Kids Kung Fu

Kids Kung Fu classes in Catonsville, Maryland, at Baltimore Martial Arts Academy, taught by the owner of the school, Sifu Gary Berger. This is traditional Chinese Kung Fu — forms, striking, takedowns and hands-on self-defence — taught to children with the discipline the art demands and the patience children need. Sifu Berger has taught Kung Fu to children and adults in Baltimore and Howard County since the early 1990s. Every new student starts with a free week trial.

Who teaches it

Sifu Gary Berger teaches the kids Kung Fu program himself. He earned his Kung Fu black sash from Richard Wheatley in 1991 and trained extensively with Sifu Wheatley’s own teacher, Grand Master Liang Chuang Huang. He was a national champion in Chinese Kuoshu full-contact fighting and a silver medallist in international competition, and he is also a third-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — which is why the Kung Fu taught here includes real takedowns and real self-defence, not just forms.

His kids program is based on a traditional Kung Fu style with elements of Judo and Boxing, and his way of teaching — structured, step by step, safe — is the reason it has lasted thirty years.

What your child actually learns

• Stances, strikes and kicks — the fundamentals of Kung Fu, taught properly and built on week after week.
• Forms. Set sequences of movements that build memory, balance, coordination and precision. Judges score them in competition; parents watch them at belt tests.
• Takedowns and hands-on self-defence — what to do when someone grabs or holds you. This is the part that makes Kung Fu practical.
• Discipline, self-control and respect. Sifu Berger is strict about this. The skills are for protecting yourself and others, never for showing off.
• Weapons — once they have earned it. Stick, sword and long staff are part of traditional Kung Fu. Children are introduced to them only after showing the dedication and control to be trusted with them, and that privilege is a powerful motivator.

Weapons training

Few children’s martial arts programs teach traditional weapons at all. Ours does, carefully. Students work with training weapons, always under direct supervision, and only after they have earned the right through hard training. For a lot of kids, the long staff is the thing they talk about all week.

Competition — for the kids who want it

Kung Fu is also a competitive sport. Kids can compete in point sparring and in forms, where judges grade the performance of a sequence much as they would in gymnastics. Competition is optional; plenty of our students never compete and get just as much from training.

How we teach kids

Classes are traditional in their manners — bowing, titles, respect for the room — and modern in their patience. Nobody is embarrassed to make a point. Technique is corrected directly and effort is praised constantly. Shy kids do well here; so do kids with a lot of energy, because Kung Fu gives that energy a shape.

Is my child ready?

Kids Kung Fu is for ages 7 and up. We take complete beginners in every class, and no prior experience, flexibility or athleticism is required. Younger children start in Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which begins at three. If you are not sure which of our kids programs suits your child — Jiu-Jitsu (grappling), Muay Thai (striking), Karate or Kung Fu — call and describe them, and we will put them in the right class rather than the nearest one.

What to bring to the first class

• Comfortable workout clothes — no uniform needed to try.
• A water bottle.
• Arrive about ten minutes early so Sifu Berger can meet your child first.
• Parents are welcome to stay and watch. Most do for the first few weeks.

Questions parents ask

What is the difference between Kung Fu and Karate?
Both are striking arts with forms and belts. Kung Fu is Chinese, with more circular, flowing movement and a wider range of techniques, including takedowns and traditional weapons; Karate is Japanese and more linear. We teach both — try the free week in either and see which your child takes to.

Is there sparring?
Point sparring — light, controlled contact with protective gear, for the students who want to compete. Beginners work on forms, pads and partner drills.

Will my child really get to use weapons?
Yes, once they have earned it through dedication and self-control, and always with training weapons under supervision.

What age can my child start?
Seven and up. Younger children start in Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which begins at three.

Does my child need any experience?
No. Every class has beginners in it.

Who is the instructor?
Sifu Gary Berger, the owner of the school — a Kung Fu black sash since 1991, a national full-contact Kuoshu champion, and a teacher of children for more than thirty years.

Other programs for kids

Kung Fu is one of several programs for children here. See also Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kids Muay Thai, Kids Judo and Kids Karate, or the full kids program list. Adults can train in adult Kung Fu. More questions? The FAQ covers most of them.