Kids and Teens Kung Fu

Imparting Wisdom and Guidance through the Art

Our Curriculum

Xing Yi Quan

Level 1

Xing Yi Quan (click on the link for more information about this style), or “Mind Formed Fist” is the style of Kung Fu taught in the Level 1 class. Its movements are based on the movements of the Spear, This is the style of Martial Arts taught to the Chinese Military. The forms are easy to learn, but difficult to master.

In this class students learn the Five Element Fists, which teach the five different types of power expressed in Xing Yi, as well as a 5 Element Linking Form, Two Person Form, and four of the twelve animal styles. The second half of the system will be taught in Level 5 after they have had time to develop a high degree of proficiency in the style.

Students also learn Tai Chi stances and concepts to prepare them for Level 2, and Bagua Circle Walking to prepare them for Level 3. We try to keep this class fun with many activities to build strength, whole body awareness, and skills they need to be successful in the art. Class ends with a short Kung Fu story coming from Tao philosophy, and sitting meditation.

For students to progress to level 2, they must submit a video of them performing the 5 Element forms, Linking Form, and 4 Animal forms outside of class. They must also submit a rubric where they grade themselves on their performance. If they give themselves a passing grade and the instructor agrees, then they can go on to the formal testing. The reason for this is to encourage practice at home, to teach self reflection and awareness, as well as to teach students how to read the movements of others. In this, they develop a sense of “What is good Kung Fu” and start to become self teachers. “Testing” is more of a formal performance to show friends and family members their hard work and how much they have grown. This helps to develop the skills of "public speaking. Testing is difficult regardless, and is important for developing a sense of confidence and self awareness. There is no such thing as failure at our school. Students simply continue to work until they arrive at their destination.

There are no testing fees or any other hidden fees. We prefer to be upfront and honest about everything we do here.

The Testing Rubric can be downloaded by clicking on this link.

Class Schedule

Xing Yi Chuan (Where new students begin)

Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays 4:10 - 5:10

Chen Tai Chi Chuan

Wednesdays 4:10 - 5:10

Baguazhang

Mondays 5:40 - 6:40

Pao Choi

Wednesdays 5:40 - 6:40

Weapons (for Teens who have advanced to at least Tai Chi)

Thursdays 5:40 - 6:40

Tuition Costs

New Student Special - 2 Month 2 days/ week and Free Uniform for $215

$175/ month for 2 days a week

$90/ month for 1 day a week

 Weapons Class - $90/ month

Swimming Dragon Baguazhang

Level 3

Cheng Style Baguazhang (click on the link to find out more about this style) is very circular in nature. In practice it is meant to resemble a dragon riding the wind. Whereas most martial arts styles only utilize straight line work, Baguazhang moves in circles and spirals. In this you are constantly moving behind your opponent and create the ability to fight many opponents simultaneously.

Baguazhang is typically considered graduate level Kung Fu and too difficult for children to learn. Because of Mr. Dison’s years of training as a school teacher, he understands how to break down complex concepts into fun digestible pieces that can be strung together and better understood, regardless of age. We are perhaps the only school in the United States who teaches Baguazhang to children and teenagers.

Students learn Standing meditation, Circle walking, 8 Changing Palm Form, Eight Mother Palm Forms, Eight Mother Palm Linking form, and a Two person Baguazhang Form.

Testing to move into level 4 is the same as in the previous levels.

Pao Choi

Level 4

Pao Choi translates as Cannon Fist. This is the combat form of Chen Tai Chi. It is unknown to many Tai Chi practitioners, as it is much more advanced and rarely taught outside of China. Spirals are tightened and Fa Li (explosive power) is now explored through Tai Chi. When Tai Chi evolves to this level it is said of the movements that one moves like water, strikes like ice, and evaporates like steam. Another way to describe this Kung Fu is “External by way of Internal”

Students learn through qigong exercises, application exercises, and Pao Choi form. Through Pao Choi students will to apply new principals to prior forms and to move the body as one whole integrated unit.

We finally put all the pieces together with 2 person skills. Students at this point have learned how to move with whole body spiral mechanics, they have developed the sensitivity to move their center of balance and manipulate another’s, they have learned how to “dissolve to emptiness” so that an opponent always misses, they have learned how to utilize the circle with advanced geometry, and now they learn how to apply the attack side of the fight. We explore all options of what works and what doesn’t work in a fighting situation. The mind is conditioned to stay calm, move naturally, and make good decisions based on what it happening in real time. Fighting isn’t a “sport”, but rather a way of moving through the world with confidence and the skills to tackle most any problem.

 Path to Black Sash

Level 5

In our culture we often think of “Black Belt” as a high degree of martial proficiency. In reality, black belts are often awarded to students after a relatively short period of time. Kung Fu traditionally has no belts, sashes were added in some schools to be able to compete with Karate and Taekwondo schools. We do not have a belt or sash system at our school, but I do feel that students who have attained a high degree of martial proficiency deserve to be awarded a physical representation of all of their hard work. Thus, the only “belt” we have is Black Sash.

What does “Black Belt” mean?

Traditionally in styles with a belt system students are only given one belt, a white belt. There are no colored belts. White belts turn black over a number of years of hard training from all of the dirt, sweat, and blood that have stained it.

There is a higher level though. This is called “Return to White Belt”. As we age, our dark hair turns white with wisdom and maturity. Similarly, black clothing (such as a belt) will slowly turn white over time with exposure to the sun and elements. There is no shortcut to this, the only way to attain this level is through time, practice, and diligence.

This class focuses on raising each students’ skill level a great deal. Speed, accuracy, precision, power, and fluency all must flow naturally without the need for thought.

Material taught in this level includes the Praying Mantis Bung Bo form. Tai Chi 3rd section, and Bagua 64 Palm form. This is the level where free form sparring is introduced, because this is the level at which students can safely apply technique at speed with self control.

Once students show the proper level of proficiency, they will be ready to test for Black Sash. This is the only testing where there is a fee. Yes, it is a very big deal and testing is held on a Saturday rather than during class.

To attain the level of Black Sash at Dragon Phoenix is the equivalent of 3 separate Black Belts from different disciplines. Students have not developed proficiency in just one style of martial art, they have developed it in 3 different styles of Martial Art. Praying Mantis, Tai Chi, and Baguazhang.

After earning Black Sash, students move into the Adults Tao Style Kung Fu class. Tao style is yet another style of martial art that blends Praying Mantis, Tai Chi, and Baguazhang.