Shen Kung Fu Academy

Shen students practicing kung fu basics 

Shen Kung Fu Academy offers training in traditional Shaolin Kung Fu, Tai Chi Chuan, Chi Kung (Qigong), and Self-Defense. We offer a variety of program to fit the needs of anyone wanting to experience and learn the art of kung fu, including  month to month courses (no contracts), workshops, seminars, private and small group sessions.

Kung Fu training is appropriate for all ages. Shen offers lessons to tiny tots (3 - 5 years old), kids, youth, adults and seniors. We also offer women's only classes in kung fu and self-defense.

Kids class student Eiden with his mom Jeanny. See our student and parent Testimonials.

Shen Kung Fu Academy is the only school teaching the Ng Ga Kuen, 5 Family / 5 animal style of kung fu in San Diego county, California. The 5 family style was brought to the United States by the famous Grand Master Ark Yuey Wong who was the first to break the race barrier by admitting non-chinese students into his classes. The style was known as the "Shaolin Five Animal Style" and influenced the likes of Bruce Lee, Ed Parker, Tiny Leffity, Tino Tiousuloga, Dan Inosanto and many other well known martial artists. 

In conjunction with the 5 family/5 animal style, we teach the famous style of Choy Lay Fut (also spelled Choy Li Fut, Choy Lee Fut, Cai Li Fo, Choi Lee Fat), a kung fu system known for its power, explosiveness, mobility, effectiveness and health benefits. Our particular lineage comes from the Wing Foon Monestary through Grand Master John Lem. See the Shen Kung Fu Brochure

A Posture From the 18 Luohan Qigong Form

At Shen you will also find instruction in  Tai Chi Chuan, and a variety of Chi Kung (Qigong) styles and forms including Luohan Qigong (Sup Bat Luohan Sau), 8 Pieces of Brocade, 6 Healing Sounds and Ng Ga Hai Gung and more. Students of all ages learn the various forms and their specific benefits for general health, vitality, longevity as well as those forms and movements used for balancing the energy of others to assist with the improvement of various health conditions.

Classes and practice sessions are conducted in a calm and peaceful setting yet are friendly and non-intimidating for those new to these practices. See our Chi Kung (Qigong) Brochure for more information on the many benefits of training. For those seeking in depth training we offer a complete curriculum leading to Qigong instructor certification. 

The Chinese Lion Dance is an integral part of Traditional Kung Fu. It is said that without Lion Dance Training, there is no Kung Fu, such that Kung Fu training without Lion Dance training is considered incomplete. Grand Master Ark Wong included Lion Dance as one areas of knowledge and expertise needed to achieve mastery of Kung Fu. 

In order to properly preserve and promote this ancient cultural art, we created the Shen Lion & Dragon Dance Troupe, a separate not for profit entity focused on research, education and exposure of Lion Dance performances in our community and beyond. Shen Lion & Dragon Dance troupe is sustained by donations and sponsors with Shen Martial Arts as the platform sponsor providing space for operations and providing free instruction to participants. For more information, please visit the Shen Lion & Dragon Dance Troupe website or see the informational brochure.

Sifu Mario Figueroa started his martial arts training in 1975. For the next 30 years he studied with various grandmasters, training in kung fu, chi kung, and Chinese Dit Da Ke herbal healing. Sifu Mario Figueroa has been teaching in San Diego North County since 1995. He has been featured in Inside Kung Fu magazine, teaches and consults internationally, is head instructor at Miracosta College’s Kung Fu Club, teaches Tai Chi Chuan and Chi Kung at world reknowned Cal-A-Vie health spa & resort (http://www.cal-a-vie.com/ ) and is president of the Shen Ng Ga Kuen International Association.