Program Overview
Zen City Foundation, a non-profit online school based in Houston, Texas, is excited to announce a partnership with Chuan Wu Kung Fu Institute. This collaboration will provide online martial arts classes for the community, offering a unique opportunity for participants worldwide to experience traditional martial arts training.
Chuan Wu Kung Fu Institute, based in San Jose, California, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public benefit organization dedicated to the preservation, teaching, and global sharing of traditional Shaolin kung fu. Rooted in the Mandarin term chuan wu (傳武 / truyền võ), meaning “the spreading of martial arts,” Chuan Wu carries forward a legacy of martial discipline that dates back to ancient China.
The institute is led by Master David, a 5-stripe black belt, whose vision is to promote self-discipline, physical fitness, and self-defense skills while building a global community of martial arts enthusiasts. His guidance brings both authenticity and a deep sense of purpose to every class and interaction.
As a non-profit, Chuan Wu is committed to making authentic martial arts education accessible and affordable, focusing not only on developing physical skill but also on nurturing character, discipline, integrity, and respect, which are core values at the heart of every kung fu practitioner's journey.
Chuan Wu’s curriculum offers a comprehensive system of traditional Shaolin kung fu, including internal and external training, qi gong, and other ancient practices that cultivate strength in the mind, body, and spirit.
Instruction is delivered in a noncompetitive, student-centered environment where individuals of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to learn at their own pace. Family participation is welcomed, and the institute maintains affordable tuition, ensuring that anyone with the willingness to learn has the opportunity to do so.
Chuan Wu believes that learning kung fu is more than physical training. It is a sacred trust, a discipline of life, and a path to personal transformation.
Kung Fu For Wellness - Free Community Class
Start Date
Every Saturday, at 6:00 PM Pacific Time / 8:00 PM Central Time
Every Sunday, at 8:00 AM Vietnam Time
Duration
1 hour, 1 day per week
Age Group
14 years and older
Format
Live online session via Zoom
Focus Area
Fundamental martial arts techniques
Breathing and movement control
Basic self-defense skills
Mental discipline and focus
🧭 What to Expect Each Week
60-Minute Online Class Structure
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Introduction & Orientation (5–7 min)
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Master David shares insights on martial arts philosophy, health habits, and mindful living.
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Warm-Up & Stretching (2–3 min)
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4–5 simple stretches to prepare the body and prevent injury.
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Fundamental Techniques (5 min)
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One foundational stance and one basic movement (e.g., punch or kick) with a focus on form, posture, and rhythm.
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Tai Chi Practice (30 min)
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Learn 2–3 flowing steps from a traditional Tai Chi form.
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Each session adds 1–2 new steps while reviewing previous movements.
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Emphasis on balance, breath control, and inner calm.
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Closing Reflections & Q&A (5–7 min)
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Master David offers final thoughts, reinforces key lessons, and invites questions.
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Tai Chi For Health
A calming, full-spectrum class to restore energy, build clarity, and cultivate harmony
3 Days a Week – Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Why Join?
Tai Chi for Health is a full-spectrum movement class designed to restore energy, enhance clarity, and cultivate harmony between body and mind. Under the guidance of Master David, students explore the essence of traditional martial arts through graceful sequences, grounded stances, and inner stillness.
Each class opens with a brief reflection, where Master David introduces principles rooted in martial discipline, such as mindfulness, calm awareness, and personal integrity. A dynamic warm-up sequence follows, loosening muscles, awakening breath, and activating the body in preparation for deeper practice.
Students then refine fundamental martial movements, building a foundation in posture, spatial awareness, and intentional force. The core of the class centers on Tai Chi progression, where each session introduces new patterns while revisiting earlier steps for retention and fluidity.
To ensure personal growth, students work in small focus groups, guided by junior instructors who offer tailored support, technical corrections, and encouragement. The experience concludes with a final insight and an open dialogue, giving space for reflection, feedback, and deeper inquiry.
This class is ideal for individuals seeking a mindful path to physical resilience, emotional regulation, and holistic wellness.
