Shaolin Kung Fu Academy

After touring with the Shaolin Warrior Monks of Song Shan, our Master (or "Sifu") Shi Xing Hao opened the Shaolin Kung Fu Academy in 1998. The Academy regularly provides kung fu and lion dance demonstrations around the Houston and surrounding areas in Texas and competes regionally and nationally for forms medals. Instruction is also either currently provided or will be provided in Tai Chi, Chi Gong, San Da, and weapons. Students perform weapons routines and empty-handed forms and choreographed mini-skits displaying the acrobatic prowess of many younger school members. 

Our Sifu stresses self-perfection through diligent practice and adherence to the Tenets of Shaolin Kung Fu.

Shaolin Values

Shaolin Values

Shaolin values are none other than Buddhist values. Master Shi Xing Hao has summarized some of the most of important of these values into the Tenets of Shaolin Kung Fu, below. Shaolin students are expected to learn the Tenets of Shaolin Kung Fu before they learn their first kung fu form or learn to execute a single strike. This will be on the first kung fu level rank test. They are as follows...

Tenets of Shaolin Kung Fu:

1. Motivation
2. Confidence
3. Discipline
4. Perserverence
5. Respect
6. Community
7. Righteousness
8. Tolerance

Shaolin Kung Fu is ultimately in the heart as is Buddhism itself. These tenets emphasize the Buddhist virtues of pure-minded concentration, fairness and righteousness in all social interactions, including the training hall. These values are taught to Shaolin students because they define the true spirit of the Shaolin Kung Fu. Those who do not live by them are not true Shaolin practitioners.

Learning these tenets is important to advancement in our school, however, in many ways, #7 already includes the spirit of the other seven tenets in the list. Righteousness simply means doing what you know you should do, simply because you know it is the right thing to do. Our master reserves the right to refuse tuition of any student who demonstrates a blatant disregard for the rules of our school. We try to make the experience at our school filled with fun and useful learning opportunities, and the environment a safe and fun atmosphere to learn martial arts in.

Entering the Training Hall
Please BOW towards the teacher as you enter the training hall, in the customary Shaolin way. If you do not see the insturctor, bow towards the middle of the room and enter anyway. Just ask the instructor if you don't know how.

Uniform
New students are given a uniform as part of their start-up fee of $15. Please wear the full uniform at each class. The instructor on duty needs to know what level you or whether or not you are enrolled. It is also a sign of respect to the school and to the teacher to show up in full uniform normally. If you need to buy an additional piece, please request to order it from the teacher in advance. He may or may not have the right size item in stock.

Weapons
Weapons training normally does not begin until mid0way through the 2nd Level. When weapons training becomes appropriate for a new student, the teacher will advise him of how to train and will ask him to purchase his own weapon normally to practice at home whenever possible, in addition to in-class trainining. If you are not current;y being taught a weapon by the master, please do not bring one to class. No weapon should ever brought to class, with the exception of weapons you have been taught by the master/Sifu himself.

Conduct
Knowing the tenets are usually enough, but it is worth saying that no brawls, angry tirades or dangerous/disruptive showing off in front of the class will be tolerated. Follow the instructor and work on what he gives you to work on. Have respect for the training hall at all times. Friendly cooperation and fun are the most important thing. And last but not least...DO NOT TEACH OTHER STUDENTS unless the Sifu has asked you specifically to do so. Teaching is the master's role and it is up to him to decide who should learn what, when and from whom. Same level students may share or work together on their own forms, etc., but for more advanced or subtle matters, it is always best to seek the master's input, so ask him first.