Shaolin-do Kung Fu and Tai Chi

First of all, I’m 22 and have been doing some form of Martial Arts since I was 5. When I was around 9 or 10 I started this particular school – the south location which is no longer there. My dad actually is one of the instructors and our whole family practiced for many years together. I haven’t been in a few years although if I had time I would LOVE to go back. I had nothing but great experiences going here. My dad still teaches and loves it. It is perfect for working out and self defense. Great for kids, families, and people of all ages. I feel personally connected with Master Joe and his family as well as many of the instructors. I think a lot of the people that are dedicated to the program do. They see how knowledgeable he is and how much he cares. I think that growing up learning Shaolin Do gave me a great respect for authority, discipline, the sport/​art of martial arts and if I ever have kids I would put them in this school. CANT SAY ANYMORE HOW MUCH I LOVE THIS PLACE.

I found Shaolin-​Do and Tai Chi one Saturday in early July 2013 to try out a Tai Chi class. Master Joe and Master Sheryl were at the north gym that day as was one of their kids… truly a family owned and operated business. Though a 7^th level black belt and, Master Joe was very approachable, very supportive. There was no pressure to join and with no membership fee — pay as you go. I also appreciate that Tai Chi and Kung Fu are taught individually but are highly interdependent and synergistic. Practicing one improves the other.
Since July, i’ve become a Kung Fu student and am a big enthusiast of the Shaolin-​Do in Austin. One of the aspects of this school that I appreciate is how friendly and supportive not only all of the instructors, but fellow students have been during my time in the program. For the first time, i’ve found a physical activity that I look forward to and can practice on my own while traveling. 12 lbs lighter and in better shape than i have been in years, I am looking forward to continued progression within the program.
For those with kids, this is a very friendly supportive kid friendly environment. I look forward to participating in the program with one or both of my kids in the future.
With two schools — one north close to Domain and one south close to the airport — each with classes practically every day of the week. Even kids and adults with very busy travel schedules can find the time to attend.

My kids have been attending this school for nearly two years, and they still love it. It continues to challenge them, but the instructors are positive while not allowing them to skate by. For a child who needs a good physical activity, needs a challenge, and needs to see that she can actually achieve something with hard work, this school is everything we could have wanted. We came in skeptical, as there are many stories of bad schools out there. Now, we are converts, and I expect that we’ll be staying for a while.

I turned 58 this year and decided it was now or never to take back control of my body. Already taking blood pressure, thyroid, and cholesterol meds and not willing to have to take more… enter Shaolin Do.
So, the wife and I decided to try Tai Chi. I’ve never taken any type of martial arts training and had no idea of what to expect… not to worry… Master Joe and Master Sheryl have already made us feel like family. The breathing exercises in the Saturday class alone are worth the effort.
All of the instructors are welcoming and friendly and they really stress that your experience is about you. We like to show up a few minutes early and watch the end of the kid’s Kung Fu class… awesome to see the smiles and confidence on their faces!
If you’ve ever had a desire to check out a Tai Chi or Kung Fu class, then Shaolin Do is for you! Do yourself a favor and come check out a class… no one is going to put pressure on you to join, and I guarantee you’ll have a great time!

I’ve been taking my son for a little over a month now after researching school after school. This seemed to be the best priced with the best teachers, and I was right!
I love it and so does my 5 year old son. The instructors are so kind and really care about the kiddos. They’re great with them! And there’s usually about 3 – 5 instructors so the groups are usually divided into 2 – 5 kids at a time, meaning more time for instruction.
This is a great way to boost your child’s confidence while having fun and teaching them discipline. It’s awesome to see my son get excited when he earns a stripe on his belt and work towards getting the next one!

Brady (8) says: I like this kung fu school because its fun and it made me a lot more flexible than when I started the school. The instructors are nice and tell you what you need to work on and what you are good on. It’s awesome!!!

