« Kung Fu Kids Program
Advanced Program »

Basic Kung Fu

Basic Program main pic

The Basic Program is for students 8 years old up.


     This program will introduce the student to basic punches, kicks, forms and self defense techniques while at the same time giving them a great workout that will increase strength, flexibility and an overall sense of self respect that comes from doing something difficult and succeeding at it.

     The Basic Program makes it possible for fathers and/or mothers to train at the same time as their children in the same class.  Everyone that first enrolls in this program, whether young or old, is a beginner and needs to work on the same material.  The only time that we separate adults and children in this class is during the self defense portion for obvious reasons. Travel time for families that have multiple members enrolled is reduced because of this type of class format.  In today’s fast paced society it’s a wonderfully rewarding experience for everyone to be doing something healthy together.

     The FLMAC offers a complete curriculum of martial arts.  Kung Fu, specifically Hung Ga (tiger and Crane), is a Chinese style of martial art and is the main course of study for both children and adults.  While the FLMAC does teach self-defense techniques taken from the curriculum’s long forms, there is no free sparring or fighting in the Basic Kung Fu Program. If the student is interested in learning a more combative system, they may apply to the A.P.E Program.  However, only students that show a certain level of maturity will be considered for early entry in this specialized program.

     Incoming students can expect to learn forms that will prepare them for the next level of training where they will actually start learning the animal forms. The Basic Program usually takes one year to complete before the student can be evaluated for entrance into the Black Belt Program.

     Classes shift focus every two weeks so that it never becomes boring.  Some classes are heavily based in cardio work while other weeks it may stress flexibility training.  This way, the students can maintain a balanced approach to their training while at the same time keeping it fresh.

     Because no two students are alike, the teaching of martial arts must be geared to the individual.  Students are evaluated to determine their own strengths and weaknesses and are given the opportunity to develop at their own pace. Each student can expect to receive personal instruction from Sifu Jerry Martin with the assistance of qualified instructors.  Classes are designed to allow each student to train at the level of their own ability, while remaining challenging to all.  At The Finger Lakes Martial Arts Center, men, women and children train to develop mind, body and spirit to their greatest potential.