Bok Fu Do, which translates to "System of the White Tiger," is a comprehensive and modern system of Chinese kung fu created by Senior Grandmaster Richard Lee in 1967. It is not a single, ancient style but rather a dynamic martial art that blends the most practical and effective techniques from several traditional Chinese disciplines. The system is built on a balanced foundation of striking (kicks, punches, and open-hand techniques), grappling (joint locks, throws, and controls), and mindfulness training. This integrated approach ensures that students develop into well-rounded martial artists capable of handling a wide variety of self-defense situations while also cultivating mental focus and inner calm.
Senior Grandmaster Richard Lee is the founder of Bok Fu Do and the East-West Kung Fu schools. With a martial arts journey spanning over seven decades, he is one of the most respected masters in the United States. His vision was to create a martial art system that was not only effective for modern self-defense but also served as a vehicle for personal growth. He established the International Bok Fu Do Association (IBFDA) as the official governing body to ensure the quality and integrity of the art are maintained for generations to come. His leadership and dedication are the reason our schools have become a benchmark for excellence in martial arts instruction.
An IBFDA certification is a mark of true expertise and dedication. It signifies that an instructor has met the highest standards set by the official governing body of our art. This is not a weekend course or a simple test. To become certified, an instructor must have spent years training in the Bok Fu Do system, achieving a high rank through rigorous physical and mental testing. The certification process itself involves demonstrating not only a mastery of the techniques but also a profound ability to teach them safely and effectively to students of all ages. Furthermore, all of our instructors who work with children undergo thorough background checks, a critical measure that ensures a safe environment for our youngest students.
Our core philosophy is that martial arts training should be a tool for building a better life. We focus on the holistic development of each student—mind, body, and spirit.1 While the physical skills of self-defense are vital, we believe the lessons of discipline, respect, perseverance, and confidence are what create lasting, positive change. Our instructors are mentors who are dedicated to helping students unlock their full potential, both on and off the training floor. We aim to create "champions in life, not just in skill," empowering our students with the resilience and self-assurance to succeed in any endeavor they pursue.8
| Program | Primary Age Group |
Key Focus & Benefits | Experience Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Youth Kung Fu | Ages 4-12 | Focus, Discipline, Confidence, Fun, Safety | None |
| Teen Kung Fu |
Ages 13-18 | Self-Defense, Fitness, Leadership, Confidence | None |
| Adult Kung Fu |
Ages 18+ | Fitness, Stress Relief, Practical Self-Defense | None |
| Tai Chi | Adults & Seniors |
Balance, Flexibility, Stress Reduction, Joint Health | None |
Your free introductory lesson is a private or semi-private 30-minute session designed to give you a genuine feel for our school and our program. The process is simple and relaxed. When you arrive, you will be greeted by one of our certified instructors who will give you a tour of the facility. Then, they will guide you through a few basic, foundational movements from the Bok Fu Do system. This gives you a chance to experience our teaching style firsthand. The session concludes with an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about our programs, schedule, and tuition. There is absolutely no pressure or obligation to enroll; our goal is for you to leave feeling informed and confident.
For your introductory lesson, we recommend wearing comfortable, loose-fitting workout clothes, such as a t-shirt and sweatpants or athletic shorts. Since our training is done barefoot on a matted floor for safety and tradition, you will not need any special shoes. If you decide to enroll, a traditional uniform (Gi) will be included as part of your membership.
No, you absolutely do not need to be in good shape to begin your martial arts journey. This is one of the most common concerns for new adult students, and the answer is always the same: fitness is a result of the training, not a prerequisite. Our programs are designed to meet you exactly where you are. Your instructor will guide you to build strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance at a pace that is right for you. Many of our most accomplished Black Belts began their training feeling out of shape and unsure of their physical abilities, only to discover a new level of health and vitality through their practice.
While every class is unique, they generally follow a consistent structure to maximize learning and development. A typical one-hour class includes:
If you enjoy your introductory lesson and decide you want to join our community, the enrollment process is straightforward. Your instructor will sit down with you to review the different membership options and class schedules. They will help you select the program that best fits your goals, schedule, and budget. Because we are transparent with our tuition rates, you will have all the information you need to make the best choice for you or your family.
Martial arts training is widely recognized as one of the most beneficial activities for children who struggle with focus and impulsivity, including those with ADHD. The effectiveness comes from the way our classes are structured. The training requires a unique mind-body connection that helps children improve their executive functions. Specifically, the practice works by:
No, quite the opposite. This is a common concern among parents, but the evidence consistently shows that quality martial arts training decreases aggressive behavior. Our entire philosophy is built on a foundation of respect, self-control, and discipline. Students learn that their skills are to be used only for self-defense as a last resort. The confidence a child gains from training makes them less likely to feel the need to prove themselves physically. They become more self-assured, which reduces their chances of both being a target of bullying and of bullying others.
Our approach to bullying is two-fold: empowerment and practical skills. First and foremost, we build a child's confidence and self-esteem. Bullies tend to target those they perceive as weak or insecure; a confident child who carries themselves with assurance is a much less likely target. Second, we teach children practical skills for de-escalation and self-defense. They learn to use a strong voice, set boundaries, and, if physically threatened, how to safely and effectively defend themselves to escape the situation. This comprehensive approach gives them the tools to handle conflict peacefully but effectively.
