Shaolin Kung Fu

At 26, I wanted to stay healthy and having done martial arts for a few years in college decided to get back into it. Interested in learning a new martial art, I looked at a few kung fu studios in the area about 10 months ago and have been attending this studio since, about 2 times a week. It’s been a great experience! I used to go to both the Cupertino studio and the Palo Alto studio, but after moving last April closer to Palo Alto I now exclusively go to this location.
Prices are very reasonable, you pay less per class if you sign up for more classes per week or pay in advance for longer membership. They have adult classes on weekdays Tuesday through Friday, and afternoon classes on Saturday and Sunday. This gives me a chance to move things around and go at my convenience a few times a week.
I was a bit worried at first that this studio would be too geared towards children, since they have many more children classes than adult ones, and even the adult classes are «Teen & Adult», but it has not been a problem at all. The class attendance varies, but the attendees are fairly consistently the same and varied. When I attend I’ve found the group size is typically ~4−6, which is a great size to do both group exercises and practices, while also getting individual time to work on specific forms for your level. Attendees are of all ages — teenagers, young adults, and even parents of teenagers. Always a great crowd.
Note: as others have pointed out, they teach a few self-​defense techniques, but they are not often practiced nor the primary focus. My main goals joining were orthogonal to this, however, as I wanted to focus on health benefits: flexibility, focus, strength and overall cardio endurance. Their focus on different Kung Fu techniques does help me fulfill those goals.
Overall, I really enjoy this place and recommend it to anyone looking to learn some Shaolin Kung Fu.

The staff and friendly and great with the kids. We went to several Kung fu places and this was the only one my daughter gelled with. They rotate through all the weapons which my daughter likes and she seems to progress through the belts at a pace that keeps her engaged and excited. Discipline and fun — I think that’s the key

I agree with all the points of Paul X’s review.
Would add — is good about adding the next piece of the form in a way so you practice the new and the loop back to the beginning which is a great way to learn. I find this studio a good place to achieve your best results as long as you come in with a good mindset. I suggest attending at least twice if not three times per week otherwise advancement is very difficult unless you are one to practice diligently.
Price is pretty reasonable. You can pay to attend as little or as much as you like.
Instructors mix in self defense at times although it is not the primary focus.
I’m almost 47 and it’s funny to work out with teenagers but it all seems to work.

I’m a big fan of marital arts. Been that way for as long as I can remember. So joining the this martial arts studio was at first intimidating, as I’d expected people of greater skills and a more youthful appearance to be the core patronage. But I’m wrong. There are lots of adults who just want to a good workout and have an activity in common with their child. Even singles are actively involved in the studio.
I’ve been with Ben’s Kung-​fu – Sunnyvale, for a year this coming MLK 2009. And I’m still enjoying my time. They closed down the Sunnyvale branch and opened up the Palo Alto branch. I haven’t advanced my belt recently, but that’s because I want to make my forms and stances look much better than a duck stance.
If you’re looking to use the techniques you learn here as a self-​defense, you’re in for a big surprise. I am realizing that although the techniques can be deadly, if used properly, it will take a long time for muscle memory to occur. Although, I’m considered advance level, I’m a bit embarrassed to show off what I learned, just because I still look like a duck. But I’m physically more fit than I was in high school or college. So the duck stance really doesn’t matter to me – that much.
The instructors are pretty strict with kids. So if you are going to coddle your child if he (the royal he/​she) gets hurt or yelled at, then this place isn’t for your family. Leave the disciplining to the instructors. They’ll do a better job during the one hour session.
To be honest, I don’t like every single instructor. But the majority of them will take you as seriously as you want to take the workout. If you are serious about it, they will help you improve. If you are just there for a work-​out, then you’re gonna get one.
O. Be patient with the instructors’ English. They aren’t English professors.