60-Minute Online Class Structure
1. Introduction & Orientation (5–7 minutes)
Each session opens with Master David sharing insights on martial arts philosophy, focusing on core values, mental discipline, and principles of practice. This orientation prepares students to engage with purpose and awareness.
4. Tai Chi Practice (30 minutes)
Students will practice 4–6 Tai Chi steps each session, with 2–3 new movements introduced and the rest reinforcing previous ones. The focus is on breath control, balance, smooth transitions, and posture—building strength and clarity through meditative, intentional movement.
2. Warm-Up & Stretching (3–5 minutes)
Students will perform 8 to 10 stretching exercises to loosen the body, enhance flexibility, and prevent injury before entering deeper movement practice.
5. Breakout Sessions with Junior Instructors (10 minutes)
Students will be divided into small groups of 3 to 5, each led by a junior instructor. These breakout sessions offer time for individualized guidance, corrections, and clarification of material covered in class. Students receive support to improve form, ask questions, and practice movements in a more focused setting.
3. Fundamental Techniques (5 minutes)
This segment covers two foundational stances and two basic external movements such as a punch and kick. Emphasis is placed on structure, coordination, and power generation.
6. Closing, Reflection & Q&A (3–5 minutes)
The session concludes with Master David offering final thoughts, highlighting key takeaways and encouraging ongoing reflection.
Students are invited to ask questions about any aspect of the class. Master David will offer insightful responses, reinforcing understanding and supporting continued growth.
Wellness Benefits
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🌿 Joint Freedom & Mobility
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🌬 Breath-Body Synchronization
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🧠 Mental Sharpness & Memory
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⚖️ Improved Posture & Balance
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💪 Muscle Endurance & Coordination
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💖 Emotional Regulation
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👥 Mentor-Led Small Group Coaching
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🌎 Lifelong, Accessible Practice
🥋 Online Martial Arts New Student Information
Chuan Wu Kung Fu Institute & Zen City Foundation
🔰 The Spirit of Online Martial Arts
Martial arts is not just about physical training — it is a time-honored path of discipline, respect, personal development, and inner strength. Even in an online environment, the values of kung fu remain unchanged.
This guide sets forth the expectations, etiquette, and foundational principles for all students training virtually through Chuan Wu Kung Fu Institute and Zen City Foundation.
🧭 Respect and Inclusion
Respect is the foundation of martial arts.
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All students — regardless of mental and physical ability, gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation — must be treated with equal dignity and respect.
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Proper behavior, discipline, and courtesy are essential for personal growth and a thriving community.
🧑🏫 Proper Address & Ranking Etiquette
In martial tradition, how you address your teacher and fellow students reflects humility and respect for the art.
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Your instructor should be addressed as Sifu (Cantonese for “teacher-father”). This signifies that you are accepted as a student. Using a first name alone is never appropriate.
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For public references, "Sifu + Last Name" or "Master + Name" may be used, but not when speaking directly to them.
Titles Based on Rank:
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1st Black Belt and above (Disciples) – Show extra respect for their time and commitment.
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2nd Black Belt & Assistant Instructor – Address as Lao Shi
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3rd Black Belt & Instructor – Address as Sifu
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5th Black Belt and above – Address as Master [First or Last Name] or Sifu, depending on their preference.
🔺 Instructor status (Sifu or Lao Shi) always outranks a student of the same sash/belt level.
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Black Belt students who have pre-tested are considered senior to those who haven’t, regardless of time at rank.
🎓 Classroom Conduct (Online)
Even remotely, conduct yourself with the same discipline as you would in person.
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Be on time. Enter the Zoom room early and have your camera, attire, and space ready.
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Camera On: Maintain visibility to ensure proper instruction and engagement.
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Dress in uniform or workout attire. Appear neat and prepared.
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Sit or stand with attention. Avoid lounging, lying down, or disengaged posture.
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Mute yourself when not speaking. Listen attentively to your Sifu and classmates.
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Avoid multitasking, eating, or unrelated activity during class.
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If late, wait quietly and bow (on camera) to acknowledge your Sifu before joining.