The Shaolin-​do is such a wonderful place to be a part of; it has the feel of a small family. The teachers’ love of this art form show every day in class. Everyone wants to see you succeed, learn, and grow. The teachings are amazing and I go home everyday learning something more about myself and about the art. The Katas that you learn are so elegant and beautiful. You are taught them with precision and grace. I highly recommend this to anyone who has ever wanted something more to do with their life or really wants to make a change for the better. Just come and try it out. They will let you come to your first class for free, to see if it is a good fit. What do you have to lose?

Whether you’re interested in exploring martial arts, getting into shape, pushing your limits or just DOING something different, this is the place to go.
About a month ago, I decided that I really wanted to start talking some sort of martial art class. I had absolutely no prior experience, but as a runner getting bored of the same routine, I knew I wanted to dive into something active and rewarding. As a girl, I also really wanted to learn some self defense.
At first, I was quite intimidated; most of the reviews on Unilocal were from black belts who had been attending Shaolin-​do for several years. I wondered what the environment would be like for a noob like me…
Let me tell you, I already feel like I’m part of a family. A kick-​ass Kung Fu family. The people are so welcoming and the instructors genuinely care about their practice to the core. It’s addictive. I love that classes incorporate group activities so you can train with more experienced belts, but also that the main focus is on your own individual practice. At Shaolin-​do, you move at your own speed and do what you can, but it’s encouraged to push yourself. It’s a great place for self-​exploration and improvement. I’m still just a white belt, but I can already tell that I’ve gained so much by going to Shaolin-​do.
I haven’t had the pleasure of many classes with Master Joe, but just by the few conversations we’ve had and my own spectating, I can tell he’s a genius. Just read some of his philosophies on the website; his knowledge and expertise is apparent. Most of my training has been through Sifu Corey during the Tuesday night class. I know it sounds cliché, but he’s changed my life. He is incredibly dedicated and a wonderful teacher. Even though I’m just a white belt, he takes the time to show every technique carefully and explain the practical, self-​defense application. He is also a great motivational speaker and a kick-​ass trainer. Phew, his classes are INTENSE. I already feel stronger though, just after a few weeks, and it’s awesome.
There are also many classes available, which is nice because it fits my schedule, and since you pay monthly, you can go as much as you want. And the price is excellent, especially considering the degree of attention you receive and the quality of the classes.
Geez, I’m just rambling on with compliments, but I really love this place. Don’t be shy. Go. You won’t regret it!

I’ve been taking classes from here for about a year now and I love it. I find the Sifus (instructors) very knowledgeable in the art. As a girl I was nervous about taking classes but found everyone very friendly and was impressed to see how many women are in the upper black belt classes. You don’t have to be super athletic to start taking classes but they are challenging. If you can’t make it through the whole class or need to take a water break know one makes you feel bad. I’ve left class drenched in sweat but feeling much better than when I came in.
I appreciate when practicing your kicks and punches they will try to pair girls with girls or least someone the same strength as you. The self defense you learn here is easily applied if need be in a real life situation. I’ve never felt that I’ve received inferior training because I’m girl. It’s really up to the individual on what you take way from the classes. After year I’m more confident, flexible, stronger, and loving how toned my legs look now.
I’ve done the whole personal trainer thing at those large mainstream gyms and found this to be way more satisfying. Who wants to run on a treadmill when you can learn a beautiful art form while getting a great workout. I recommend this place to everyone who wants to be challenged and try something different.

