Tiger Crane Kung Fu provides excellent Tai Chi instruction. Through a series of classes, their…read moreexpert-level instructors have taught me the correct way to do a Tai Chi "form," or dance-like sequence of coordinated upper and lower body moves. They point out and demonstrate martial applications, discuss related philosophy and welcome questions. In addition to the form, we have learned "Tai Chi walking," two-person "push-hands" practices, standing meditation, various "qi gong" movements, diaphragmatic & related breathing techniques, and unique and interesting warm-up exercises. Tiger Crane's studio is well-lit, spacious and inviting in a sparkling new location. Overall, Tiger Crane is a great place to learn Tai Chi. I highly recommend this establishment as well as Tai Chi, in general, for people of all ages and body types to enhance physical fitness and mental ability. As Tiger Crane's full name indicates, they also teach Kung Fu (and they do a good job here, too, as their Kung Fu students win regional tournaments.)

From the owner: Kung Fu -- Self-defense and effective practical applications are the emphasis of Hung Gar, a style…read moreof Kung Fu that originated at the Shaolin Temple in Southern China. The Hung Gar practitioner combines internal and external power, while strengthening the body, bones, tendons, and ligaments. Tai Chi -- Tai Chi is a moving meditation that aids in relaxation and improved health. In addition, the movements have the extra benefit of self-defense applications. The Mayo Clinic states, "Tai chi helps reduce stress and anxiety. And it also helps increase flexibility and balance." Lion Dance -- Lion dance involves the coordinated effort between the performers and musicians. Lion dances are performed during Chinese New Year and special occasions such as festivals, weddings, and business openings, bringing good luck wherever they go. We also offer classes in Weapons and Qi Gong

I have been a student here for 6 years, and I can safely say I have been made a much better person…read moreby it. The family that is created there and the care that Laoshì Eliot has for all of us students is unmatched. He always finds new ways to challenge us and improve our kung fu. He shows a patience that I have never seen in someone before. The school is easily the most welcoming environment I know (other than my own home of course). In fact, it is like a second home. We don't go there just to train and get fit, we go there to grow as people and as martial artists. We learn to protect ourselves and others, and to show respect for everyone, no matter who they are. The environment is also very safe, and from what I've experienced with some years in both the kids and adult classes, Laoshì can handle a full plate like an absolute champ. This place has without a doubt changed my life.

Chuck E. I was looking to learn traditional kung fu, and fortunately I came across Metrowest Kung…read moreFu (MWKF). I took the free week of classes (kung fu and tai chi), and decided to take both styles. MWKF has a good schedule of classes, is very progressive in that they invite special instructors that teach similar although slightly different kung fu styles, and has an overall excellent culture that focuses on the students. If you've studied kung fu before or are curious about the style, I highly recommend giving MWKF a shot.

First of all .....Sifu Gary is "the man". He has spent the last 20 years building and developing…read morehis talent and reputation in the business and martial arts community. He is a genuine person and excellent teacher. Sifu Gary teaches Thai chi and chi gong at local senior centers around Worcester county in addition to running his school. By the way, did I say he was "the man", if you don't believe me stop by the Millbury, Sutton or Holden senior centers,the people LOVE him. In April he hosts world Thai Chi day, which is an incredible event. Stop by the school, bring your son, daughter, better half or grandmother. The floor is usually filled with all types, shapes, sizes and off course personalities LOL .

I wish everybody could attend this school. When I joined, I had been thinking about learning…read moremartial arts for a long time, and finally got the guts to set up a free trial class here. That was almost three years ago. I still remember walking in the door and seeing the big smiles on everybody's faces -- that wasn't what I was used to seeing on Main Street in Worcester. The atmosphere is fun and we laugh a lot, which is amazing considering how intense the training can be. The community is super welcoming and everybody helps everybody -- that includes the black sashes, who go out of their way to draw you in and help you succeed. Sifu Gary is a natural teacher, and meets everybody where they are at, while challenging them to become better. Basically the school is a huge part of my life now, and at 30 years old, I'm in the best shape of my life so far, and I feel more comfortable in my skin than I ever have. It's a wonderful place.

