Great instructors, great martial art. I take my 9 year old daughter there. Old school respect, discipline, resilience training that I value

Thorough teaching. Class kept me engaged and excited. Teachers are very knowledgeable and experienced. Informative and empathetic while corrections are made. Looking forward to furthering mt skills. read more

The negative reviews? Yeah... I'm not buying It. As someone with decades in martial arts--two black belts, former MMA general manager, and lifelong student of combat arts--I tend to approach any new training environment with a discerning eye. I've been around long enough to tell what's legit and what's just... noise. So when I read some of these negative reviews, I have to call BS. Or, what you perceived is not what's reality. YOUR reality maybe, but not the truth. They don't match anything I've experienced, and frankly, some of them feel suspicious. Like they were written with an agenda. Maybe by a competitor? I don't know--but what I do know is this: Nobody here has ever cold-called me, hassled me, or been anything but respectful and professional. Claims like "they just want your money" or "students don't actually know kung fu"? Completely off base. I've never heard Sifu Edwards say, "You need to learn kung fu here for self-defense," and I've definitely never seen him misrepresent what he teaches. Quite the opposite--he's honest, knowledgeable, and has a clear passion for passing on authentic Northern Eagle Claw Kung Fu. Here's my actual story. I hadn't trained in about 15 years. I've got a black belt under the legendary Shihan Gordon Doversola in Okinawa-Te, and another earned privately under Master Ylagan in Armas de Mano. I ran Old Town Fight Club in Monrovia from 2009-2012 and spent years teaching and cornering fighters in the cage. I'm not saying this to brag or to impress you, I say this to impress upon you that I've been around the block. I've fought and trained, taught (and still teach), coached, and lived martial arts. So at 58, I started searching again. Not to relive glory days, but to learn. To grow. To be a student again. That journey led me to Northern Eagle Claw Kung Fu. I visited multiple dojos. I researched styles. I read books on Master Shum Leung. When I met Sifu Edwards, his philosophy aligned perfectly with mine. Watching him teach kids? They love him. Speaking with the black belts? Their skill, humility, and loyalty spoke volumes. Everything told me I was in the right place. Now that I've been training here, I can say it with certainty: this school is the real deal. Sifu Edwards is a master - period. He's patient, precise, and passionate. The curriculum is structured, the culture is respectful, and there's real lineage behind every form and technique. I show up as a white belt every day. Even when something resembles what I've learned before, I don't insert my way, I learn his way. That's the point. Everything is different, and everything is the same. And if all goes well? Five years from now, I hope to have earned another black belt, this time in Northern Eagle Claw. Don't let shady reviews mislead you. If you're looking for an authentic martial arts experience with a great teacher, great people, and a deep tradition, this is it. read more

This dojo is one of the most positive places to be. Sifu is Patient with everyone, no matter the age or disability. Very knowledgeable and professional about the art. Absolutely a must for those looking for a new hobby or to master their focused. Highly recommend! Fun fact; Sifu was in the original Mortal Kombat movie! read more

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Thoroughly enjoy the atmosphere, the teachers & their techniques. Sifu Edwards is clearly knowledgeable and very patient. Each session teaches the children not only kung fu skills, but also about respect and life lessons. I am super excited for the positivity, focus, confidence and discipline this will add in my son's life! read more

My son has enjoyed learning Kung Fu here. Signing up in a way that felt comfortable for us (month to month instead of three months up front) required some negotiation but canceling was super easy. 30 days notice. read more

I have trained under Sifu Kenneth Edwards for close to a decade. He brings such a positive attitude and bright outlook to every class, while still encouraging hard work and personal improvement. His teaching style is very down-to-earth and approachable. The system taught here, Shum Leung's Northern Eagle Claw Kung Fu, trains a fantastic combination of cardio, flexibility, agility, power, and mental fortitude. Whether you are just curious about martial arts, already a master of another system, an athlete looking to supplement their training, or just a couch potato looking to get active, you'll be welcome here. The school is open Monday - Thursday and Saturday. Adult classes are at 6 and 7pm M-Th, 11am T,Th, and Saturday. Come learn your true potential and try Kung Fu today! read more