I’ve been a student at Shaolin Do Kung Fu for almost 9 years now, and I couldn’t imagine a better place to be. The sheer number of people who’ve stayed with it for as long, or longer than I have is testament to the excellence of this school. Whatever you need, or want, it’s here for you. The art itself is beautiful and inspiring — whenever I’m doing the forms, I feel like a stronger, faster, more graceful me. The community of the school is also great. Students tend to take after their teacher, and Master Joe and Sifu Sheryl are the best teachers anyone could ask for. They challenge you, but also provide an incredibly supportive environment. They are there to encourage their students, not embarrass them. As a result, the students themselves also adopt this supportive attitude. My friends at Shaolin Do are my second family, and everyone is always welcome. ^_^
They also have an EXCELLENT kids’ program. I, in fact, started out in the kids’ program, and I can guarantee that growing up with Shaolin helped me become a much healthier adult than I would have been otherwise, both physically and mentally.
In general, the classes are at convenient times, offered multiple times a week, and the rate is probably the best deal you’ll find in Austin. The school is large and clean, the community is welcoming, and this is a chance to really start something that will change your life. We have students from all ages and in all physical conditions. This place is truly for EVERYONE.
***** NOTE: this is no longer the address for the school. They have moved about one mile down the road, to 2136 Rutland Drive Suite D-​1, Austin, TX 78 758.

I second what’s been written in all of the other reviews. About 8 or 9 years ago, we’d enrolled my son in a preschool Kung Fu class at another school. We wound up having a bad experience in the long run, due to contracts and $$ being more important than the needs of the student. So, my husband and I were cautious about signing my son up again and risking the same thing.
Over the years I’d heard great things about this school. But we were concerned — you know, once burned, twice shy. Recently, though, we saw an ad that made us willing to give it a try — the school had a moving special: 1 month, no contract. (And they’ve since gone to all month-​to-​month contracts, which I really think is better for them in the long run.)
My son is now a teenager and, as such, he’s in the adult classes. This has been a great experience for him. He has three sifus (teachers), since he attends different four classes during the week. They are all wonderful.
The classes are mixed-​level, which actually works really well. They’re small enough that each student still gets some individualized attention. The sifus get to know the students and make sure they are working at their own pace. There is no pressure to advance or to sign up for additional (costly) classes. The focus is on learning the skills and everything the student needs to learn is taught in the regular classes.
It is very definitely a mom-​and-​pop-​type place, in every positive sense of the term. Master Joe and his wife, Sifu Cheryl own it, and they are regularly there with their kids. (Their daughter, also a teenager, is a black belt herself, I believe.) Master Joe is *very* knowledgeable of the art, and he’s very personable as well. Both he and his wife (and the rest of the staff, too) are quite down to earth.
And, as an aside, I just want to add that the art of Shaolin-​do is beautiful to watch. It looks like highly choreographed, athletic dance (with weapons ;)). While I don’t do it myself, I love watching it.
In retrospect, my only regret is that we didn’t sign him up sooner.

My son wanted to get into some form of martial arts and we had no experience with any particular schools or methods in Austin. My wife and I parent very conscientiously and had our children in an alternative-​approach school. Knowing our philosophy, a friend said that Austin Shaolin-​Do was the only place we’d be happy. A neighbor’s child had also gone there and had loved it so we gave it a try.
The first month was free (another place had made us buy a $ 35 gi just to try out a single class!) and once we signed up I felt the prices are quite reasonable. Big plus: you don’t have to buy hundreds of dollars of weapons right up front before you even know if you’re going to stick with it (unlike many other schools, mind you).
My son dove in and really never looked back. After about six weeks of watching him, I decided to jump in myself. The atmosphere that owner Master Joe has created welcomes folks of all skill levels and interests so, even though I’ve always thought of myself as a pretty uncoordinated guy, I felt safe to dip my toe in.
Much to my surprise, I found I really liked it. I got stronger, lost weight, gained flexibility and noticed that middle-​age aches and pains just disappeared. Three years later, I even tested to black belt right beside my son. It was truly a life moment and something I am proud of. I now equate learning anything with becoming a black belt – just break it all down into bite-​size pieces and you can learn to do anything!
If you really want to learn how to fight, that’s there for you. If, like me, you’re just really interested in keeping fit and challenging yourself mentally, physically and even spiritually, that’s available to you, too. There are people of all ages, many females, techies, fitness gurus, you name it.
Master Joe brought this form of martial arts to Texas in the mid-90’s and all the Shaolin-​Do schools in this area are run by folks who continue to study under him. His skills are top-​notch but he also works hard to make studying the martial arts an experience which empowers the student in many, many ways. He has special seminars on everything from kicking techniques to meditation and breathing.
Whenever we’ve had a concern or issue, he has been forthcoming and proactive. The other teachers have been respectful, capable, positive and supportive.
I’m so glad my son has had the experience and I think that it will benefit him for his entire life. I’m just as grateful to have had the experience as well – sure wish I’d done it at 13 instead of 37, though!

