Can You Learn Kung Fu Online?
Now you can enjoy training in the privacy of your own home while learning at your own pace...
Training
Learning Kung Fu may be one of the most rewarding challenges you'll ever experience.
Temple Kung Fu takes a holistic approach to training that emphasizes training the mind, the body, and the spirit. This means that we place as much emphasis on the physical aspects of the art as we do on the meditative and spiritual aspects of the tradition.
Students often ask: "is it really possible to learn Kung Fu through online instruction?" Although in-person instruction is always preferable, you'll be surprised at how easy it is to learn online. At Temple Kung Fu, we don't simply offer pre-recorded videos - we offer live online instruction where we can give feedback and answer questions as they arise.
In ancient times, it was customary for a new student to spend years observing the teacher's lessons without direct instruction. Why? Because it taught students focus, concentration, visualization, and attention to detail - skills that are absolutely necessary for mastery of Kung Fu.
Now, you won't be expected to simply observe the classes because we feel that a high degree of interaction is motivating and beneficial to your training. But there is much to be said about the value of developing one's above-mentioned faculties to their highest degree to excel in the art.
When it comes to sparring or practicing two-person drills, we also encourage students to connect with other members of the TKF family in their area. As we continue to grow, and more students join, we will begin offering in-person instruction in multiple cities throughout the United States and Canada. This means that soon, you may have the opportunity to attend in-person classes.
Testing and Ranking
Formal testing in the Temple Kung Fu style is not required for advancement, but many chose to do so as a gauge of their understanding and a demonstration of their accomplishment.
The advent of a colored belt or sash system of grading is a modern adaptation. In ancient times, students were awarded titles such as younger brother/sister, older brother/sister, teacher, master, and grandmaster, depending on how long they had been training and the depth of their knowledge.
Often, martial arts training was limited to immediate family members or the temple priests and abbots (in the case of Shaolin and Taoist monasteries). Because of the small number of disciples at any given time, this ranking system was preferred.
Now that kung fu is an art that anyone can learn and there are thousands of students worldwide; a structured ranking system allows the immediate identification of one's seniority in the art. It also allows students to enjoy a structured progression that builds upon the knowledge they have acquired through their training.
Whether you pursue an officially recognized rank in the Temple Kung Fu tradition or simply wish to enjoy the journey, you'll likely appreciate the structure our colored sash system offers.