My son LOVES learning Eagle Claw Kung-Fu under the teaching of Sifu Kenneth Edwards. Sifu Kenneth is highly skilled in this discipline and has a special way of teaching and preserving the essence of the tradition of Kung-fu. If you are looking for a place to truly learn and grow in martial arts and other areas of you or your kids lives, this is a place that will uplift, challenge, and change you all for the better. My son is 14 and loves the training so much he will go to 2 different sessions in one day! The class will push your limits, and that's what is essential to excel! My son says he likes that he feels he gets everything he needs, and that the challenge motivates him. I love the energy the students have with each other as well as with Sifu. We feel welcome, and what I observe is that everyone is treated equally and with respect, which is KEY! My son has been practicing here since November 2023 and has quickly transitioned into the form confidently as Sifu Kenneth's teaching transforms him! Kids to Adults, there is safe space for you. THIS IS THE PLACE! Here's a secret: I watch my son in class and always want to join in Lol ‍. Btw...The cost of tuition is extremely reasonable and well worth it! read more

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Patient, Encouraging, inspiring. Can't say enough even with the 85 characters allowed. Fair pricing so all you have to worry about is being a good student. Don't let the Movie fool you, sensei Art really is the best! read more

My family and I, 3 children and my wife have been training here for about 2 years now after the pandemic. My kids love going and are getting into great shape after 2 years of being quarantined. My wife and I love positive energy and the staff are like family now. I highly recommend this place. Don T. read more

My child really wants to study specifically Kung fu, and unfortunately this is the only one in Pasadena. I really wanted this to work out for us, but the man on the phone was so unbelievably rude I would never allow my kids to interact with someone so hostile and aggressive. He continually spoke over me and was very upset that I wanted to know the monthly pricing. Why would I want to try something and get my kids excited if it was out of reach financially? And if you don't want to tell me your pricing- why do you have to be SO RUDE about it? I literally couldn't even ask the question- he knew what I wanted to ask and kept talking over me in a very rude tone. Implying I was a bad mother for wanting pricing info without visiting the site first. It was all very scammy sounding- some kids need more help than others, etc. - sounded like a way to push private or more frequent training on families. just decide on pricing and post it online; or at least tell ppl when they call. Truly the worst customer experience I've had in a very long time. Don't even bother calling. There are plenty of other martial arts places willing to be transparent with pricing - even if kids learn at different paces. read more

its been over a year and this place still calls me in attempts to scam me out of money. u can find better people elsewhere. and this guy charges more every chance he gets. unless u wanna be talking about ur money to him n having him try to scam u out of it, even after u quit, stay away read more

I highly recommend this place if you are looking to learn Kung Fu from someone highly experienced as Sifu Edward. He has many years of experience with kids and adults. I loved the fact that I was able to do my training classes with my son, and we both enjoyed doing this practice together. read more

Don't do it!!! This so-called kung fu master is the biggest scammer out there. I type this knowing my review won't be lost despite him training me in Tai Chi only to try n rob me of my Chi n create this false reviews. TBH he knows exactly what he's doing ...TRYING TO TAKE UR MONEY ...ALL UR MONEY. He doesn't train his students with any knowledge or accuracy. He's all about the look, n that's it. He's all talk n he's not slick but he's fast. None of his students know that they aren't trained in the kung fu martial arts. Save ur TIME n save ur MONEY. He's worse than those rats in KILL BILL that try to take that girl out in her sleep. Fr ...he'll drain u n tell u no excuses. I went there as a way to cope when my father died n he tried to take advantage of me both in a sexual sense as well as a monetary spiritual intellectual and so many more senses. literally stay away from here. I been six months out of his class n working out on my own n he still scam calls me. All bad. Stay away. read more

A while back I went in to speak with the master in charge. I was interested in joining the school, but needed to scope the place out for myself. After about ten minutes of a very uncomfortable chat, with phrases such as, "You need to learn kung fu here for self defense. If someone attacks you on the street, no one will help you because you are a woman and you are weak," expressed with other clearly bigoted views along with tacitly repeating how I was weak for being a woman- I was extremely turned off and confused by this very idiotic business plan from the man trying to intimidate me into joining school. This is not the appropriate behavior of any good martial arts teacher. read more

