Q. What do you teach?

A. We teach Black Dragon Kung-fu which includes vital point striking(dim mak),
grappling (shuai chiao), joint locks and pressure points(chin' na), free
fighting(san shou) and energy work(qi gong). I also offer classes in sport
fighting with emphasis on Thai kick boxing. Women's self-defense is also offered
as a sperate course for those who don't wish to study the entire art, but are
seeking some practical self-protection methods.

Q. How is it different than Tae Kwon Do, Karate, ect?

A. Tae Kwon Do and Karate both have some similarities with our art and kung-fu
was an early influence on the development of those arts, but there are also
some significant differences.

An example of that would be the high kicks of Tae Kwon Do. we do have some
high kicks, but they are mostly for sport fighting.

Our defensive methods typically do not kick above the waist. Forms or as karate
calls them kata are stressed in Karate and Tae Kwon Do and are usually taught
very specifically. Ours are used mostly as drills and are mostly fluid, where
as they adjust to fit the distance and angle of the opponents attack. There
area number of other differences and I usually suggest people try a class at
several places to see what fits their needs best. watch out for places that
don't give you take a trial class or try to push long term contracts.

Q. Who teaches the classes?

A. Professor Ike Bear is the main instructor. Sensei Chris Grey teaches the kids classes
and teaches the MMA classes.Master Instructor Michael Lauck (4th degree), will occasionally
conduct one or more classes a month.

Black Dragon also occasionally has a special guest instructor of
different styles come in to teach including boxers, Brazilian Jujitsu, JKD,
Kali, Catch Wrestling and more.

The following are the ONLY people currently certified as full instructors to
teach and certify people in Wu Family Shaolin Black Dragon Kung-fu:
Grandmaster Professor Ike Bear (8th degree),
Michael Lauck (4th degree), Tim Beuchel (4th degree),
John Kohl (4th degree), Kevin West (3rd Degree), Rhonda A. Gill-Bear (3rd degree), Haris Lalic (2nd degree),
John Brich (2nd degree), Joseph Holt (1st Degree)

Black Dragon also has a modified contemporary fighting system called Black
Dragon Progressive Combat Art.

The following are certified under Professor Ike Bear to teach Black dragon PCS:
Mike Sanders (3rd degree), Shawn Ford (2nd degree), Andrew Russel (1st degree)

Q. How much does it cost?

A. It is recommended to call and speak with Master Ike Bear regarding class costs. Due
to specials we run, prices may vary.

Q. How do I advance in rank?

A. Black dragon Kung-fu has 'chih' eight levels and eight tuan levels. Each
chih level is associated with one of the eight animal styles within our system
and has specific criteria for advancing to the next level.

One starts as eighth chih and work their way through from 8th-1st chih, 1st
being the most advanced. From 1st chih one move on to 1st tuan and advances
through to eighth tuan. Advancement from one chih level to another is usually
measured in months, from tuan to tuan is measured in years.

Belts or sashes? In our chih level belts run as such 8th=white belt. 7=yellow,
6=orange, 5th=green, 4th=purple, 3rd=blue, 2nd=red, 1st=brown.
A red sash may be worn by any practitioner, a black by anyone who has reached
tuan ranking and white by anyone who has achieved master rank,(master = a
minimum of 4th tuan level).

Q. Is there a contract?

A. We do require a minimum of a three month contract now.

Q. Do you allow the public to view classes?

A. Most classes. We have some closed door classes where special training is
involved and those are kept private.

Q. How often can I attend classes?

A. The number of classes you can attend depends on your membership level. The
basic membership level allows you to attend two classes a week. The
advanced membership grants you access to as many classes a week as you want to attend.

Q. Do you participate in tournaments?

A. Yes we do, but it is not a requirement for membership nor rank advancement.

Q. Do I need a uniform?

A. We like for the kids to have uniforms, but in the summer, we allow cooler
clothes. For the adults a black kung-fu uniform, gi or sweats are preferred
along with either a traditional martial top or a T-shirt.

Q. Do I have to be in good shape or physically fit to learn a martial art?

A. While it helps, you don't have to be in any particular shape. Martial arts
is an excellent way to get into shape and maintain your fitness level.

Q. I trained in a different style of Kung Fu, or in a different art, can I keep my rank?

A. Yes. We acknowledge and respect all arts, so you may continue to maintain
your rank, but would still test up to be certified under us. It is up to the
instructor whether previous rank may be worn in their class.

Q. What do all of these terms that you use mean in English?