12/19/07

Calming plus energizing and creative

by honoriastarbuck

I've been attending Santanu's tai chi class for 2 years. I enjoy every class. I learn new movements and refine the forms I've already learned to gently gain grace and confidence in tai chi. I've been happy to realize that my tai chi training contributes to my creative practice as a fine artist in drawing and painting. My recent work has been influenced by zen painting and having tai chi in my life supports flowing and expressive brushwork.

I recommend Austin Kung-Fu Academy to older folks like me. Physically I have noticed my balance is better and I've gained strength. Tai chi is great mental training for memory too.

Santanu is a great teacher, patient and exacting who adds cultural information to the course that helps me to contextualize the movements. Santanu also created a comic book with a different slant on the tai chi positions. Santanu and Nisha created an access TV show that is quite entertaining, but the movie nights that Austin Kung-Fu Academy sponsors once a month are really silly and inspiring at the same time. Santanu has a collection of the wackiest kung-fu flicks and we watch them on an open air patio. Adding comedy to the already creative mix from class is a wonderful way to lighten the experience with laughter.

• Pros: Fabulous training for brain and body
• Cons: None

12/11/07

Martial Arts for all

by kawaiichibikat

I've been taken Santanu's Adult Kung-Fu class for 4 months now. I was looking around for dance classes at the time since I use to dance in high school, but I found AKFA through Austin Chronicle and decided to call. Santanu invited me to a one-on-one session where I learned some basics and then he invited me to a class. The class was really fun. It was exactly what I wanted, I was not only learning self-defensive moves, but I also was learning forms and formations in order to earn my belts. Not only is the class fun and useful, but the people are really friendly. I would recommend this for any one who is interested in starting out in martial arts or if they are looking for a new place to continue their practice.

12/11/07

Best Adult and Children's Kung Fu Classes

by sshearman

I started taking classes after minor surgery over a year ago. I found the classes not only helped me get back into condition, but were fun at the same time.

The instructor is always positive and encourages me, or anyone else in his class to progress as quickly as they're capable. He identified my strengths and works with me on my weaknesses. Although I would still consider myself to be pretty much a beginner compared to others in my class, I have learned more than I thought I could in the limited time I have available as a parent.

I have seen him use the same positive motivation when instructing children. It's great to see kid's learning and laughing at the same time. Children progress at their own rate. I have not come across a better children's instructor. The reason I know this is my son has been taking classes for almost a year and has a great time. I would encourage any parent, including those who have children with minor disabilities, to take a look at the children's classes.

The locations and class times are convenient .