GENERAL ASSESSMENT Our overall assessment is that Shaolin Institute does an amazingly successful job fulfilling its promise as a learning experience for both the body and mind. As we have so far experienced it, Shaolin Institute indeed teaches a "way of life" in which students can experience gratifying physical achievement, whether in Tai Chi or Kung Fu, while also exercising and expanding mindfulness. One of the most appealing aspects of Shaolin Institute is the frequent reference before and after classes regarding how specific cultural, historical, medical, and scientific achievements are directly relevant for learning and appreciating martial arts. TEACHING ASSESSMENT It is impressive that Shaolin Institute exceeds expectations in basically every category used to evaluate teachers. Below are our summaries of Shaolin Institute's multifaceted teaching strengths. CURRICULUM * SI teachers follow the SI curriculum. * SI teachers choose activities for each student relevant to the SI curriculum and each student's level of achievement. * When feasible, SI teachers sometimes helpfully group students together to learn and practice as a group the forms they have previously learned. INSTRUCTION * SI teachers provide direction so that each student knows what to focus on during class. * SI teachers present new forms clearly and logically, and helpfully demonstrate new forms. * SI teachers provide feedback and re-teach forms when necessary. Teachers provide opportunities for students to practice new forms both with and without supervision. MOTIVATION * SI teachers show genuine concern for the students. * SI teachers project a positive, encouraging tone for the classroom experience. * SI teachers establish a level of difficulty, suited for each student's level, which encourages success. SI teachers provide good verbal praise, as well as critique as needed. COMMUNICATION * SI teachers always demonstrate enthusiasm in what they are teaching. * SI teachers explain and demonstrate forms clearly. * SI teachers respond graciously and substantively to questions. EXPECTATIONS * SI teachers communicate expectations to students. * SI teachers listen to students' feedback during class and adjust their teaching pace and content accordingly. * SI teachers encourage students to participate inextracurricular community opportunities, which isimportant for the students' confidence as well as the school's exposure. METHODOLOGY & MATERIALS * SI teachers often vary how they conduct classes, for example by describing the forms, including their origins, applications, etc., and/or by physically demonstrating the forms. Both methods are helpful, especially for students who learn in different ways. * SI teachers sometimes provide supplemental resources, such as video recordings of the classes, which can be exceptionally helpful for students who want to practice at home. EVALUATIVE ACTIVITIES * SI teachers monitor and give feedback on student progressduring each individual class. * SI teachers give oral evaluative comments, as well as sometimes grades or scores. * SI teachers are available for and sometimes proactively create opportunities for one-on-one progress discussions with students. CLASS ENVIRONMENT * SI teachers clearly communicate requirements for attitude and behavior, notably by emphasizing the SI student creed and the rituals of class beginnings and endings. TEACHER-STUDENT INTERACTIONS * SI teachers make an effort to know each student as an individual. * SI teachers routinely work to promote positive self-image in students. * SI teachers routinely create a classroom climate in which students are encouraged to grow and assume personal responsibility for their growth. LEADERSHIP BEHAVIOR * SI teachers are observed routinely cooperating graciously with their teaching peers, demonstrating authentic respect for one another. * SI teachers are often observed sharing ideas and methods with their fellow teachers. * SI teachers are observed regularly seeking to advance their own growth. This continuing education, observed by the students, is motivating to the students and demonstrates how we are all learning and growing. read more

I went to China with Shivu in 1993. We trained at the Shaolin Temple. He is the real deal. We still stay in touch 30 years later!

My 7 y/o wanted to join martial arts so we had him tried out Shaolin Kung-fu and Tae Kwon Do. After two weeks try-out at each place, he wanted to go with Shaolin Kung-fu because he felt that he learned more here. My son been in the program now for 7 months and I've notice that he has greater self discipline/control and respect for others. I am glad he made the right choice. read more

I had never done martial arts before, but two of my friends joined it and convinced me to come in for a trial. What surprised me is how such a great school is hidden away in an obscure building. The Shaolin Institute is led by Shi Deru, who trained at the Shaolin Temple from the age of 3. He's one of the closest disciples of the late abbot of the Shaolin Temple, Shi Suxi. Master Deru has been one of the top instructors working to spread Shaolin kung fu in the U.S. for over 20 years, and he's worked with many national and international martial arts organizations. Which is all to say, this is not a "belt mill". There's no rock music playing while you do repetitive exercises with no supervision or unclear instructions. The classes emphasize practical applications for defense and offense, so in addition to learning forms to practice movements, you also learn how to use each of those movements in real-world situations by drilling and sparring with partners. They teach not just a martial art but a way of life. Every class starts by reading the student creed, which says how you strive to improve yourself, help others, and develop positive attributes like self-discipline and respect. There are several classes available: kung fu, tai chi, sanshou/sanda fighting, and fitness kickboxing. They have separate classes for kids and adults, and within each class they group people by skill level so everyone gets to work on something at their skill level. (Kids can start as early as 4 years old, and learn exactly the same things as adults.) After you've been a student for about 6 months, you have the option of committing to the advanced class, which gives you more class time, and also lets you learn weapons like staff or broadsword. When you first come in, they'll give you a tour and ask some questions about what you're looking for. You'll also go through a short evaluation, to see what your physical abilities are: just simple tests of stretching, balance, and flexibility. Then you'll usually get a 2 week trial period where you can go to various classes before committing to becoming a paying student. read more

This is a wonderful and interesting school. If you want to learn China kung fu, I recommend that you choose this school. Nice teachers and good study environment are waiting for you. Enjoy it! read more

I went to the seminar hosted by Shaolin Institute last week. It was great and Mr. Wu Bin is the real master of Kungfu!