Shan Tung Kung Fu Assoc

I have been training at Shan Tung Kung Fu for a little over a year.
First, a bit about the most important aspect of the school — the teacher. Master Ken Edwards is the owner and primary instructor and has been teaching Kung Fu in Pasadena for over 25 years. He teaches a great balance between traditional style and practical street smarts fighting. Ken is a very insightful teacher, kind and caring but willing to go hard on students that want to push it. He has a great sense of humor and really tries to liven up the class with his jokes. One thing about Ken that I think especially needs to be pointed out is that he is in incredible shape and he often does *ALL* the exercises with the class, which is incredibly motivating. In the past, I have trained under instructors that bore a resemblance to Santa Claus, and nothing is more angering than having somebody tell you to do push-​ups when they look like they can’t do them themselves. Especially when you consider that Ken has run his school for 25 years and has grandchildren — now, I have no idea how old he actually is, but I’ll let you take some guesses at the math.
Next, about the classes themselves. Probably my favorite thing about these Kung Fu classes is that you can train as hard as you want — it’s what you make of it. The usual class format is five minutes of stretching, twenty minutes of intense cardio workout, a short water break, and then half an hour of mixed Kung Fu instruction. This instruction time is sometimes group work on rehearsed forms, partner work on blocking, grabs, and other defense techniques, work with weapons (staffs, swords, spears, and more), or individual work on the curriculum. Attendance for the classes varies between 3 – 12 students in a class, average 7 students. Master Ken does a great job of making sure everybody is taken care of regardless of how many students are in attendance.
Because the classes are so small, there’s a good opportunity to meet your classmates and make friends in the community — of course, if you’re the kind that just wants to show up, train, and leave, nobody is going to have their feelings hurt. It is a very low pressure social environment.
With regards to the pricing — there are two levels, Standard which is two classes a week or Black Belt Leadership which gives you unlimited classes per week. I take advantage of the Black Belt pricing by attending six classes per week (Mon-​Thu) but even if you only do two classes a week the per-​class price is still very good. It costs more than a gym but much less than a personal trainer, and based on the amount of personal attention you get in the classes, is a very good value for your money. You also get a basic uniform and shoes when you sign up. (As Master Ken explains, we wear shoes when we practice because you don’t have time to take your shoes off if you get in a fight! And honestly, it makes it a lot cleaner than barefoot marital arts studios.)
The school offers Kung Fu, Cardio Kickboxing, and Tai Chi classes, which offers a nice balance between discipline, intensity and relaxation.
All in all, training at Shan Tung Kung Fu has been one of the best decisions I have made and my only regret is that I didn’t start sooner.
Hope to see you in class!

Paid for ONE class and uniform before deciding the studio wasn’t quite right for our four year old son. Now over a year and a half later, after having no further contact with this company whatsoever, I notice some crazy $ 1600 debt on my credit report and after some digging discover that this studio claims we signed up for six months of lessons at $ 256 dollars per month when we definitely did not. We are currently awaiting receipt of whatever «contract» the collection agency claims to have on file before taking further action.

This review is for Shan Tung Northern Eagle Claw Kung Fu (and Tai Chi). I have been a student now for one year, starting in Tai Chi only and then joining the kung fu classes, in preparation for boot camp. 1^st of all the classes are tough, balanced with rigorous training physically and mentally, with intermediate and advanced combinations, holds and throws, relevant to the Northern Eagle Claw tradition. I have constantly found my strengths and weakest links (lungs then heart). I could go on at length about the value of the skills imparted in Kung fu and especially the underrated Tai Chi, but I will simply say it has been some of the best training in my life.
Lastly, Sifu Kenneth Edwards cares deeply about his classes, students and the Northern Eagle Claw System/​Organization. His long experience in the military and with this work shows in everything he does, in his rules, in his teaching and his humor. You may find yourself surprised at the humor and compassion of this rigorous teacher but it is this exact balance that makes his teaching so effective. I can’t wait to resume my training at Shan Tung. With everything I’ve learned, all the friends I’ve made, I truly feel blessed.

I have been going to shan tung kung fu for 4 years. I started in the La Verne location, it’s closed now so I went to the Pasadena location. The instructions here are very friendly, understanding, and at the same time you will definetly get a work out when they train you.
Because of this school I am in the best shape I have ever been and I am able to do things, martial arts based, i never thought I could. I love it here, training here is great, instructors are very respectable and respectful to their students and other clients. 5 stars.