Curriculum & Styles Go to: Classes, Schedule, & Fees, Rank & Advancement, Miscellaneous
1. What styles do you teach?
We teach a comprehensive system of material which includes Southern Fist, Northern Fist, Drunken Fist, several animal styles, Tai Chi Chuan, Pa Kua Chang, Hsing I Chuan, and a multitude of traditional Shao-Lin weapons.
2. Do you teach Tai Chi Chuan?
Yes. We teach several Tai Chi Chuan styles including Chen, Yang, and Sun.
3. Do you teach Pa Kua Chang?
Yes. We have several Pa Kua Chang styles, including empty-hand and weapons training.
4. What is Internal and External training? What is the difference between the two?
Although both Internal and External styles are known to be extremely beneficial to the kung fu practitioners and can be deadly, the External styles are typically hard in nature while Internal styles are soft. The force generated for Internal training (內家-Nội Gia) comes from the Wei kung whereas the force for External training (外家-Ngoại Gia) would come from the Tan tien. Both styles, however, complement each other.
Classes, Schedule, & Fees Go to: Curriculum & Styles, Rank & Advancement, Miscellaneous
1. How many classes do you hold a week? When are they held?
Regular classes are held anywhere from 3 to 5 days a week for the Kids and Adult Programs, respectively. Kids class begins at 5:30PM; Adult classes start at 9AM for the morning session and at 7PM for the evening session.
For more information, please see the full schedule. ( San Jose Schedule )
2. How much are the classes?
The prices are dependent on the type and duration of the program you choose to sign up for. For most programs, prices may range from $100 to $120 per month with annual membership. For the Tai Chi for Health and Qi Gong programs, the fee is $90 per 6-week session. Discounts for college students and families of 3 or more are also available. Please check the school of interest for programs and fees.
3. Do you offer classes for children?
Yes, our Kids Kung Fu Program meets 3 days a week.
4. What is the age range for students in the Kids Program?
We accept children from ages 5-11. Exceptions are made for younger kids at the discretion of the Sifus.
5. Do you offer private lessons?
Unfortunately, Chuan Wu does not offer any private lessons to non-students.
Rank & Advancement Go to: Curriculum & Styles, Classes, Schedule, & Fees, Miscellaneous
1. What is Chuan Wu’s ranking system?
Everyone begins at White Sash. After that, the ranking is as follows: Yellow Sash, Blue Sash, Green Sash, 1st Brown Sash, 2nd Brown Sash, 3rd Brown Sash, 1st Degree Black Belt, 2nd Degree Black Belt, 3rd Degree Black Belt, 4th Degree Black Belt, 5th Degree Black Belt Master, 6th Degree Black Belt Master, etc.
2. What do I need to do to advance to my next level?
There are two parts you need to complete in order to advance: 1) an on-line test on history, background, and etiquette, and 2) a martial test over your current level material. The Sifus will be there to provide you with as much help as they can, but remember you must first help yourself.
3. How fast may I advance to my next level?
It depends on the level of your commitment. The more effort and time you expend, the faster you will advance. Typically, a beginner may advance from White Sash to Yellow Sash anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
4. How long would it take for me to reach Black Belt?
With dedication and hard work, a beginner student may attain the rank of 1st Degree Black Belt within a year and a half to several years of training. Keep in mind that a 1st Degree Black Belt is only a beginning disciple. Each additional level can take twice as long to earn.
Miscellaneous Go to: Curriculum & Styles, Classes, Schedule, & Fees, Rank & Advancement
1. Do you have any other locations?
Chuan Wu currently has one full-time location in San Jose. Please see our website for more details.
2. Who are the teachers?
We have several certified Masters/Sifus who have gone through rigorous training for many years to teach all of our classes as well as working on their own materials and advancement.
3. When can I start?
You may join at anytime. Remember: “the journey of a thousand leagues begins from beneath your feet”.
4. Are uniforms required?
Uniforms are recommended when you sign up, but are optional for your first month of training. During that time if you choose not to purchase your uniform, please wear clean, comfortable, loose-fitting, workout-appropriate apparel. After the first month of training, Chuan Wu uniforms are required for all students.
5. I have a medical condition. Would I still be able to train at Chuan Wu?
Yes; all Chuan Wu students work and train at their own pace and according to their abilities. As a precautionary measure, however, please consult with your family physician before engaging in any strenuous physical activity.
6. I’m interested in signing up my child as well as myself. Is there a way for us to work out together?
Yes; we make special accommodations to allow parents to train with their children during the Kids Kung Fu class.
7. Do you participate in competitions or tournaments?
No. Chuan Wu Kung Fu Institute is proud to operate in a non-competitive environment where we strive for personal improvement, self-defense, health, and longevity.
8. How does Chuan Wu differ from a Karate or Tae Kwon Do school?
Chuan Wu teaches an ancient system of Chinese martial arts. The amount of material we offer will take a lifetime to learn and master. Our curriculum is also unique in that a student may choose to specialize in one or more areas of training. Chuan Wu’s programs are suitable for all ages, from the young to the elderly. We have an array of martial styles, a rich history, and a family-oriented community. Don’t take our word for it! Sign up and find out for yourself!
9. I’m a Black Belt from another martial arts system. Is my rank transferable to Chuan Wu?
No; at Chuan Wu, everyone starts at White Sash and works his or her way up.
10. Why would I have to join Chuan Wu?
There is no obligation to join. However, our doors will always be open for those who are interested.
11. What do I do if I have more questions?
Come visit us during business hours! We would be more than happy to give you a FREE brochure and answer any questions you may have.
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