Philly Shaolin

Classes

When are your classes?
Classes are on Monday and Thursday evenings. They begin at 7:30pm and continue until 9pm.
Schedule updates and class cancellations may be viewed on the Classes page.

Where are your classes?
Classes are held at the Kendrick Recreation Center
5800 Ridge Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19128
Phone: (215) 685-2584

Our classroom is upstairs in the auditorium.

Can I try out a class?
Yes, you may come try a class. Your introductory class will not cost anything or obligate you to any further classes.
For information on how to schedule your free introductory class please see the Getting Started page.

When I try a class will I be watching or joining in?
This varies according to personal preference. We recommend that you join the class and try it out for yourself, as this is the best way to tell whether it is well suited to you or not. If you really just want to watch a class to see what we're about, that is okay. You may still want to dress as though you will be joining the class, however, just in case you feel ready to jump in after watching for a bit.

What should I wear when I try a class?
You should wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing that you do not mind sweating in. Well fitting and supportive sneakers are also a good idea.

Price

What are your rates?
Classes cost $50 a month.

How many classes can I attend for that rate?
Paying the tuition of $50 a month entitles a student to attend any and all of the available classes.
For a class schedule please view the Classes page.

Is there a per class rate?
We currently do not have a per class rate.

Is there a registration fee?
There is a one time registration fee of $10.

Belts and Ranks

What are the different belt ranks?
The first rank is White belt. After that it progresses to Yellow, Blue, and then Green. Next there are three degrees of Brown belt (progressing from 3rd to 1st). Finally, there are ten degrees of Black belt (progressing from 1st to 10th).

How often are belt tests?
The time between belt tests varies from student to student. From White to 3rd degree Brown belt, there is a minimum of three months between tests. From 3rd degree Brown to 1st degree Black belt, there is a minimum of six months between tests. In practice, students often take longer than the minimum time.

Starting at Black belt, tests become much less frequent. It takes a minimum of two years to get from 1st to 2nd degree Black belt, three years from 2nd to 3rd degree, four years from 3rd to 4th, and so on.

How long does it take to get to Black belt?
The minimum time is two and a half years. In practice it often takes longer.

What if I already have a Black belt from another system?
Unless you have studied the Shaolin Do internal system, you will start at White belt.

What if ...

What if I have no martial arts experience?
No previous experience is necessary for our classes. We start with the basics.

What if I have previous martial arts experience?
If you have previous martial arts experience, then you may have an easier time learning our material. Nonetheless, unless you have previous experience with the Shaolin Do internal system, you will begin at White belt.

What if I'm not physically fit?
That is perfectly fine. Fitness is a goal, not a prerequisite. Our classes start at a slow pace and build in intensity as you gain more experience.

What if I have a bad knee, ankle, back, etc?
We have experience teaching students with a variety of injuries. Even those not able to perform all of the movements can still benefit from our classes. The best way to tell whether our classes are suitable for you is to come and see for yourself.

Other

Is there a minimum age?
There is no minimum age, but it should be noted that young children will almost certainly not have the patience and focus to learn what we teach. Questions of age will be determined on an individual basis.

Who are the teachers and what are their credentials?
The senior teacher is Kevin Knight. He has been studying under Master Joe Schaefer since 2003. He acted as an instructor for Master Schafer for several years.

The junior teacher is Sarah Ramos. She began studying under Master Schaefer in 2004. She also acted as an instructor for Master Schaefer.

For more information please see the Teachers page. If you wish to contact Master Schaefer about the instructors' credentials he can be reached at: shaolin@austin.rr.com

Are you affiliated with any other schools or organizations?
We teach the Shaolin Do internal curriculum, and are members of the Shaolin Do Association. For information about the SDA, please visit their website: www.shaolin-do.com

Do you teach Tai Chi, Pa Kua, etc. as martial arts or just as health exercises?
Tai Chi, Pa Kua, Hsing I, and Liu Hsing are fundamentally martial arts, and we teach them as such. Nonetheless, practicing them as martial arts still has health benefits.