Testimonials

We became involved with the Shaolin Kung Fu Academy by chance. My daughters attend a nearby ballet studio, and one day while driving by my 7 year old son and I noticed the sign announcing the studio’s opening. Christian who has a passion for China was happy to know that it was Kung Fu, a Chinese Martial Art. I was happy because as a working mother of three children I would be able to save time having to only drive one place to get all three kids to their after school activities.
We decided to give it a try. He took a trial class and immediately loved it. The staff and other members are very welcoming. Christian has been taking classes since April. As well as his regular classes he attended the summer camp program, which he also loved. Miss Yvette, Mr. Max and Sihing Danny worked very hard with the kids and they were able to teach them several forms in an 8-week period, which I
am told usually take 6-9 months to learn.

Shaolin Kung Fu Academy has been a wonderful place for our 9-year-old daughter to learn and grow. As a black belt, this is not her first school but it is definitely her last one as we have found that they have exceeded every expectation, from their outstanding summer program to their regular classes. The dedication of Sifu John Vanegas and his staff is evident on all levels. In addition, our daughter’s maturity and focus in elementary school has also improved dramatically since she has become a student at Shaolin Kung Fu Academy. We couldn’t be happier!

Dave, Penny and Julie Drapkin

Testimonials
See what some of our students have to say about us

My husband grew up taking martial arts. He knows about grappling, jiu-jitsu, kickboxing, and kung-fu. We have two children ages 7 and 9. My husband has always wanted to put them in some type of martial art school. So, a friend of ours, introduced us to the Shaolin Kung-Fu Academy. It has been the best decision my husband and I have ever made for our children. In just a few months, they have learned adult forms, such as "Tut chin kune" And they are only in the basic class!!! They have already performed at their first kung-fu demo.

boxing/MMA class a week. I saw results right away too. I had a lot of energy and felt very good about myself. I got hooked on training and started attending more classes. My training now includes 3 personal training sessions, 3 kung fu classes and 2 Boxing/MMA classes per week. It is not easy but I can honestly say I enjoy it a lot. Sifu pushes me past my limits. His classes are vigorous; I am always drenched in sweat at the end of each class. My body does not get use to it even though I train 5 days a week. I am sore most of the time but the results are worth it. I love watching my muscles grow and get stronger.
Both my son and I have made lasting friendships with other students from the academy. The staff is also very caring. It is truly our second home.

Maritza Capera

They are very excited to move on to the more advance classes and to learn sparring techniques for future competitions. This school has made both of my children and I have great confidence in ourselves. Shortly after I enrolled my two children in the academy, I decided that I would like to learn some of their self defense techniques. So, I not only enrolled in the adult Kung-fu classes, but the adult MMA classes as well. Sifu John has pushed me to limits that I never knew that I could achieve. Ms. Yvette, Mr. Philip, and Mr. Max are wonderful and caring instructors. My children are very excited to see what our future in Kung-Fu holds for us!!!

Mrs. Gina Sanchez
Charles - 9 years, Alexandria - 7 years

After 3 months of training I could see the transformation in Christian. He gained more confidence, self -respect, and self- discipline not to mention a stronger more flexible body. He is also developing the ability to set both short term and long-term goals.
As I watched Chris take the classes I became interested in trying this myself. Initially I was apprehensive and somewhat intimidated by the much more experienced members. Miss Yvette encouraged me to give it a try. After the first class I discovered a definite need to improve my cardio vascular endurance. I also became painfully aware of every muscle in my body. The students help each other and motivate each other to work hard. I also realized that hitting things is a great external release of build up stress and anxiety. After 8 weeks I have noticed a marked increase in my strength and stamina, though I still have a long way to go. The studio is spacious and well equipped. Participants of all skill levels benefit. The classes are challenging; they are different each time. You get out of it, what you put into it. One of the things I appreciate most is the calm, positive encouragement and confidence in their students that Sifu John Vanegas and the other instructors convey.

Ramona Sheerer

Because of my immeasurable love for kung-fu, I knew I’d have to be apart of a school and train under an instructor that was well skilled on all levels in the art. I’ve been training under Sifu for more then 15 years and without a doubt, I’ve found a leader, mentor, role model, and a friend. I’ve been fortunate enough to train under an instructor that not only encourages me to be the best I can be, but one who also works extra hard to be the best that he can be. An instructor that understands that teaching, learning, and growing is a continuous process, a process that he is very actively a part of.

My busy schedule unfortunately doesn’t allow me an opportunity to train on a consistent basis, but every chance I get I want to be at kung-fu. I really enjoy coming to a place that has so much energy and working out next to students that have achieved much success in their years of training. I receive my motivation and drive from watching them work extremely hard class after class. I love my play ground, because I’m surrounded by great people and an instructor that puts no limitations on my ability. I love kung-fu, and I’m glad I found a place to train and a place that’s dedicated to my achievements.

Cynthia Kennedy

My son David started kung fu on September 2004. He had just celebrated his 6th birthday. I noticed a change in him right away. His self confidence improved 100%. After 3 years of training he has now earned his brown sash. He and I are both very happy with his accomplishments. I am very thankful for the patience and support that he has received from his instructors throughout the years.
I decided to try out some classes myself in January 07. I started with just one personal training session and one

I have been out of the martial arts world for about 13 years. After taking an introductory class, I got motivated to begin training again. I do have to admit
that I get a work out and a half. I do weight training and get lazy to do my cardio. However, since I've been training at the Shaolin Academy, I have increased my cardio and conditioning and feel stronger with much more
flexibility.Overall, I feel great and enjoy the work out. What I enjoy mostly about the Shaolin Academy is that one can train in a variety of styles such as Muay Thai, San Shou (Chinese Kickboxing), Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Kung Fu. It is definitely a mixed martial art school. In the three months that I have been training at the Shaolin Academy, I have competed in Brazilian Gi and No Gi competitions. I also plan on competing in more tournaments in the future and developing much skill and technique.

Sifu Vanegas is a great master instructor and he will take you to the limit. Moreover, Sensei Suarez is an outstanding BJJ instructor that teaches you the principles and foundation of Jiu Jitsu. Here at the Shaolin Academy one will train hard and learn true chinese conditioning and
principles. The academy as whole encompasses great team players and
well-rounded instructors. If you just want to get leaner and be conditioned or
even train to compete, this is the place to be...The Shaolin Academy / MMA
school.

Ray Rakhar