Welcome to Chan's Kung Fu School!

Chan’s Kung Fu School was established in 1976, when Sifu Sam Hing Fai Chan moved to America from his native Hong Kong, China. For over 30 years, Chan’s Kung Fu School has been offering some of the finest martial arts instruction available in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area, a tradition that continues through to this day!

Chan’s Kung Fu offers classes in a broad selection of martial arts, from traditional Chinese Kung Fu to modern day Mixed Martial Arts! Take a look through both our Kung Fu and Combat Sport Programs, and we’re sure you’ll find something to suit you!

Martial Arts Programs at Chan's Kung Fu

Click on one of the following links for more information on a specific program. For general information on what we offer, please scroll further down this page. To schedule an appointment or for more information, please call us at (616) 475 - 9021 Traditional Programs    • Children's Martial Arts    • Jow Ga Kung Fu    • Wing Chun Kung Fu Combat Sports    • Judo    • Muay Thai    • Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)

• Tai Chi

What is Kung Fu?

Kung Fu, also known as Wushu, is a martial art from China. It is the martial art of the monks of the Shaolin Temple, and popularized in the West by such movie legends as Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li. Training in Kung Fu requires dedication and a desire to excel - Kung Fu literally translates into English as "hard work and effort," but all that hard work pays off in increased speed, flexibility, stamina, strength, coordination, and balance. You'll also improve your self-confidence, reduce stress, and gain discipline, goal setting, and leadership skills

Children's Martial Arts Programs
	Our Little Tiger's Kung Fu Program is perfect for children ages 5-9, while our Youth Class is ideal for students ages 10-14. In both classes, children are taught a modified Jow Ga Kung Fu curriculum that also includes lessons on such things as how to deal with bullies, good character, and other age appropriate self-defense techniques and skills.
Jow Ga Kung Fu
	Jow Ga is a traditional Kung Fu style from Southern China known for its combination of powerful kicks, strong hand techniques, and fast footwork. Jow Ga also includes the famous five animal techniques and over 18 different Chinese Weapons. Jow Ga is a very physical style that will get you in shape and also instills discipline and self-confidence
Wing Chun Kung Fu
	Wing Chun is the most widely known and practiced style of Kung Fu in the world. Efficient, direct, practical, aggressive, and easy to learn - factors that make Wing Chun one of the best martial arts to learn for self defense. Wing Chun primarily uses hand techniques, with kicks to the waist or lower. Wing Chun relies on good technique to overcome an opponent's brute force.
Tai Chi
	A soft, gentle, internal style of Kung Fu, Tai Chi is perhaps best known for its many health benefits. Tai Chi helps to relax the body and mind, reducing stress and relieving tension in the body. Tai Chi's slow, circular movements help to strengthen muscles and tendons while promoting balance and flexibility.

What is a Combat Sport?

Simply put, a Combat Sport is a competition in which two individuals pit their physical and fighting abilities against one another to determine a victor. At Chan’s Kung Fu School, our Combat Sport Programs include Muay Thai, Judo, and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Chan’s Fight Team competes on the national level in full-contact matches throughout the country in several disciplines.

Muay Thai
	Muay Thai trains fighters to use every tool in their striking arsenal - punches, kicks, knees, and elbows to devastating effect. Muay Thai is also famous for its clinch, a safehaven in many styles, but a place where you punish your opponent with knees and elbow strikes in Muay Thai. Muay Thai includes intense physical and cardio conditioning to push you to your peak physical condition. Muay Thai fighters are without a doubt some of, if not the, most dangerous strikers in any Combat Sport.
Judo
	Judo divides combat into two phases - standing and the ground. In the Standing Phase, Judo practioners learn powerful throws, sweeps, and takedowns to get their opponent on the ground. Once on the ground, Judo practioners use their superior grappling skills to submit their opponents using a vast array of joint locks and choke/strangulation submissions.
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
	Mixed Martial Arts, more commonly referred to as MMA, is the modern day hybridization of striking and grappling skills. Mixed Martial Artists must be skilled in both fighting arenas to successfully defeat their opponents. MMA training also requires demanding physical conditioning and cardio. Mixed Martial Arts can be the truest test of any martial artist's skill.