I have only positive comments regarding my experience with SAF Kung Fu, Sifu Nate, and the classes…read more Every day I feel challenged and accomplished. I noticed changes immediately but after six weeks, I've achieved improved balance, confidence, muscle memory, coordination, flexibility and peacefulness. It's also a fantastic, fun and satisfying workout! Before joining, I felt very self-conscious about recent weight gain and wasn't sure what to expect from as I'm overall clumsy by nature. I opted to start with a free introductory session and followed with 2 private lessons. I immediately felt satisfaction with what I was learning and was eager to continue by joining classes. I would like to note that there is no pressure whatsoever regarding joining, or subscribing to special belt programs. I pay monthly. The classes are great and anyone could easily start with them. No one gets lost. I've gotten very specialized attention when needed. It was a pleasant surprise to find a balance of women in the group and more surprised to have a mix of people (different ages, shapes, sizes, abilities) working seamlessly well with each other. Everyone is well spirited and enthusiastic, excited to participate and share their skills. I was immediately comfortable in the environment and quickly lost the heavy self-conscious feeling. Since, I've increased my plan to include extra sessions and keep training through the week. These sessions are allowing me to pursue instruction in specific topics I'm interested in whether it be to increase proficiency in a form or to try something new. For example, I recently learned my first weapon, sticks! The experience is incredibly gratifying and I encourage anyone to join. I was looking for a physical activity that excited me to partake in and could easily become part of my daily routine rather than be a chore to me like going to the gym had become. If I skip a class because of my work schedule, I truly miss it. I'm frankly amazed at how fluid some of my motions have become and it's always fun to see your forms and moves appear in a television show or film you're watching.

The students, under the direction of Sifu Mai Du, performed a wedding blessing for a couple in…read moreFramingham, MA. There were 4 lions and drummers/musicians. Their performance was outstanding!! The group was on time, followed all the directions (as they were part of the wedding ceremony), and were all highly skilled. All of the guests, many whom have not seen lions perform before, were amazed. I highly recommend this academy if you are looking for a blessing, performance, etc for a special event.

Traditional arts taught here. Great family feel, awesome place for kids and adults to learn.read more

They know their stuff! The area is well organized and suitable for practice. A good location too.read more

I have to agree with Sharon's review wholeheartedly! I have been going to Wu Dao for almost two…read moreyears now and have had the best time. I had no prior experience with any martial arts, but Wu Dao made me feel welcome and the atmosphere has never been intimidating. It's easy to connect with other students and it's become a great community. The facility is a gorgeous big hall with an upstairs area. It has wooden floors and there are some bags on one side in the back and a stand with weapons on the other and that's it. For someone whose always hated gyms with all their machines and televisions this was and is heaven! They have pictures of the school's interior on their website if you want to check it out without getting out of the house. The instructors are great and they offer morning and evening classes. I've attended both and have always been very happy. Even though I don't have any other martial arts instruction to compare this to I know that I am in excellent hands. Structure of movement and application of forms is something that gets explained thoroughly and whenever you have a question there is a well thought-through answer. I do Kung Fu mainly for fitness, flexibility, strength, and those things, but it has also helped me in becoming more self-confident with movement in general - my own and other people around me and self-defense is certainly a part of the training. Last year and this year, Wu Dao has also brought in a Shaolin monk for a one or two-week training in Shaolin Kung Fu which was fantastic! Another bonus for me is that the school is probably one of the most environmentally conscious businesses I know. They have everything from the right light bulbs to recycled toilet paper, eco-friendly paint, bamboo and organic cotton shirts etc. and they purchase carbon offsets! How cool is that?

Been taking classes here for about a month, and I can say Sifu David really cares that his students…read moredevelop their Wing Chun skills to the highest degree. I do wish the pace of the class was faster and more organized, where we can do some of the exercise as a group instead of everyone going off to do there own thing. The class would also be much better if there was actually an agenda, or schedule of what to cover or review for that day of class. Sifu David takes a very traditional approach in teaching martial arts, which means the process is very SLOW and requires a lot of patience. He let's you get use to the movement of the forms and techniques and gradually corrects them overtime. This is how the class is structure; 30 minute warm up with siu nim tao form, 60 minute two person drills or practicing techniques in the air, and cool down again with siu nim tao form. The place is small, but it does has a relaxing vibe going on. The people that I've met so far at this school seems pretty down-to-earth. If you are expecting to do a lot of sparring and training to compete in tournaments, then this is not the place for you. Like I said, it's a very traditional martial arts school.

I've been training here for 6 months, and I really enjoy it. In addition to the traditional kung fu…read morestyle that I'm learning, it helps keep me calm and focused on every day things, from driving in traffic to dealing with stressful situations at home. My wife has said that I'm much calmer now and she really pushes me to go to class because I come back more relaxed. I also like that I get to choose my rate of learning to some degree. I train a lot, I've learned a lot, and I'm learning as fast as I can handle. If you don't train as much you progress slower (which is sometimes good too).

Excellent instruction in traditional Chinese martial arts: praying mantis kung fu, and tai chi. The…read moremantis is the tai chi substyle of mantis, but that's just a name; it's a northern style with lots of movement. The tai chi they do teach includes instruction in simplified Yang tai chi as well as sword forms, and a few unique soft forms from the tai chi mantis lineage.