WU DANG KUNG FU ACADEMY The Art of Kung Fu

Wu Dang Kung Fu Academy

WRITTEN BY: SHAILEEN KELLY LANDSBERG

Kung Fu, the ancient and best-known of the Chinese martial arts, is, according to Encyclopedia Britannica, “exercise with a spiritual dimension, stemming from concentration and self-discipline…” Also called Wushu, its practice, using graceful forms, kicks, punches, and even weapons, can be used for self-defense and combat, and has a strong focus on strength, balance, coordination, and self-control.

Wu Dang Kung Fu Academy, located at 518 Boston Post Road, is a wonderful location for both children and adults to learn this martial art. The academy has been serving the Milford/Orange area for fourteen years and from the beginning, owners and Orange residents Master Jack Guo and his wife Lei Cheng have had a strong commitment to helping their students learn Kung Fu and continue their practice. Not only do they train in self-defense, but they have also led teams from the academy to local, national, and international competitions, and have won and placed in many. Trophies and medals are proudly displayed at the academy.

YOUTH AND ADULT CLASSES

Classes in both traditional and contemporary Kung Fu are held at Wu Dang Kung Fu Academy. Master Jack explained “adult classes are more traditional-style Shaolin Kung Fu,” with focus on self-defense, balance and strengthening, and most youth programs are “contemporary-style, which includes weapon forms.”

The couple greatly expanded their space at the academy in the spring. The bright, cheerful, welcoming environment now boasts two approximately 2,000 square-foot exercise rooms. One exercise room contains an adjacent sporting area with sparring bags, and the other has

Owner, Jack Guo

a barre-lined wall. There is a friendly reception area showcasing photos and trophies of important academy moments and achievements, and also a well-appointed classroom. Although the center has been closed during the COVID19 pandemic, they have recently reopened partially with new hours. Lei says, “We are anxious to get back to doing what we love and having classes on a regular basis.”

AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM

In addition, just before the pandemic hit, Master Jack and Lei offered a new program at Wu Dang Kung Fu Academy, a Monday through Friday afterschool program, with transportation from school to the academy available for students in Orange and Milford. This unique, fun, and engaging program is intended to run on school days from 3 pm to 6 pm, with late pickup available. But with schools moving to partially remote learning, this program is on hold currently. They are looking to bring it back as soon as the situation allows.

Master Jack Guo teaching the Brownsword technique. Pictured: Brittyn Hadad (front), Jack Guo and his daughters, Elsie Guo (back) and Elaine Guo (front).

The couple is very enthusiastic and feels when the time is right, children will greatly benefit from the program. Lei explained, “We have many activities lined up, including Kung Fu training, learning about Chinese culture, crafts, building with Legos, homework help, and we will also teach Mandarin Chinese. “The academy’s literature adds that children will “also develop discipline, respect, self-confidence, and leadership.” The monthly fee for 5 days per week attendance is $380.

CHILDREN’S CAMP OFFERED

With the hope of things getting back to normal soon, they will be offering summer and school vacation camps at Wu Dang Kung Fu Academy, with craft time, lessons in Mandarin Chinese, Kung Fu training, and more included. More information about these camps can be obtained online or by calling the Academy. In addition to Kung Fu training, camps, and the afterschool program, the academy also offers sparring, birthday parties with Kung Fu related themes, day trips for schools, and more. Master Jack’s passion for teaching Kung Fu shines through in a visit to the academy. Beginning his training at an early age, his skills and commitment to the art shone through, and according to the academy’s website, he became a “professional martial artist when he was 8 years old.” He now has over 25 years of teaching students of varied ages and levels and smiles when he discusses his students’ successes. “The teams have won about 14 gold medals, 8 silver medals, and about 41 bronze medals,” he boasts.

KUNG FU INTHE 2012 JUNIOR OLYMPICS

Master Jack also explains that Kung Fu has been becoming more recognized and will, for the first time, be an event in the 2022 Junior Olympics. This, according to the Chinese news site, xinhuanet.com, will “accelerate the internationalization of the sport.” In addition, there are opportunities to enter international competitions, which can earn credits for college. The benefits of Kung Fu, according to Master Jack, are that it is “wholebody work, with focus on balance and forms, and uses and improves both sides of the brain.” He shared that at the start of the practice there is an emphasis on muscle strengthening and balance, and then moves on to the different forms.

At Wu Dang Kung Fu Academy each student is taught in a style that reflects his or her age and physical abilities. Monthly fees are $135, with a one-time membership fee of $99 for new students, which covers an academy uniform. A discount is available for additional family members. Interested students are encouraged to reach out to the academy for more information.

Wu Dang Kung Fu Academy has partially reopened due to the pandemic—training hours are Thursdays, 3:45 pm to 9 pm and Saturdays 10 am to 2:30 pm. For updated information, call the Academy at 203-283-5657, or check their website at www.wudangkungfuacademy.com. 