💬 Communication and Conduct
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Speak only at the appropriate time. Do not interrupt your Sifu or others during instruction.
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When asking questions, do so respectfully and clearly. Avoid correcting or instructing classmates.
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If you're sick, injured, or unable to participate fully, notify your instructor before class via chat or email.
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Do not leave the session without acknowledgment, unless it’s an emergency.
📚 Material, Teaching & Boundaries
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Kung fu means "mastery through time and effort." A technique is not mastered until practiced at least 1,000 times.
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If your Sifu re-teaches something you’ve seen, listen carefully — it may include new concepts or corrections tailored to you.
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Do not teach material to other students unless authorized by the Head Instructor.
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Certified instructors undergo years of training in the Assistant Instructor Program and must remain in good standing.
🧘 Training Space and Discipline
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Choose a safe, quiet space for training. Remove furniture or hazards that could lead to injury.
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If training with others in the same space, bow when crossing paths and move respectfully.
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Practice with patience and be mindful of your energy, focus, and posture.
🔄 Advancement & Humility
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Advancement is based on readiness, not time. You remain a student for life — regardless of your rank.
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Your Sifu will invite you to advance when your skill, attitude, and consistency demonstrate that you're ready.
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Never declare yourself ready to test. This is considered disrespectful.
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Ask for feedback and accept correction with humility.
🎓 Path to Instructor
You may qualify to join the Assistant Instructor Program if you:
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Are at least a 1st Brown Sash
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Love to teach and serve
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Can commit the time and responsibility
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Are in good standing with Chuan Wu Kung Fu
Speak with the Head Instructor to express your interest.
💰 Tuition & Accountability
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Tuition must be paid on time. This supports your Sifu, the school, and your fellow students.
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Failure to pay tuition, excessive absences, or disrespect of class rules may result in:
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Loss of new material privileges
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Delay in rank testing
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Probation or dismissal from the program
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🧪 Testing & Rank Advancement (Online)
Testing is a formal process that reflects not only your skill but your discipline and character.
Testing Requirements:
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Completion of written online test (18 questions per level)
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Test fee paid in full
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Attend test session in uniform with earned patches (if applicable)
Testing Day Protocol:
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Mute your microphone unless directly speaking.
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When called, bow (on camera) and demonstrate material clearly.
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Remain present until all students have finished.
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Leaving early without permission may be considered forfeiting the test.
Results & Feedback:
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Results: Pass, Conditional Pass, or Retake Required
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Accept feedback graciously. Ask clarifying questions and apply corrections.
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Advancement is based on technique, effort, respect, and progression — not just memory.
🎥 Recording Policy
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You may record yourself practicing material for personal review (with permission).
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Never record others, your Sifu, or testing events without explicit consent.
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Unauthorized recording may lead to removal from the program.
🍵 Respect Traditions & Small Gestures
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Offering tea, showing gratitude, or simply bowing are all signs of respect — not required, but deeply appreciated.
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Offer your Sifu the best seat or space when meeting in-person or on camera.
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Let your Sifu speak or demonstrate first, and always follow their lead
🙇♂️ Bowing in Online Martial Arts: Respect in the Virtual Dojo
Even in a virtual setting, bowing remains a meaningful expression of discipline, gratitude, and humility. It connects us to the centuries-old traditions of martial arts and honors our instructors, classmates, and the art itself.
The setting may be different, but the spirit remains the same.
🌀 When and How to Bow (Online)
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Before Joining the Class (Zoom or other platform):
As you log in to class, pause for a brief standing bow before entering your training space or turning on your camera. This honors the start of your training session.
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Facing the Screen/Training Area:
Bow when entering or exiting your training area, even at home. This simple act honors the tradition and centers your mind for practice.
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Before and After Practicing a Form:
Stand and bow before beginning and after completing any form or drill. This shows respect to the founder of the form and those who have preserved it before you.
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When Addressing a Sifu or Higher-Ranking Student:
Always bow (on camera) before speaking to your Sifu or a senior student. In a live class, a subtle standing bow before asking a question is a respectful gesture. If you're muted, use body language and eye contact to show attentiveness.