When I was a kid, I always wanted to learn kung fu. However, after living in the real world and other various distractions, I lost touch with that dream. Many years later, I reconnected with that goal and did some research into finding which style I wanted to pursue. I found Sifu Kenneth's Northern Eagle Claw school in Pasadena after some searching online and was drawn to the style's use of high kicks and acrobatics. I would learn later there's a lot of fun stuff to learn, like locking and weapon forms. Sifu Kenneth's a wonderful teacher. In my first class, I was already learning basic kicks and stances. He'll push you just beyond your comfort zone so you'll always have a goal to move towards. I would say his style of teaching is a mix of military drill sergeant and stand-up comedian. He'll push you to do your best, but also strives to make sure each of his students has fun in his classes. He also walks that walk. When he demonstrates in class, you get a little awestruck at just how good he is. I consider myself lucky to have chosen his school over others. There's a wide variety of students that make up his classes. So there's no fear of feeling like you're walking into some "click". We all encourage each other and promote a very positive atmosphere. It's basically like having a new family. Most students I see that try the 2-class promotion Sifu Kenneth has ultimately stick around and sign-up for the long journey. A year in and I can feel a major difference in my fitness, strength, balance and skill. I also take Tai Chi and Kickboxing classes there, all three helping improve my overall fitness as well as becoming more in tune with my body and, may sound corny, my spirit as well. If you're looking for something more than just getting in shape... If you want to learn something that's not only graceful, but powerful with real world applications and have fun doing it, then I highly recommend Sifu Kenneth's school. read more

I have done martial arts on and off through out my adolescence but never as an adult. I recently came into some free time and I decided it was time to get back into it. I started researching Dojo's in my area and I set up several trial classes, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Kempo and it was fun but I was craving more structure. Enter Shang Tung and Sifu Kenneth Edwards, I spoke with Sifu Edwards on the phone and set up my first two intro classes. Upon arriving I was greeted by Sifu Edwards who is one of the nicest, funniest people I have ever met. The class was so enjoyable I felt like I was there for 5 minutes opposed to an hour... although I was dripping in sweat and had learned new defensive moves (total workout!!). I am now getting to know my classmates and everyone is super nice and welcoming. I look forward to the show and tell at the end of class to see how good my Kung fu classmates are at forms and with weapons, it's amazing to watch and is total incentive for me for the future! Parking is easy, they have a lot in the back and there is tons of street parking. read more

This review is for Shan Tung Northern Eagle Claw Kung Fu (and Tai Chi). I have been a student now for one year, starting in Tai Chi only and then joining the kung fu classes, in preparation for boot camp. 1st of all the classes are tough, balanced with rigorous training physically and mentally, with intermediate and advanced combinations, holds and throws, relevant to the Northern Eagle Claw tradition. I have constantly found my strengths and weakest links (lungs then heart). I could go on at length about the value of the skills imparted in Kung fu and especially the underrated Tai Chi, but I will simply say it has been some of the best training in my life. Lastly, Sifu Kenneth Edwards cares deeply about his classes, students and the Northern Eagle Claw System/Organization. His long experience in the military and with this work shows in everything he does, in his rules, in his teaching and his humor. You may find yourself surprised at the humor and compassion of this rigorous teacher but it is this exact balance that makes his teaching so effective. I can't wait to resume my training at Shan Tung. With everything I've learned, all the friends I've made, I truly feel blessed. read more

With over 30+ years of experience in ying jow pai (aka northern shaolin eagle claw), Sifu Ken Edwards is a master of his craft. With a traceable lineage of his teachings under Grandmaster Shum Leung he has a tremendous amount of knowledge to offer, not only in martial arts, but also in life. I have been coming here regularly for over a year, and have already learned a lot. You will learn traditional forms and applications of eagle claw and chin na. More importantly, you will learn how they are applicable to real world situations. He is also a former army ranger, so you will get one hell of a sweat going while he tests your cardio. The other instructors and students I have met are all very nice, and it contributes to the family atmosphere. I have studied other martial arts and always wanted to try kung-fu, and now I am very glad I did. read more

Horrible customer service. They don't even allow you to ask questions. Horrible horrible

