What is a Kung Fu Class like?

A typical class lasts between one and one half to two hours, where men and women study together. The first part of class includes physical and breathing exercises to prepare the student for the energetic techniques used in Wu Shu, which also provides an excellent method of weight reduction and body conditioning. The students learn: punching, kicking, hand techniques, springing leg forms, stances, rolls, how to fall, and various breathing forms. Within 10 weeks, students will feel a definite improvement in overall well-being as they develop their offensive and defensive abilities.

You are expected to attend the class you are registered for and encouraged to attend the other beginner section on either Monday night or Saturday morning for further practice. You can make up a missed class on the night of the consecutive class in the other section.

Where are the Kung Fu Classes held?

All of the Kung Fu classes are held within the Student Life Center at RIT. The beginner classes and self defense class are held on the first floor in the dance room. The advanced class and weapons class are held right across from the dance room in the mini gym.

Schedule

Monday
- First & Second Quarter Classes, 7:00 - 9:00pm

Tuesday
- Open Practice, 5:30 - 7:00pm

Wednesday
- no classes

Thursday
- Advanced Class, 7:00 - 9:00pm

Friday
- Self Defense Class, 7:00 - 8:20pm

Saturday
- First & Second Quarter Classes, 10:30 - 12:30pm
- Advanced practice with Sifu, 12:30 - 1:30pm

Sunday
- no classes

What is each individual class like?

First Quarter

This beginner's class is designed to give you an introduction to some of the fundamentals of Kung Fu. Students learn he basic rules and traditions of the school as well as the warm-up exercise routine. Topics covered include the basic punches, blocks, kicks, and some self defense application. Focus is placed upon improving the physical and mental conditioning of students in the course. By the end of the course students will be prepared to embark upon their career as a Kung Fu student.

Second Quarter

The second quarter class, introduces more advanced material. More work is done with basic punches, blocks, and kicks. Students learn how to combine basic techniques into more advanced combinations and how to incorporate stepping with kicks. Self Defense is also explored in greater depth. By the end of the class students will be able to make up their own self defense against an attack and will a strong basis for further studies.

Advanced Class

Advanced class is the culmination of the Kung Fu program at the academy. Students continue their studies and perfect techniques. New material is constantly introduced and many advanced techniques and knowledge is imparted. Further enhancements to the exercise routine yield additional improvements to students physical, mental, and spiritual conditioning. Advanced students are considered members of the school and are encouraged to assist in the instruction of the beginner and intermediate courses. After each quarter of completion students will find that they have improved and will work towards achieving their first rank... and beyond.

Self Defense Class

Self Defense Class focuses on the techniques and application of self defense. Students learn how to deal with a variety of situations in which they might need to defend themselves. In addition to physical techniques, the philosophy of self defense is covered in some detail. This course provides the greatest detail and breadth of information concerning self defense application, and is appropriate for beginning students and advanced students alike. All levels of students work together in order to maximize the benefit to all students. Beginners focus on learning new material, while returning students master the material they are already familiar with. Students completing this class will dramatically improve their ability to defense themselves, however this course is not a supplement for regular course sequence.

Weapons Class

Weapons class is only available to students who have completed at least 3 quarters of study at the academy. New students will have the option of selecting either the Bo Staff or Short Sticks for their weapon of choice. Students will learn a variety of techniques and drills to facilitate the mastery of their chosen weapon. This is a continuing course which students will take repeatedly to continually hone and practice their weapons skills.