I was 51 years old, I was having a very hard time recovering from an appendectomy followed by a massive post operative infection. I had just found out I had diabetes. Oh, yeah, I was pretty severely depressed too.
I had been sitting at a computer for the last 30 years and was not in good shape before I got sick. I was fat, over fifty, sick, and tired. So, of course I decided to take up a martial art. :-)
A former employee of mine was a student at Master Joe’s school and he assured me that it was a school where I would not only be tolerated, but I would be welcomed and supported. He was right. Of course, I asked my Dr. about it before I started. It was his opinion that it probably wouldn’t kill me, but that if it did it was my own damn fault. :-)
My first instructor, a wonderful, humble, brilliant instructor named Cory started the class by telling us that we were in a no shame zone. We were only expected to do what we could do, nothing more, but nothing less. It took me several months before I could make it through an entire class without having to sit on the sidelines for large parts of the class while I caught my breath. I was so proud when I managed to stay standing through a full class. Then I realized that just meant I could work harder. And I did.
I did not advance through the ranks as fast as other students. But, I advanced much faster than I ever expected I could. One day I realized that I had just done 20 frog leaps and I was as happy as a kid with a new balloon. After a few years I was doing things in my mid ‘50s that I couldn’t do when I was a teenager.
I never experienced any bullying or any pressure, there are always a few jerks in the lower belt classes but they don’t last. This is the most peaceful, loving supportive group of people I have ever met. Even the tournaments have competitions for people who do not want to have to spar. But, after a while, you will spar. Not because you are forced to, but because you enjoy sparring with people whose goal is to learn and help you learn, not to beat you up. It is quite a sight to see a room full of people smiling at each other, and often laughing at their own mistakes, while sparring. You don’t see that at other martial arts schools.
If you are looking for a place to learn. To become more healthy. To gain practical self defense skills. And, maybe a little or a lot more. You owe it to yourself to visit Master Joe’s Shaolin-​Do school.
Oops, all most forgot. They have a program from pre-​K kids that is just amazing. The kids learn physically, but they also learn that they only get what they earn. And, they only earn by working. Not to mention they have a great deal of fun. :-)

The Shaolin-​Do school is by far the best school I have found in Austin. I looked at different schools and instructors for over a year before finding Master Joe and Shaolin-​Do. All of the instructors are extremely patient and very interested in ensuring that each student progresses at their own pace. You are never rushed to test or pressured to «keep up». If you decide you want to get into martial arts (Kung Fu or Taichi) do it at Shaolin-​Do. You won’t regret it. I haven’t!
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It is time I updated this review. It is now a year later and I am still thoroughly enjoying the experience at Austin Kung Fu. I am about to test for my Black Sash in Tai Chi and I have been training in Kung Fu for 4 months and have achieved my Blue Belt.
Whne I started my training 2 ½ years ago I weighed in a 240 pounds and looked like PO (Kung Fu Panda). Now I weigh 190 and can see abs for the first time in my life. (BTW _​I am about to turn 60 years old, so I know anyone can do this). The more I do the moreI want to learn and the more I enjoy it (even the calisthenics)! If you even have asingle thought about doing Kung Fu or Tai Chi I can think of no better place.
Call them or go by the school and talk to them about starting now.

