What to expect
Beginning at Boulder Kung Fu Academy.
Before joining BKFA, prospective students begin by requesting an observation. Sifu Wang reviews the request, then schedules a time to speak and meet with the prospective student. The scheduled meeting may include observing part of a Kung Fu or Tai Chi class. This gives us a chance to decide together whether the school is a good fit.
BKFA is a traditional Kung Fu and Tai Chi school. This means the training is based on the foundation and passing on of knowledge from many generations past. We might occasionally talk about things like history and philosophy, but in class we are more focused on the practice and being present.
In class, you will slowly build skills, starting with a strong foundation in the basics. Your first class is usually less than an hour so that you can be shown a few stretches and techniques to practice before your next class. At each succeeding class, we build upon skills you have practiced from the previous class.
The Kung Fu program has a sash system that marks various milestones a student reaches. Our levels are unique to our lineage, so the sashes do not transfer to other schools or styles—and vice versa.
How can I sign up?
Complete an observation request for Kung Fu or Tai Chi. Sifu Wang will review your answers and contact you to schedule a time to speak and meet. The scheduled meeting may include observing part of a class. The conversation and observation help us decide together whether BKFA is a good fit.
New students normally begin at the start of a calendar quarter: January, April, July or October. A student may occasionally be invited to begin sooner.
Kung Fu students commit to attending at least two classes each week, with three weekly classes available. Tai Chi students attend both weekly classes. Students are expected to practice on their own between classes.
Do you offer trial classes?
No. Prospective students observe part of a class instead. This allows you to experience the teaching and the character of the school before deciding whether to begin, while allowing enrolled students to continue their training without distraction.
Do you teach children?
The Academy does not currently offer classes for students under 18 years old.
What should I wear to my first class?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely, along with thin-soled shoes. After passing the first test, Kung Fu students are required to wear the Academy training uniform: a school T-shirt, black Kung Fu pants and Kung Fu shoes.
How quickly will I progress?
Kung Fu students take their first test at the end of their first quarter. The test reflects what they have developed through regular attendance and home practice. Passing the Green Sash test marks formal acceptance into the Practitioner Program.
Training during the first quarter gives students a strong foundation in the Kung Fu basics, including stances, kicks and the Twelve Characters—techniques that embody principles of our style. These carry through all the years of training that follow. After Green Sash, students begin learning forms and fighting applications. Later training includes additional forms, more advanced applications, conditioning, weapons, sparring and two-person forms.
There are two Kung Fu programs at BKFA: the Practitioner Program and the Teacher Program. The Practitioner Program takes about three years. The Teacher Program takes an average of about ten years and is offered by invitation only.
When can I expect to see results from the training?
Students often begin to notice changes in their energy, strength, coordination, awareness and focus as their practice becomes more consistent. The training is in some ways self-paced, but we will always push you to the edge of your ability in order to keep challenging you and hold you accountable for your practice.
Your progress will depend on how often you practice. How we show up for practice is a direct reflection of how we are able to show up for life. Through training, we become more aware of our inner obstacles and find ways to release them.
What is the school etiquette?
What we are most concerned about at BKFA is that our community is respectful of each other. Our community is built around training, and we ask that socializing be done outside of class time.
The school can be considered a sanctuary. We ask that students treat the space and each other as such. There are school events where we build the social side of our Kung Fu family. Students should be aware and present in class so that everyone can gain the most from training.
The proper way to address your Kung Fu, Tai Chi or Qigong teacher is “Sifu.”
When do I get to spar?
Sparring begins after a student has developed a very strong foundation. Eligibility is based on each individual student’s progression, which depends greatly on how frequently they train and practice. Students work through fighting applications, two-person forms and conditioning first so that they can spar safely and effectively with skill that embodies our style.
Do we compete in tournaments?
We occasionally participate in tournaments, but this is not the focus of the school. Rather than being concerned primarily with external competition, our practice is more focused on mind-body integration.
What makes a successful student?
One who is empty.
We have students who have trained for a long time in other styles or other forms of athletic activity. A student should let go of expectations about how things should be—for example, “I am good at running or cycling, so I should be good at Kung Fu.”
Kung fu means skill developed through effort. View it as a fun challenge. It will not be easy, regardless of your background. This is a unique and comprehensive form of training, and students get the most from it when they approach it as a new journey.
How will Kung Fu benefit me?
With regular training, students often notice greater strength, flexibility, range of motion, endurance, energy, mental awareness and focus. Many also find that consistent practice supports stress management, sleep quality and peace of mind. Individual experiences vary from student to student.
Is private instruction available?
Private instruction is available selectively in Kung Fu, Tai Chi and Qigong. Sessions begin at $250. Prospective private students begin by completing the private-instruction inquiry form.
Still have a question?
Contact the Academy.
If your question is not answered here, email the Academy. Prospective students interested in group training should begin with an observation request.