloria have done a great job of adapting. They quickly figured out how much could be done over Zoom, and how best to adapt their classes to it, so as to still keep things interactive: not just a Tai Chi video lesson. Now they are transitioning back to in-person instruction with hybrid classes: with both some attending in-person and some participating remotely, as one wishes. I can't imagine anyone handling this any better.

Still coming here and still liking it. They have added a two person class to focus one what is…read moretypically called push hands (they call the class two person energy work, because you really should not be pushing). Also a very good class, and the two person work really benefits the solo form quite a lot

Yelp Review I…read moreactually met Sifu Nearing way before I joined the school. After our initial meeting I knew that this was the school I wanted to join. I wanted to make sure that I could dedicate my time to train, study and learn Wing Chun. Through the years it has been a honor to be apart of this school. He and everyone in the school is dedicated to turn out the best in each member. Sifu Nearing makes it a point to get to know each student in order to develop, motivate and inspire you on and off the mat. If you're looking to learn Wing Chun, train hard and not afraid to be challenged and inspired, this is the school for you.

First of all a little background on me for perspective...I am a second degree black belt (Nidan)…read morein Isshinryu Karate. I studied for 10 years, and taught for my last 3 years. I joined Philip Nearing School of Wing Chun with the hopes that I would find a seasoned instructor who had a total grasp of the art, but had the common sense to address the modern world of martial arts. I was not looking for a school in the ground and pound. I have been so pleasantly surprised that not only have my expectations been met, but far exceeded. I have never trained under a better instructor. He is multi-faceted, charismatic, and good at what he does. I really enjoy every class. The students are diverse, welcoming like a family, and ready to learn. This is one of the gems of the martial arts community. I would highly recommend you observe a class if you are truly looking for something to integrate into your life, something that is effective, challenging, and fun. All fitness levels should feel comfortable in the class as there is a beauty in the art in and of itself that lends itself quite well to anyone willing to invest time and effort into their mind, body and spirit. As you can tell, I can not say enough great things about this school. Phil is a fantastic master of his art, and is very capable of teaching that to others. Sincerely, Marty

Excellent school with a great environment. Great teacher and traditional martial arts training in…read morethe Ving Tsun style of Kung Fu with roots in Hong Kong at the Ving Tsun Athletic Association.

A great school, in the tradition of Ip Ching, son of Ip Man, led by Sifu Matthew Johnson, an…read moreextremely well-read, thoughtful, insightful, wise gentleman, and brilliant, authentic martial artist. Also a lovely group of people, friendly, intelligent, and kind. A true kung fu family! Very highly recommended!

The school offers different programs for all levels. Master Song and Master Shi are great examples…read moreof what martial artists can become as they truly love their students and selflessly dedicated to their craft. Our son has been studying here for over a year and his experience has been excellent. I would highly recommend this school. S. Wang

I don't understand why there is no review for Shifu Song. He volunteer his Monday to teach class in…read moreChicago and for over three years we learn a lot from him. He is strict but he doesn't mess around. His workout are intense but if it doesn't challenge you it is not changing you. I went to a Kung Fu competition this year for the first time and all of his students are amazing and outstanding. He is the real deal Chinese Kung Fu Master. If you ever get to train with him, it is a blessing. If you are out his way, you won't regret going to any of his class and he works well training with the kids. In the end, it is sad to see him leave us in Chicago, we wish him the best because the best is what he is.