Fred G.

I have trained under Master Wong for 18 years as of November 2019. I have studied Tai Chi Praying Mantis Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and related activities such as push hands. I started training at the Tai Chi Mantis Institute with my then 13 year old daughter Alexandra. I quickly learned that the school is special, with high quality instruction, high expectations of students, genuine martial arts culture and etiquette. Most importantly, instruction and leadership comes from Sifu Wong, whose dedication to martial arts and whose skills are inspiring. So, when Alex left for college, I continued training, until I am now one of the school’s more senior students. Sifu Wong is a true teacher. He not only loves the art, but loves teaching and encouraging students to learn and to carry the art forward to the next generation. Students here benefit from highly individualized attention, a demanding but friendly and encouraging environment, and instruction at each student’s pace. The school is geared toward students who are interested in learning the art for the health benefits noted on this website, mental and physical discipline, Chinese martial arts culture, and self-defense, something the school’s website deliberately underplays. Yet, the “real Tai Chi” taught here is among the most martial of martial arts, and Sifu Wong really knows his stuff. After training for many years in Praying Mantis Kung Fu, I did not at first understand Tai Chi as having a self-defense application. After many humbling experiences, however, Sifu Wong has convinced me otherwise. “Real Tai Chi” is more challenging to learn, but the development, control and application of internal power is devestatingly effective. There are few places where a 200 lb., senior instructor level student is offered the chance to try to move the 76 year old Master, and cannot budge him, and then is tossed around the room like a child’s toy; inspiring is an understatement. More senior students are taught self-defense, and it is a very effective system for those who want to be able to defend themselves if necessary. Most of all though, successful students here are motivated to learn the art for its own sake and are willing to devote time from busy professional and personal lives to regularly attend class and to practice outside of class. It is one of very few sports or martial arts where age is really no limit; I am in my 60s and improving. “Kung Fu” essentially means “time and energy”. It takes both to succeed here, but it is well worth the effort.