My son has balance issues and was being made fun of at school. Signed him up here and he absolutely loves it. 1 year later his balance has improved and his confidence is through the roof! Sifu Edwards and Lady Maritza are the best! They are both so very encouraging and inspirational. The classes consist of training and fun! Just an overall positive experience for my son and his life. I highly recommend this establishment.Totally worth the time and money! read more

I've been going here for the past year or so, and I think it's time to give this place a review. Considering the pricing for a month of Kung fu, Sifu Edwards gives you a whole lotta bang (or kick?) for your buck. I've learned so much from him, as well as his black belt students that teach alongside him. In just a year, I've learned how to use a short staff, long staff, double sabers (!!), and countless self defense techniques. The education you receive here is priceless. read more

My son has been going to Shan Tung Kung Fu for 9 years and loves it. The benefits to his focus and self-discipline are immense, and I see this with the other kids, too. The environment at Shan Tung Kung Fu is like a family; we watch each others kids become adept and strong. We came originally because my son had had some issues with bullies at his school at the end of second grade. In early third grade it got to the point where he did not want to go to school - and he is a very motivated student. We discovered the cause was the bullies and set out to find a family-friendly self-defense program. We found it! My son loves Shan Tung Kung Fu and so do I. read more

I have been going to shan tung kung fu for 4 years. I started in the La Verne location, it's closed now so I went to the Pasadena location. The instructions here are very friendly, understanding, and at the same time you will definetly get a work out when they train you. Because of this school I am in the best shape I have ever been and I am able to do things, martial arts based, i never thought I could. I love it here, training here is great, instructors are very respectable and respectful to their students and other clients. 5 stars. read more

I'm Not very good at this sort of thing but I thought I'd give it a try I had enrolled in the self-defense kung fu program with my two young children and it seems I have got myself back in shape and I'm watching my kids win trophy after trophy at competitions. And the bullies at school are no longer a problem. This experience has brought our family much closer together. I highly recommend Shan Tung kung fu for everyone interested in the martial art and defending themselves in the street. read more

Took classes here for about 6 months until I couldn't take it anymore. Sifu Edwards only cares about his money and not about the art. My wife and I are moving out of state and have had a lot of financial troubles in the process so decided that I had to give up taking classes. After signing a "contract" (that he still can't seem to show that I signed) he claims that I owe the remaining amount of the 3 year contract at $200/month even though I stopped going and won't be able to take classes because I won't be in California anymore. All he said was that he had spoken to his lawyer and that I must pay or it will go against my credit, regardless of the situation. To me, that is no teacher - especially one that should care about the well being and honor of his students. You're better off at staying far away from this place. Additionally, the workouts suck - Sifu talks waaaaay too much about irrelevant things and the classes are short as it is (45 minutes). Good luck if you decide to "train" here read more

I love this school because Sifu is very knowledgeable in Kung fu and the environment at the school is fraternal. Sifu and his team have helped me in keeping me in good shape and getting better every day in my personal defense techniques. Also, Sifu works very well with kids, my son is taking the classes too and he loves it too! I definitively recommend this school If you want to learn Kung fu, Sifu will take you to the next level!!! read more

Sifu Ken is the best! My daughter has been going for several months and loves her class. The teachers are great and it's a very positive, supportive atmosphere. We were so lucky to find this studio! read more

I began studying at Shan Tung Kung Fu Association back in 1994-1996. It is a traditional, authentic and professional Chinese Martial arts academy. If you dont mind working hard, the workouts are always challenging and the chief instructor has a great sense of humor but is very direct and straight to the point when its time to get to the nitty gritty of the training. It is good for children and adults alike. It is one of the oldest running schools in Pasadena, which says a lot! read more

Shan Tung Kung Fu has been a life saver for my son. He tried all of the usual sports as a kid; soccer, baseball, basketball, and football but never succeeded. He asked to try Kung Fu, which I was hesitant to sign up for at first, and it proved to be the best thing that happened for us. He has been a student for about 5 1/2 years and looks forward to both Kung Fu and kickboxing each week. He was able to develop positive, meaningful relationships with the insrtuctors and other students, as well as self discipline and confidence. If you are looking for a martial arts studio in Pasadena, I highly recommend calling Shan Tung Kung Fu. read more