Curriculum
Northern Shao Lin Chuan
Welcome to Al Bender’s Kung Fu Academy of New Jersey, founded in June 1981. We offer a variety of classes for students aged 5 through adulthood, including traditional Kung Fu styles such as Northern Shao Lin Chuan, Tai Chi Chuan, Hsing Yi Chuan, and Pa Kua Chang. Our traditional weapons training encompasses a broadsword, double-edged sword, long staff, cane (or umbrella), spear, and 9-section steel whip. Additionally, we provide classes in contemporary Wushu for both adults and children ages 5 and up, blending traditional techniques with modern flair.
Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan
Yang Style Tai Chi Chuan, recognized worldwide for its health benefits, is also a potent martial art. Its slow, rhythmic movements provide gentle exercise for muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons, enhancing flexibility and coordination without strain. Employing a diaphragmatic breathing method, it boosts oxygen levels in the blood, aiding toxin elimination throughout the body. As an "Internal" martial art, practitioners focus their minds on energy flow during practice, cultivating both physical and mental well-being.
Weapons
Traditional Chinese weaponry, categorized into "long weapons" and "short weapons," offers practical and historical insights into combat strategies. Long weapons like staffs and spears excel at maintaining distance and striking from afar, while short weapons like broadswords and hook swords are effective in close combat. Weaponry training at our academy emphasizes tradition, practicality, and mind-body control, introducing weapons once proficiency in empty-hand forms is demonstrated. Mastery of weaponry not only enhances combat skills but also transforms common objects into potential defensive tools.
Hsing Yi Chuan
Hsing Yi Chuan, believed to be the oldest Chinese martial art, is part of the Wu Dang System, alongside Tai Chi Chuan and Pa Kua Chang. Mental focus and energy projection are crucial for developing striking power in this style. It follows the ancient theory of Wu Hsing, where five elements—Earth, Metal, Water, Wood, and Fire—interact in constructive and destructive cycles
Pa Kua Chang
Pa Kua Chang, the third internal art of the Wu Dang System, revolves around circular movements executed while walking in a circle. Known as the "Dragon Style," it embodies the elusive and powerful spirit of the mystical dragon, evading attacks with serpentine agility. This style's twisting and coiling movements, combined with evasive footwork, blend the deflective elements of Tai Chi with the forceful strikes of Hsing Yi.