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When Your Sifu Enters the Online Class:
At the start of the session, bow when your Sifu arrives on screen. You may be asked to bow together as a class when the gong or signal is given.
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Beginning and Ending the Class:
All online classes begin and end with a group bow, just like in-person classes. Your instructor will lead, and students should bow together facing their cameras.
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Lining Up in Online Class:
Although there’s no physical lineup, you are still expected to know your place in rank order. Students with higher rank or pre-test status are shown respect in group discussions or demonstrations. When breakout rooms are assigned, senior students may be asked to lead or assist.
🧘♀️ Forms of Bowing (Online Adaptation)
You may use the standing bow (hands by your sides, torso slightly inclined forward) in your own training space, facing your camera or training direction. Other bows include:
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Martial Salute: Optional in place of a standing bow — hand over fist at chest level, a sign of peaceful strength and mutual respect.
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Seated or Meditative Bow: During reflection periods, you may press palms together or lower your head briefly while seated.
Virtual Etiquette: When unable to physically bow due to injury or camera limits, you may bow with a respectful head nod and posture of focus and intention.
📜 Fun Insight from Tradition
Historically, martial artists would bow before a duel. If both used the same salute or hand gesture, it revealed that they came from the same school or lineage — identifying each other as martial brothers and choosing not to fight. Even today, our bow is a gesture of unity, not ego.
💡 Last Note on Bowing Online
Bowing may seem symbolic, but it carries the energy of your commitment and attitude. Even from your living room or home dojo, a well-placed bow honors:
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Your instructor and their years of sacrifice
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Your peers walking the same path
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The tradition of the art you are privileged to study
Make it a mindful part of every session — before the first move and after the final breath.
❗Signs of Disrespect in Online Martial Arts Training
Adapted from contributions by Master David Theroff
Martial arts training is not only about technique but also about discipline, respect, and personal integrity. Even in a virtual environment, these values remain essential. The following are examples of disrespectful behavior that should be avoided at all times during your online training:
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Joining the online class without bowing into your training space.
This gesture remains important even in a virtual setting.
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No shoes are allowed in the training area where barefoot is required.
Prepare your training area according to traditional respect for cleanliness and readiness.
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Entering the Zoom room late or leaving early without notifying your Sifu in advance.
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Addressing a Master, Sifu, or Instructor without using their proper title.
Always use "Sifu," "Master," or "Lao Shi" as appropriate.
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Pointing fingers, gesturing disrespectfully, or using dismissive body language on camera.
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Not paying attention while instruction is being given, multitasking during class, or openly disagreeing with what is being taught.
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Speaking poorly about any student, instructor, or program member either during or outside of class.
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Practicing techniques recklessly at home or during class demonstrations that may cause injury to yourself or others.
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Challenging or pressuring higher-ranking students to spar, practice, or demonstrate.
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Intentionally increasing intensity during partnered practice (if applicable) without mutual agreement.
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Gossiping or spreading negativity about your Sifu, fellow students, or the martial arts system in public or private messages.
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Claiming that you’ve “perfected” your material and refusing constructive feedback or corrections.
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Expressing anger by slamming or throwing equipment, logging off abruptly, or using disrespectful gestures.
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Trying to teach material to others in breakout rooms or outside of class without the Head Instructor’s approval.
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Accessing, copying, or forwarding other students' video recordings or materials without permission.
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Damaging shared resources (e.g., Zoom settings, breakout room etiquette, recorded lessons) and failing to report or repair issues.
Respect is not based on location — it lives in your actions. Whether you train in a studio or your living room, your behavior should reflect the values of the art. Show reverence for your instructor, peers, and the training itself.
In martial arts, how you carry yourself matters as much as what you perform.
🌱 Final Words
Respect is not just about etiquette — it is a state of mind. It allows for humility in learning, trust in teaching, and growth in spirit.
Your Sifu is your guide. Advancement will come through consistent practice, discipline, and a learning mindset — not from comparison, entitlement, or rushing.
Train with heart. Practice with purpose. Grow with humility.
– Chuan Wu Kung Fu Institute & Zen City Foundation