[This page will be updated regularly as we get more questions.]

Can I attend class on a drop-in basis?

We generally do not offer drop-in classes. Each lesson builds on the previous lessons, and irregular practice or frequent absences disrupt the learning process. Exceptions can sometimes be made on a temporary basis for currently-enrolled students.

Do you offer an instructor track? How do I become an instructor?

Students are invited to become instructors at the discretion of the senior and assistant instructors. We do not offer an instructor class as such. In order to be considered for the instructor role we look for students who are dedicated to the class, who are consistent and persistent in their practice, and who are disciplined and have a good attitude toward the class, the style, their classmates, and the instructors.

Do you offer online or video classes?

We do not offer online classes, other than in exception circumstances, such as a general quarantine as we experienced in 2020-2022. We will occasionally accommodate current students on an individual basis if their situation does not allow them to attend in-person classes. For more information see the question “Do you offer one-on-one instruction”.

Do you offer one-on-one instruction?

For current students we can offer one-on-one instruction, either in person or through Zoom or other video platforms. This is at the discretion of the instructors, and any details regarding schedule, private lesson pricing, and the like, will need to be worked out between the student and the instructor.

Is there sparring in your class?

We do not offer sparring in our class. We have a large number of two-person drills as well as an extensive offering of self-defense techniques. Students are free to spar on their own if they are properly prepared and have the necessary equipment, but this will be considered to be outside of the jurisdiction of our school.

Do you offer a children’s class / Can children join your classes?

We do not offer a children’s class as such. As a general rule we do not accept any students younger than 14 years old. We have made exceptions in the past, and are willing to accept younger students if they demonstrate that they can stay focused, practice diligently, and don’t disrupt the class. If a younger student is accepted then a parent or guardian must stay in the classroom during the class session, either as a student or as an observer.

I have limited mobility. Can I still participate in your class?

Our instructors have a lot of experience assisting students who are dealing with various physical limitations. We can modify postures and positions in the forms to allow students to participate fully in the classes while still retaining the spirit and meaning of what is being taught. Our instructors are happy to work individually with students to find the approach which works best for everyone.

Are there any books about your style? How about videos?

There are only a couple of books about our specific style of Tai Chi Praying Mantis Kung Fu and Tai Chi Jeung. They are both published in China and quite difficult to access here in the United States. For videos, there are some of our past demonstrations and performances on YouTube, but we do not have any videos specifically for training purposes. There are a great many books and videos in the world about kung fu, tai chi, and more specifically Praying Mantis kung fu, but few of those are about our lineage (Chui Chuk Kai’s Tai Chi Praying Mantis Kung Fu).