American Jiann Shyong Kung Fu Center

Absolutely fantastic. If you want to correctly learn traditional forms, this is where you go. The atmosphere is as serious or as relaxed as you make it. You will leave with improved technique and health. The group is supportive and encouraging. Truly. This is a fantastic find.

American Jiann Shyong Kung Fu Center offers classes in traditional Kungfu, including Tai Chi, Northern Shaolin, Praying Mantis, Hsing-​I, Pa Kua, and Weapons. Classes are taught strictly by the two grandmasters who have impressive careers and lineages. Master Leung is a master of over 10 systems (unheard of!), taught traditionally by Masters in Taiwan who escaped the Communist takeover of China mainland. Master Harn was trained by her father, Harn Chin-​Tong, a renowned grandmaster. Their system of instruction is traditional, emphasizing the basics of strengthening and flexibility, with refinement of movement and intention through forms. The focus is on health and strength — it’s never too late to start! I highly recommend a stop by the gym in East Cambridge to meet the Masters and get a taste of the experience. I have been a student for over 25 years, and many others have been there for over 10 years — a true testament to the quality and expertise offered.

When I walked into this school I was almost immediately greeted by an exuberant and welcoming older gentleman. After we exchanged greetings he pulled out a chair from the office for me to sit on to watch the class and offered me a cup of tea. Talk about humility. I sat there, dumbfounded, being waited upon by a martial arts grandmaster.
What!!!
There is a lot of false modesty and ego that parades around in a lot of martial arts schools. It was refreshing to find none of that here.
It was a very welcoming environment and I support them and openly recommend them to those who live in the area. I had a few conversations with a couple of the students– all very positive and sincere people.
The grandmaster was nice enough to allow me to sit and watch an advanced class even though I would have come in as a beginning student. There was a lot of holding positions and streching drills before moving onto a southern kung fu set.
All very interesting to watch and if I lived closer I’d probably investigate them further.
Altogether, a great little space.

American Jiann Shyong Kung Fu Center is the real deal. The classes are taught by two of the best sources for Chinese martial arts in the area, if not the country. The married team of Grand Masters teach all the classes in a relaxed yet extremely martial setting. They teach a variety of styles; I am a pretty new student (been training for 1.5 years) and am lucky enough to be enrolled in Tai Chi, Hsing-​I and Pa Kua. «Jiann Shyong» means healthy strong, I am definitely healthier and stronger now! The teacher’s consistency, skill, and health are true testaments to this art form that they have devoted their lives to teach.
If you are interested in traditional martial arts in Boston, this place is definitely worth a visit. If you would like to exercise in a healthy, sustainable way, also look no further. Stop by, watch or participate in a class and see what it would be like to experience thousands of years of research into health and longevity; the forms are beautiful in their efficiency and relative simplicity. Master Leung is extremely knowledgeable and welcoming!

Dear Readers,
This is a serious, authentic place to do kung fu/​tai chi. It is bare bones and focused on strength, endurance, and form. Many people come from americanized kung fu studios and feel as if they are learning a completely new form. This is the real deal… straight from China with no special ingredients added.
Some people have been studying for many years while newbies join classes all of the time.
I am taking Tai Chi and it has totally blown my mind. It is challenging on a totally different level: mentally, phyiscally, even emotionally.
The Sifus (husband and wife) are some of the most noted teachers in the world… and imagine that they are here! in cambridge! Both are warm and welcoming yet they take their martial art very seriously. After a few classes, you will too!

This is the most amazing and legitimate Kung Fu school there is, in Boston, and I daresay outside of China. The Grand Masters who run and teach us at the school are a married couple, descendant of a line of the most respected martial artists in history. Their humility and modesty enforce respect amongst many. Both Sifus have different forms of teaching, yet both share in being very warm and welcoming. This school is for beginners to the most advanced students, all associating with each other without any form of hierarchy. The sense of equality and acceptance in the American Jiann Shyong Kung Fu School is unparalleled.
Often, everyone will go out on a Saturday or Sunday to have Dim Sum together in Chinatown, which is always fun and stuffing. Even birthdays are celebrated (when we remember to tell each other!). Every year, there is a Chinese New Year banquet at a favorite restaurant.
In addition to the social atmosphere, you will not find a more authentic, real deal, Kung Fu school far and wide. The traditional process can be explained in the name «Jiann Shyong,» meaning «Healthy Strong.» This also tends to weed out those who do not take the martial art seriously, or who do not put in an effort to improve and learn. Ultimately, this school is a once in a lifetime opportunity for those who desire to learn the true art of Kung Fu.