Gung Fu is a living tradition of Chinese martial arts that has been passed down from generation to generation for more than 1,400 years. It is the application of a science of body mechanics and energy dynamics. Its drills, movement, techniques and forms are the application of a deep understanding of how the body works, how power is generated, how energy is transformed – and of how fitness and longevity can be achieved. It is a way of life and a way of fighting, a method for total self-development, as well as a collection of effective combat techniques. It is Chinese. It is inextricably bound with elements of Chinese culture and philosophy, with ancient legends, modern heroes, and age-old traditions. It is both a sport and art. Learning Gung Fu means undertaking rigorous training to learn specific stances, hand techniques and footwork, while doing Gung Fu is essentially artistic expression. Beauty and grace are as important as speed and power. Gung Fu is also a community. It is a family of dedicated practitioners who share a love of the art and who have committed themselves to one another, to the teachers before them, and to the preservation of the art.

They are the same. Both are translated to the same thing; "hard work" or "effort” but the difference in the spelling is another result of western linguists confusing both eastern and western speakers. In Chinese the "G" sound was written in English as "K", while what the Chinese pronounced as "K" was transcribed as "K' “ (with an apostrophe). Thus if kung fu were supposed to be pronounced with a "k" sound, it would have been written as "k'ung fu." When Bruce Lee introduced American audiences to his martial arts, he both spoke and wrote the American "G", hence "gung fu."

- Respect for others
- Respect for self
- Compassion
- Courtesy
- Loyalty
- Trustworthiness
- Honor & respect for one’s parents and teachers
- Responsibility
- Humility
- Honesty
- Diligence
- Patience
- Enthusiasm
- Self-Control

No. No contracts are required. Upon enrolling for classes only your first month’s tuition plus a deposit of one month’s tuition is required. A happy student returns without a contract.

Yes, we do have a small scholarship program and applications are available.

We begin classes for students as young as 3 ½. Our program consists of: “Tiny Tigers” ages 3 ½-5 ½, “Little Tigers” ages 5 ½-7 ½, Junior Gung Fu 7 ½-13, and Adult Gung Fu for teens through adults.

Yes, we have both a Black Belt Program and a modified Junior Black Belt Program. Testing takes place monthly in the junior program and quarterly in the adult program. A small testing fee is charged.

Observe a class, talk to the other students & their parents, and try it out for a month without obligation!

Although the true roots of kickboxing date back to Asia 2,000 years ago, modern competitive kickboxing actually started in the 1970s, when American karate experts arranged competitions that allowed full-contact kicks and punches that had been banned in karate. Because of health and safety concerns, padding and protective clothing and safety rules were introduced into the sport over the years, which led to the various forms of competitive kickboxing practiced in the United States today.

At Black Tiger Academy, the kickboxing program combines elements of boxing, Gung Fu, strength training and aerobics to provide overall physical conditioning and toning. Light sparring (physical contact between competitors) is learned slowly, and is introduced in the Intermediate classes.

Kickboxing classes are usually comprised of 10 to 15 minutes of warm-ups, which includes stretching and traditional exercises such as jumping jacks, sit-ups and push-ups. This is followed by a 30-minute kickboxing session that includes movements such as kicks, punches and knee strikes. During this time equipment such as heavy bags, double-end bags, shields, focus gloves, body shields, blockers, kicking targets and/or jump ropes are used.

The final portion of the class includes a cool down period, lower body muscle conditioning and additional stretching. Stretching is important to help relax muscles and prevent injury.

Yes. A drop-in fee is $8. If, after your first class you decide to sign up for more, your $8 will be applied to your first month’s tuition, which means the first class is free!

No, pay by individual class, with a punch card or month-to-month.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows your arms and legs to move easily in all directions. Intermediate students should wear a uniform consisting of a Black Tiger t-shirt and martial arts pants. A belt should be worn with a uniform only.

Kickboxing is a high-intensity, high-impact form of exercise. When you do begin, allow yourself to be a beginner by working at your own pace and not overexerting yourself to the point of exhaustion. Start slowly and don't overdo it. The key to a good kickboxing workout is controlled movement. Overextending yourself by kicking too high or locking your arms and legs during movements can cause injuries. Start with low kicks as you slowly learn proper kickboxing technique.

Loaner gloves are available for new students; however students may wish to purchase their own. Black Tiger has several in-stock options priced from $7.99 – $24.99. Other gloves can also be special ordered.

It’s a great way to get a total body workout while learning simple self-defense moves. It will keep your body fit, while relieving stress, and improving balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance. In addition, you can burn anywhere from 350 to 450 calories an hour!