Wu Doa Kung Fu School in Cambridge
Aug 12th, 2008 by keegan
My children have very little say in the fact that they will train in martial arts. Dancing, swimming, croquet- all this is fine and well, but martial arts is almost an obligation– to my husband. He has trained in more martial art styles than I ever knew existed. He started when he was ten years old, and the training, discipline, and respect he has learned from his martial arts instructors defines much of who he is.
So when Wu Dao opened up just two blocks from my daughter’s school, Wilson was giddy. And so was Tiernan. They went to check it out, then Tiernan (6 y.o.) started classes, then Wilson started (different) classes, and it was a hit. The best testimony I can give to a martial arts school is that Wilson likes it. He researches and visits many schools every time we move cities, and he knows quality instruction. Wu Dao, on Concord Ave. in Cambridge, won him over. The teacher for the adult classes, Tim, is very good and super friendly. The teacher for the children’s classes is Orlando (also teaches a Kung Fu class at the Hagerty School), and he is fun and the kids love him.
Orlando teaches proper technique combined with fun drills, like when he tosses small bean bags at the kids and they have to jump out of the way, or when the kids are in a circle around him and he swings with foam mits at whomever and they have to block. He makes it fun while they learn coordination and build strength and confidence. Orlando also interjects lessons about respect (there is no goofing off during class) and the history of Kung Fu throughout the 45 minute lesson. (And if that isn’t reason enough for you to check out the school, it’s also setting a good example for other local businesses to go green.)
Rowan, my four-year-old, can’t wait until he’s old enough to start. Then, God help us when all our kids are practicing their forms on each other. At Wu Dao, children have to be a mature five years old to start, so if you’re looking for something for the younger ones, or something in a different ‘hood, check out Maria’s post about a school in Central Square.