"Mat chats" are a unique and vital part of our youth program. At the end of some classes, the instructor will gather the students for a brief, age-appropriate discussion about one of the core values of martial arts, such as respect, integrity, perseverance, or goal-setting. The instructor connects the challenges they faced in class—like struggling with a new form—to challenges they might face in life. This practice helps children internalize these important life lessons, giving them a framework for character development that extends far beyond the walls of our school.
Yes, it is an incredibly effective full-body workout. Unlike a repetitive gym routine, every class is a dynamic session that improves cardiovascular health, builds functional strength, increases flexibility, and enhances coordination. You are learning a valuable skill while getting in the best shape of your life. The training is challenging and engaging, which keeps you motivated. Students often find that because they are so focused on learning the art, they don't even realize how hard they are working until the class is over.
Bok Fu Do is an extremely practical and effective system for modern self-defense. It was designed from the ground up to be applicable in real-world situations. The curriculum covers a wide range of scenarios, teaching students how to defend against common attacks from both a standing position and on the ground. The focus on blending with an opponent's energy and using leverage over brute force makes it an effective art for people of any size or strength level.
Yes. While practical self-defense is a core component of all our co-ed classes, we also offer dedicated self-defense seminars specifically for women. These workshops are held in a supportive, women-only environment and focus on techniques that are particularly effective against common threats women may face. We address situational awareness, boundary setting, and simple, high-impact physical techniques designed to work under pressure.
The health benefits of Tai Chi are widely documented and are a primary reason many adults and seniors join our program. It is a gentle yet profound practice that enhances health in many ways. The main benefits include:
Tai Chi is designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of age or fitness level. The movements are learned progressively, and our instructors are skilled at modifying them to accommodate any physical limitations. The atmosphere in our Tai Chi classes is non competitive, calm, and welcoming. The focus is on personal progress and enjoying the journey of learning this beautiful and healthful art.
This is an excellent question, as the two are closely related. Qigong is a broad term for many different Chinese practices involving coordinated movement, breathing, and meditation to cultivate "Qi" or life energy. Tai Chi (short for Tai Chi Chuan) is actually a specific, highly developed form of Qigong. The main difference is that Tai Chi is also a sophisticated martial art with a set sequence of movements (a "form") that has practical self-defense applications. You can think of Qigong as a general category of health exercises, while Tai Chi is a specific system within that category that also contains the depth of a martial art.
No, we do not require long-term contracts to begin training. We offer flexible month-to month memberships because we are confident in the quality of our program and the value we provide. While we do offer discounts for members who choose to commit to longer terms (e.g., 6 or 12 months), our goal is to earn your loyalty every month. This approach stands in contrast to the high-pressure, long-term contracts that are a known red flag in the martial arts industry.
We offer a flexible schedule with morning, evening, and weekend classes Monday through Saturday to accommodate busy lives. Because our schedule is updated periodically to best serve our students, we encourage you to visit the dedicated "Schedule" page on our website for the most current class times for each of our three locations. We have specific, age-appropriate classes for our Youth, Teen, and Adult programs, as well as dedicated times for Tai Chi.
We are committed to transparency in our pricing. The only initial fee includes your first is a minimal cost for uniform. The only other costs associated with training are for belt promotion, not testing. When a student earns a new rank, the cost of the physical belt is passed onto the student (typically ranging from $40 to $60 depending on the rank) and covers the cost of the new belt, and the official IBFDA certificate. All fees are communicated clearly and well in advance.
Our belt ranking system provides a structured path for students to mark their progress. The progression follows a sequence of colors, each representing a new level of skill and understanding. The journey to a Black Belt is a marathon, not a sprint. While every student's path is unique, a dedicated student who trains consistently can typically expect to earn their first-degree Black Belt as quickly as 5 years. This timeline reflects a commitment to true mastery and stands in contrast to schools that promise a black belt in an unrealistically short time. Earning a Black Belt at our school is a significant achievement that signifies genuine expertise and perseverance.
Participation in tournaments is completely optional but fully supported for those who are interested. We believe competition can be a valuable tool for personal growth, testing skills under pressure, and building camaraderie. Our instructors have extensive experience coaching students for success at all levels, from local events to regional, national, and even world championships. For students who do not wish to compete, their training experience is in no way diminished. Our primary focus is on each individual's personal martial arts journey.
Yes, we foster a strong sense of community through a variety of special events. Our most popular event is our annual Kung Fu Summer Camp for kids. These week-long camps are a fun, engaging way for children to stay active during the summer, make new friends, and immerse themselves in martial arts training. Throughout the year, we also host other events such as holiday parties, special training seminars with guest instructors, and community demonstrations. These events strengthen the family atmosphere that is a hallmark of our school.
Yes, they can. We offer special family classes every day of the week where parents and children can train together on the mat.5 This is a wonderfully unique bonding experience that allows parents to share directly in their child's passion. It helps parents understand what their children are learning and provides a fun, healthy activity that the whole family can enjoy together. Many families find that training together strengthens their relationships and creates lasting memories.