As someone who has an extensive background in martial arts, including wrestling all through grade school, 19 years of Shotokan, Kyokushin, Uechi Ryu and other karate styles, Northern Shaolin, and extensive seminars on several subjects and styles, I feel qualified to state that Mint Hill Kung Fu and Sifu Chris Facente provide some of the best, most effective instruction in the Charlotte area. Sifu Chris stresses traditional Southern Style Kung Fu and includes training in forms, sparring, and weapons. Conditioning exercises not only include push-ups and calisthenics universal to most martial arts schools, but also traditional exercises such as rolling up weights on a wrist roller to strengthen the forearms and wrists and manipulation of heavy bowling balls to develop the muscles necessary for the blocks and hand techniques for which Southern Kung Fu is known. The forms showcase the versatile nature of Lai Tung Pai Kung Fu. While Lai Tung Pai has many short fist forms similar to Wing Chun, it also contains a wider variety of kicking and circular techniques and stances, similar to long fist styles of Southern Kung Fu like Choy Lee Fut or Lau Gar. This versatility ensures a complete fighter, ready to address threats at most ranges. The sparring is realistic, including face cages to allow face shots and allowing kicks to the legs (neither of which are allowed at most Taekwondo schools and at most so called "karate" schools that have abandoned their traditional roots), with contact usually kept at a light contact or medium contact level, with some individuals training for full contact lei tai competition. The pricing is beyond competitive compared to the average school in the area, or even far less populated areas. Sifu Chris is a funny, caring, individual who respects other arts and individuals and genuinely cares about students as individuals. I would 100% recommend this school to others interested in Kung Fu or martial arts, whether your goal is competition, fitness, self-defense, or all three like myself. Call me a very satisfied customer. read more

I have had a wonderful experience with Mint Hill Kung Fu School. I started as a much older student but was quickly embraced by Chris the schools Sifu (Teacher) and the other Sifu's who teach at the school. The other, more experienced students are eager to help you with any questions or will demonstrate things independently of the instructors. The facility is nice, parking is good but it's all the people in the school that make it exceptional. The tuition is very reasonable considering how much individualized attention you'll receive. All of the instructors have visited China numerous times obtaining ever higher levels of proficiency in the art of Kung Fu and some students of the school compete locally and nationally in Kung Fu tournaments so you know you are working with the best. read more

I've been training here under Sifu Chris Facente for the past two years, and I've come to love it. I'm not the fastest learner, but I'm getting better thanks to their patience. The instructors are knowledgeable, kind, and patient. There is an emphasis on traditional training, including both empty hand and weapons forms, but there is also sparring and self defense. There is ample room, mats for sparring and throwing, headgear and gloves, two mook jongs, and a lot of authentic Chinese weaponry. I recommend Mint Hill Kung Fu to anyone interested in learning traditional Chinese martial arts for self defense, fun, or fitness. Your best bet is to stop by on a Tuesday evening at about 7pm and watch a class and see if it's right for you. It's a good environment for learning. read more

I spent a year looking for a good Martial arts school, yet I did not find what I was looking for, until I came to this school. The Mint Hill Kung Fu School offers incredible work outs, the traditional Kung Fu combative arts, weapons forms, empty hand forms, etc.... The atmosphere, also, is very friendly and welcoming. In my honest opinion I couldn t be happier with this school and the great style it has to offer, known as Lai Tung Pain Kung Fu, the sister of Wing Chun. read more

I've been to a few martial art schools and they always made me feel a bit un-welcomed. However at Mint Hill Kung Fu school I felt right at home and everyone treats me like family. I'm so glad I gave this place a chance. It really changed my perspective on life. read more

This is a great place to learn Kung Fu. My family has been going over a year. Everyone is willing to help and some the the nicest people I have ever met are part of this school. We are glad to be a part of it! Come check this school out! read more

My kids love the place! Great place to learn and a real martial art to boot! Hated moving out of state. Would have loved to continue here. I highly recommend this school. read more

Great place to learn. School is in an old warehouse which makes the climate control a little off but not unbearable. Good people there. Parking can be a problem also. read more