I’ve been a student of various martial arts off and on for about 30 years.
Some places are overly macho and quasi-​military. Others are mystical, opaque, secretive. I’ve been delighted at Shaolin-​Do. The people are friendly, not overly macho. The skill and fitness level they produce here is superb. The atmosphere is always good humored and welcoming, There is a good blend of guys, women and kids. The forms you learn are vast, applicable to fighting and, even more so, to all the challenges which life provides. Check them out! I did, with my son, and we devoted ourselves to years of study and recently got our black belts together. What a fantastic experience.

Updating because I am now enrolled in the kung fu program. (They’ll get you in eventually!)
It’s a great program. They offer classes every day, so getting in to class a few times a week is not a big deal. There’s not a lot of pressure to test or advance to the next belt level. All the attention is paid to making sure you are mastering the material. I like learning from a lot of different teachers; the multiple perspectives really help me «get» the material in the right way.
As someone who asks a *lot* of stupid questions, I can tell you that these are patient teachers, which is a necessity for an adult taking on something new like this! I’ve never felt embarrassed or anything in class. I’m still very much a beginner, but it feels like such an accomplishment to leave class knowing I did my best and being able to really see my progress from week to week.
I will tell you this: the work is hard. I sweat. It’s gross. I don’t feel guilty taking a minute at the water fountain to catch my breath. The warm-​up at the beginning of class is exhausting, and then you still have fifty minutes to go. But it’s great to build up that «just one more!» mentality, and it feels good to persevere, especially when you’ve been a non-​athletic choir girl all your life.
Your first class is free, from what I understand, so giving it a try is not a problem.

First of all, a comment about the listing for Shaolin-​Do. Why does it say the neighborhood is «downtown»? Is that a weird Unilocal thing, or something? Because north Burnet Road at Rutland is not downtown.
Anywho… moving on. Our family loves Shaolin-​Do. My oldest son has been taking Kung Fu here for the past 3 ½ years. He started when he was only 4 years old, and is now a junior black belt. Now my youngest son has started lessons, too, and he’s having as much fun as his big brother.
Master Joe and all his instructors are amazing with the little kids. They are patient, kind, and understanding, but also good teachers who don’t let the kids get away with s***. If the kids don’t do what you’re supposed to be doing, they hear about it. And they have to EARN their next belt, with hard work and dedication. Nobody gets to pass to the next level without putting in the work. Isn’t that a refreshing concept for kids these days?
If you’re considering signing up your kids for Kung Fu, do it here. One other thing we really like about this school is the de-​emphasis on fighting. It’s not about how tough you are or how much ass you can kick. It’s about self-​discipline, doing your best, learning new skills, and becoming a better person. Shaolin-​Do is an excellent Kung Fu school for the little ones. Everyone we’ve referred to the school has loved it, too, and we’re recruiting new students all the time with our enthusiasm for Master Joe and his group of instructors.

I’ve been a student at Shaolin Do Kung Fu/​Tai Chi for about 6 months and absolutely love it.
Master Joe started this school while he was in graduate school at UT, and he eventually got his PhD in Neurobiology, but decided to devote his life to teaching martial arts. He’s a great instructor and the classes he teaches are extraordinary.
This school is part of the national Shaolin Do association (
) which has gobs of schools around the country. All the forms and such are inherited from grandmaster Sin The, who learned them from someone old and wise who learned them from someone old and wise, etc. One of the most exciting things is the grandmaster’s visits every 6 months, as there will be a tournament for all the local shaolin do schools and the grandmaster will teach out some new (to us) material.
One of the other unique things about this school is that it offers several classes every day of the week, and for the cost of enrollment or whatever you can go to as many classes as you want each week. So I’m able to go to 6 – 7 classes per week and that’s going to just about a third of the classes that are offered.
Also, the school has a huge black belt community, and over half the students of the school are actually first degree black belt or above, and watching the advanced classes can be quite inspiring.
The instructors are of course very helpful and supportive, and there is really something there for everyone — be it the Friday evening super intense conditioning classes or the much more laid back Saturday afternoon review classes.