5228 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60641
Chicago Tao sanctuary of holistic well-being and self-discovery through Shaolin Kung Fu, Fut Sao Wing Chun, and Tibetan Sound Meditation.
Edit: still here and it 9yrs now! I have been training under Sifu Chuck Kennedy for about 5yrs , the experience has been nothing short of awesome. As long as your willing to put the work in there is no shortage of training or teachings to absorb. The community is welcoming and supportive, and the systems Sifu has set up allows us to work with the seniors thru to beginners allowing for a dynamic spectrum of training which can only happen experientially . I would recommend that anyone, young older of any gender come and take the free class which is always offered or come sit in and observe!
I have been so appreciative of the experience I have had here with Sifu Chuck and his students. I felt immediately welcomed and respected in the space, even with no prior experience in Kung Fu. While I did Tae Kwon Do earlier in my life, I haven't done any martial arts in many years. No one has ever made me feel negatively about my inexperience, and I always feel encouraged by both Sifu and the other students at the school. The student group is very diverse and kind, and I believe this is due to the culture Sifu works to create. In a handful of months I already feel that I've improved a lot, and I really appreciate the positive benefits practicing Kung Fu (in addition to Tai Chi and Qi Gong) have brought to my life. I'm very grateful to have this space and I look forward to continuing to train!
Sifu Kennedy is a kind, thoughtful, and humble teacher. I have had many many teachers in many disciplines and can say Sifu Kennedy is one I admire greatly out of the many. The classes are very welcoming and foster growth, curiosity, and motivation. I truly am grateful to have found and begun studying kung fu here! 100% recommend!
Chicago Fut Sao is not simply a place where one comes to learn martial arts through the practices of Wing Chun; it is also where one comes to learn how to become mindful of oneself in body and mind. A students, we are challenged to patiently push our limits. We are at a school of camaraderie rather than competition.
Very good instruction. Friendly and diverse environment. Teacher cares about getting feedback from students to make the experience better for everyone.
THE place to learn and grow in to the Fut Sao Wing Chun System
Very nice Wing Chun techniques, and self defense classes, created, designed for a great Martial Art's start with Sifu Chuck...
A fine teacher and great man. My husband has been his student for two decades. Our lives are all the richer for it.
I have trained with Sifu Chuck Kennedy since 2000. There are two reasons I have trained these last two decades with Sifu: he is an excellent martial artist and a professional teacher. Sifu Chuck Kennedy has that rare ability to clearly transmit his expertise in Kung Fu; he creates a personalized Individual Training Program for every student to great effect. Do not take my word for it - visit his school and see for yourself!
I was blessed to be part of this martial arts school. Sifu Chuck Kennedy is a great instructor, he engages with each and every student and help them train with clear instructions. I always admire the way he explains the intentions behind every move!Senior students are very approachable and they train with juniors with full heart. Every one is treated as brothers and sisters, overall it’s a great martial arts family. If you’re looking to learn Wingchun, I would say this is the best place to join!!
I have been studying at the Chicago Fut Sao Wing Chun association for almost 5 years and not enough can be said about the tremendous impact it has had on my life. I joined at a time in my life/ career when I had no balance and bad habits had taken a hold over my time leading to a very unhealthy quality of life. Upon starting class I immediately noticed a a reduction in stress, an increase in confidence and positivity that translated over to every facet of my life. There is no doubt that my career successes and healthier physical, mental, and relationship statuses are directly correlated to my involvement here, but that is not even the biggest benefit of joining Fut Sao. The distinguishing factor between this martial community and others I have been involved with is the community that Sifu Kennedy has fostered and created. First off Sifu's approach is encouraging while also being tailored to the exact level of push and bluntness that each individual needs to achieve their personal goals in the class. This approach is the reason our group is so diverse in background yet so strong as a community. Each individual in this community shows unwavering support for each other inside and even outside of class, constantly showing up for important life events or showing support for each others careers. I believe this truly is one of the most special martial arts groups in existence and one of the most efficient and refined combative arts.
This Is One Of The Greatest Experiences Of My Life. First Off As A Pastor I Love Wing Chun Martial Arts Training. Sifu Chuck Kennedy Is Absolutely The Best I've Ever Seen And His Patience And Hands On With Absolutely Every Student Is Amazing. He Has The Ability To Teach On Level Three Thousand And On Level One With The Same Dedication And Passion. New Students Don't Get Lost They Get Better From Day One. We're Not Just A Wing Chun Martial Arts Training Class We're A Family. It's My Honor To Be A Part Of This Beautiful Family While Learning To Kick Butt At The Same Time! Sincerely Pastor Correy Wright
Such a welcoming community with so many personalities. Sifu Kennedy is very conscious of the different reasons people join, as well as the comfort and physical level of each student. He listens, but also will challenge you. It's not just physical work, but mental and emotional, and he's excellent about helping you navigate your personal challenges. Motivational, humorous, but ready to have the hard conversations. As one of the only female students for the last year, I never once felt uncomfortable. And he's given me the confidence to know that I can handle myself in almost any situation. You'll be hard-pressed to find a better instructor or community that accepts everyone like family.
Before I came here I had been trained in other styles such as Boxing,kickboxing & Tai chi.. I look at other places but they had was MMA so I found this place teaching Wing Chun I tried it and I enjoy every minute of it instructor's great and the students are good people that enjoy a great time
I have been practicing Fut Sao Wing Chun under the instruction of Sifu Chuck Kennedy for the past 10 years, and it never feels old. Sifu shows there is always new things to explore within the training and with yourself. Also there an excellent atmosphere for learning and in saying that I mean there is no egos within the schools. I feel like we all want to help one another be the best.
