Chinese Martial Arts Schools in New York City

When you hear the phrase "Chinese Martial Arts," Kung Fu is probably the style you think of immediately. It's the most widely known style of "wushu" (the Mandarin Chinese term for martial arts), having been made popular in the United States by movies featuring this style. But there are countless variations of this ancient art that have been brought to America. New York City is a central hub for practicing these styles, offering something for everyone. Many styles are taught in the Big Apple, branching out almost infinitely from the general term "Kung Fu."

  1. Wu Mei Kung Fu Association

    • Wu Mei Kung Fu (or Wu Mei Pai) is a style of Kung Fu that was established by the daughter of a general in the Ming Imperial court. The Wu Mei Kung Fu Association, led by seventh-generation Wu Mei master Sifu Ken Lo, upholds this art and passes its tradition on to students from its studio on Sullivan Street. According to its website, mastering Wu Mei "requires an understanding of the 'Five Excellences:' poetry, music, medicine, painting and martial art." Located between Broadway and the Avenue of the Americas, it can be found inside the Children's Aid Society. Classes are held Monday through Thursday. Prospective students are invited to attend a trial class by registering online before they commit to practicing the art.

      219 Sullivan St.
      New York City, NY 10012
      (917) 885-8598
      wumei.com

    New York City Shaolin Center

    • Specializing in Empty Hand, Animal Form, Weapons-Based and Internal Fighting martial art styles, the New York City Shaolin Center in Brooklyn covers a little of everything for both the curious and the experienced. A free trial class allows you to get a feel for the type of training that goes on, at which point you can choose from a number of membership options. The classes aren't cycle-based, meaning you can join at any time without having to "catch up" to what the rest of the class has already learned. A class for children ages eight to 14 is also available. Classes are held Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, but the days you attend would depend on your level of experience.

      214 W. 29th St.
      New York City, NY 10001
      (917) 628-6436
      newyorkshaolin.com

    Bo Law Kung Fu Federation

    • Offering classes for both adults and children, the Bo Law Kung Fu Federation is located just south of Canal Street in the heart of New York's Chinatown. There are three programs for adults, ranging from a Fundamentals course for beginners to a Black Sash course if you want to obtain a black belt in the practice. It also offers two programs for children based on age: one for children ages eight to 12 and another for children ages 13 to 16. Introductory classes are offered seven days a week, one of which you can attend for $10 if you sign up at its website. Group classes are offered for $99 per month.

      385 Broadway
      New York City, NY 10013
      (212) 925-3339
      bolawkungfu.com