Patrick Rogne is a great Taiji instructor and a very good person. He has had world-class training…read moreby members of the Chen family, who created Taijiquan, and he continues to study with them. The art that he teaches is full and complete, much more than just slow-motion movement. If you are looking for authentic Taiji (Tai Chi) that will strengthen your body, improve your health and help you maintain a balanced mind in an unbalanced world, this is the place to study in Madison.

From the owner: Welcome to Ancient Root Taijiquan — where tradition,…read morevitality, and self-discovery meet. At Ancient Root Taijiquan, we offer authentic instruction in the timeless art of Tai Chi, rooted in the original traditions passed down from Chen Village. Our practice blends the wisdom of ancient methods with a modern understanding of movement, mindfulness, and personal growth. We teach: • Chen-style Taijiquan – the original dynamic form of Tai Chi, emphasizing strength, softness, structure, and flow. • Qi Gong and Standing Meditation – cultivating internal energy, balance, and relaxation through focused breathing and mindful posture. • Fundamental Skills Training – foundational exercises such as Silk Reeling and essential movement principles for beginners and advanced students alike. • Weapons Forms – exploring traditional sword and broad sword (dao) practice to enhance coordination, focus, and internal strength. • Mindfulness, Self-Empowerment, and Fitness – using movement as a gateway to better health, sharper focus, and a more connected life. Whether you're seeking better health, deeper inner calm, greater physical strength, or authentic martial skills, our community welcomes you. Our approach is accessible, yet firmly grounded in the deep roots of the art — helping you grow strong, stable, and free from the inside out. Experience the living tradition. Rediscover your natural power. Join us at Ancient Root Taijiquan.

Attending Sifu Torres'/ Dr. Torres's 6 Healing Sounds workshops is one of the best investments a…read moreperson can make. If you have never attended one, the next time he offers it GO! GO! GO! This workshop introduces you to the postures, breathing, and healing sounds of the body's meridians that correspond to each organ. We learned how this practice can help and alleviate illnesses of the different organs. Sifu/Dr. Torres explained how in Chinese Medicine each organ and sound correlates to the different seasons and and elements of nature. We also discussed the different positive and negative emotions associated with the organs, as well as, the different senses and tastes. He even discussed the different foods that can be eaten to nourish each organ. I always enjoy this workshop. This is my 3rd or 4th time attending, but every time I attend, I always learn something new and I enjoy being able to practice with other participants. If you are looking for a new type of meditation to add to your repertoire, then this is for you. I am hoping that Dr. Torres/Sifu Torres will continue offering this very beneficial workshop.

I am now going on my 10th month of being part of this great school. Sifu Torres and all of my…read morekungfu brothers and sisters have welcomed me, helped me, been super supportive and encouraging. I have become a lot stronger and more agile than I've been in a very looong time; It feels amazing. I have now earned my green/gold sash and am continuing to learn and grow. The classes are still tough and demanding of your body, but I can actually get through them a lot better than when I started. I also attend regular acupuncture sessions which compliment my training. They keep me healthy and strong. I still highly recommend this school to come learn very traditional Northern 7 Star Praying Mantis. I guarantee if you put in the effort you will understand. do it!

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.

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.

Madison Kung Fu is amazing - Real Kung Fu in the heart of the city! The Sifu, Manny, is super…read morepatient, but very serious about your training. The members of the school are very cool and welcoming. The training is hard, but real self defense takes hard work!

I've walked by many times to see kids enjoying martial arts classes here. I've thought my own kids…read morewould enjoy, although sadly the times of the classes for their ages have never quite worked out for our busy schedules. Perhaps one day! I recently planned a scavenger hunt for my daughter's birthday party and was thinking a mini martial arts class may be fun. However, when I looked at their website I noticed they had virtual reality, which I knew would be an even bigger hit among the 3rd grade girls. I set up a virtual reality station w/ Richard for the scav hunt and it was the highlight (among many other amazing activities). There were 3 different stations for the kids to choose from including a roller coaster for the bravest of the kids. I did it myself and it truly feels like you're on a real roller coaster. Richard went out of his way to make sure the kids had fun and even brought in a DJ to make it extra fun. So many of the kids mentioned to me they had no idea Temple of Kung Fu was even in the mall and can't wait to go back. Virtual reality and martial arts are just a few of the things Richard/Kung Fu offers so definitely encourage you to check it out!

I have been training here for 3 months and I couldn't be happier ! This is my home away from home …read more Sifu Richard and Tom are great instructors who truly care about seeing their students succeed in all areas of their lives . Kung Fu translates to excellence through hard work. My confidence has increased since I have started training here. The Temple of Kung Fu is great for fitness, realistic self defense applications, and stress relief !

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!