Sifu Chuck is an instructor that goes far beyond the expectations a student could have while seeking to learn Wing Chun. The instruction surpasses simply learning an art and extends to your own personal growth, and the comradery you find is truly unique. I encourage anyone interested in martial arts and its role in the modern day world to invest time in this community!
The school is a perfect environment to train Wing Chun in. It is clean and plenty of space to train. There is one whole wall of mirrors, just what a student in Wing Chun uses to prefect their technique. Sifu Chuck is a well versed instructor who will explain clearly how each movement is to be performed. How it is suppose to be executed in a fight. The students are all willing to help you develop the art. Everyone is willing to share their knowledge and help and assist. There is breathing form to help with your over all health. Since Fut Sao is an internal form of Kung Fu this makes your movements much more powerful without a lot of external energy being spent. ⛩ ~Gary Sika~
This is amazing place to learn martial arts! Sifu Chuck is a great instructor and does a great job to make sure everyone understands what we're doing in class
Instructor and classmates are friendly and accommodating. Easy to jump in and start taking classes whenever, no need to worry about not starting at the start of the year. Would recommend to anyone looking to try their hand at martial arts either as a newcomer or someone wanting to try something new.
I've studied many styles before Wing Chun and I feel that Fut Sao has helped me to hone in on those skills while adding on their new set of skills at this school. Instruction is truly amazing and I feel at home after searching and searching for a great school to finally teach me what I felt I was lacking. Sifu Chuck Kennedy without question, knows what he is doing, he makes you feel welcome and at ease during classes, he's approachable and down to earth 110 percent of the time. His instruction during classes is always crystal clear with his teachings. He always sets time aside if you need the extra help or feel like you are falling behind and EVEN stays up to date with social media (facebook, Instagram), google classroom with how-to-videos for our school's curriculum so that you are never out of the loop. He goes above and beyond, and from my martial arts experience over the years, that is rare.
Awesome place to train & learn Wing Chun. Sifu Kennedy is the best!!!! The training is very well structured,and the school has a great level of camaraderie. Would highly recommend.
THE BEST place to learn Wing Chun. The master here is patient and knowledgeable of all forms and the students here are respectful and fun to spar with. Highly recommended!
A great school to learn from if you are interested in learning Fut Sao Wing Chun. My biggest satisfaction comes from the fact that they don't ask for contracts, just effort in and outside of class. You get what you put into it, and I admire the fact that you don't get to advance beyond the first main form until you understand many aspects and nuances of it, and to test for proficiency in anything is also above what I expected. They have high expectations and respect for their art, and I wouldn't ask for anything less! Skilled at practicing patience as they take their time to repeat to us standards of excellence in every aspect, it is a great school to be apart of if seeking to get the most out of a martial art(and your wallet); check out Fut Sao Wing Chun!
I've searched for a Wing Chun school for years and the moment I stepped foot into this school I knew it was where I needed to be. Sifu Kennedy is a great instructor who can adapt to each student's learning ability. The senior students are also great at instructing and leading the class when necessary. Sifu focuses on the internal aspect of the art as much as the physical aspect which is hard to find in this era of Martial Art schools. I have trained in Okinawa Japanese Karate, Hapkido, Boxing and MMA but Fut Sao Wing Chun is the most complete system I have studied and for once truly feel like a Martial Artist. Stop on in and come and see for yourself!
The Wing Chun instructor is a very cool guy.
I've taken just about every martial art in the last 20 years: kung fu, karate, hapkido, boxing, MMA, etc. What I've found is that the best art scales itself to fit you, not the other way around. Fut Sao fits the fighter I am now at 48 years old, and would have fit me if I had found the art when I was in my 20s. I've seen Fut Sao fit men, women, tall people, short people, young people, old people, beginners and more experienced martial artists. So I highly recommend the art. Another thing I've found is that the attitude of a school's students will always mirror the instructor's attitude. This school's students help each other learn in a friendly atmosphere, without any attitude or superiority that some schools may have, which is a reflection of Sifu Chuck's teaching. I highly recommend him as an instructor. He's clear; he's patient; and he teaches me at my level.
I am 53 years old, I have two ruptured discs an 4 bulged discs. I spent most of my adult life looking for a system that would give me the ability to strengthen my body and mind without being thrown around as a dummy for the black belts in the class. Sifu Kennedy's ability to read and understand each student's strengths and abilities is one of the reasons why I joined Fut Sao Wing Chun. Because of his extensive background in teaching, mathematics and science he is able to transfer those skills and applications to his Wing Chun students, which in turn opens up a more deeper understanding of the art. At Fut Sao Wing Chun all students are willing to help each other so that we all can refine our skills. The only down fall for me is that it takes me a 1/2 hour to 40 minutes to get there but it is worth it.
I am currenty a student at the Futsao Wing Chun Association. Futsao is a great art for teaching one to produce power within a small amount of space, which can be very useful to defend ones self from an attacker. I highly suggest this class to anyone who is looking for a great art to study as well as a great group of people to study with. The instructer is awsome at helping you with whatever you need with in the class. Even though it takes me 30 to 40 minutes to get there i wouldn't miss it. My name is Nathan Fox a student of Futsao Wing Chun and I hope to see you on the floor! P.s check out the Futsao Web site if you are curious about anything else.
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