We’ve compiled the questions families ask most before enrolling. Whether you’re brand new to martial arts or just new to us, this guide gives you a clear, honest picture of what Kung Fu Kids is all about.
Kung Fu Kids — Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Kung Fu Kids?
A: Kung Fu Kids is a children’s martial arts program rooted in the Wushu tradition, founded by Sifu David Chang — the former USA Men’s All-Around Champion in Wushu and a UC Berkeley graduate. Our mission is simple: we turn children into successful adults by building self-confidence, a growth mindset, and grit through world-class martial arts training. Originally founded as Wushu Central in 2001 (starting with a single student in a garage in San Jose), we’ve grown to serve hundreds of students across multiple locations. In 2023 we rebranded to Kung Fu Kids to better reflect our laser focus on youth development. In 2025 we launched our franchise program, with locations now expanding across California and beyond.
Q: Where are your locations?
A: We currently operate five locations in the San Francisco Bay Area:
San Jose – Coleman Ave
San Jose – Capitol Expressway
San Jose - Berryessa
Palo Alto
Pleasanton
Mountain View (Franchise) — 1350 Grant Rd #2, Mountain View, CA 94040 · (650) 602-0155
Visit kungfu.kids to find the location nearest you and request more information.Q: Is Kung Fu Kids affiliated with a larger martial arts organization?
A: Yes. Kung Fu Kids is the youth-focused brand of Wushu Central, Inc. Our curriculum — called the Kung Fu Kids Method — is proprietary and has been developed and refined over more than 20 years. Sifu David Chang also consults for martial arts academies across the nation, and our program serves as a national benchmark for youth martial arts instruction.
Q: What age groups do you serve?
A: We offer age-specific programs designed around each child’s stage of development:
Grasshoppers (ages 2–3) — A parent-participation class focused on movement, coordination, and following directions.
Little Pandas (ages 4–6) — Builds confidence, focus, and self-control through age-appropriate martial arts fundamentals.
Mighty Tigers (ages 7–9) — Develops discipline, physical skills, and grit as children tackle increasingly complex techniques and memorization challenges.
Rising Dragons (ages 10–14) — A 32-month comprehensive program covering four Kung Fu styles, four weapons, and extensive self-defense. Students graduate with a Black Belt.
Spectrum Stars (ages 4–14) — Our adaptive program for children on the autism spectrum, with a lower student-to-teacher ratio and a curriculum specifically designed to support children with ASD.Q: What style of martial arts do you teach?
A: We teach Kung Fu rooted in the Wushu tradition — one of the world’s oldest and most comprehensive martial arts systems. Our curriculum blends traditional Chinese Kung Fu forms (routines), practical self-defense techniques, physical conditioning, life skills, and leadership training. Rising Dragons students master four complete Kung Fu styles and four weapons systems by the time they graduate.
Q: Is there sparring or full-contact fighting involved?
A: No. Our programs are entirely forms and technique-based — there is no sparring or full-contact fighting in any of our classes. This makes Kung Fu Kids a safe, non-aggressive environment where the risk of injury is dramatically reduced. That said, we do teach comprehensive self-defense techniques so students are genuinely prepared to protect themselves if they ever need to.
Q: What are your class hours?
A: Classes are offered during typical child enrichment program hours — including after-school hours on weekdays, and during the day on Saturdays and Sundays. Because each location maintains its own schedule, we recommend visiting kungfu.kids and requesting schedule information for your nearest location directly.
Q: Do you offer a trial class?
A: Yes! We offer a Complimentary One-on-One Evaluation for new students. This private introductory session lets your child experience our teaching style firsthand, and gives our instructors the opportunity to understand your child’s needs and recommend the best program for them. Visit kungfu.kids to schedule yours.
Q: How much does tuition cost?
A: Tuition varies depending on the program your child enrolls in and your specific location. As a general benchmark, a high-quality martial arts program typically costs between $30 and $50 per class — and Kung Fu Kids is priced competitively within that range. To get accurate pricing for your location and your child’s specific program, visit kungfu.kids or schedule a complimentary one-on-one lesson and speak with one of our enrollment advisors. Belt promotion exams are always included in tuition — no surprise testing fees. And as a welcome gift, every new student receives their first uniform at no charge (a $95 value).
Q: Is there a long-term contract?
A: No long-term contracts — ever. All memberships are month-to-month and can be cancelled with 30 days’ notice at any time through our Spark Member app. For families who prefer to plan ahead, pre-payment options are available at a discounted rate, but this is entirely optional. Cancellations must be submitted via the Spark Member app; verbal notice to a staff member cannot be honored.
Q: What payment methods do you accept?
A: We accept credit card only. Tuition is billed monthly and automatically charged to the card on file. For families receiving funding through a third-party organization (such as Ocean Grove – IEM Charter School, Aveanna Healthcare, FMS, or Rifz FMS), monthly charges still apply to your card, and you are then reimbursed by your organization after submitting a purchase order. Contact us at [email protected] if your funding organization is not yet on our vendor list.
Q: Can I freeze or pause my membership?
A: Yes. If your child is unable to attend for four weeks or more, you may request a membership freeze through the Spark Member app. Memberships can be frozen for up to six months per year. Please be aware that freezing your membership also relinquishes your class spot, and there is no guarantee that a spot will be available when you return. Grandfathered or promotional rates do not carry over after a freeze or cancellation — upon return, current rates apply.
Q: How does the belt system work?
A: Each program follows an 8-week curriculum cycle. Throughout the cycle, students earn colored stripes on their current belt by demonstrating the specific skill taught that week. At the end of Week 8, students who have earned their required stripes are eligible to test for their next belt rank.Belt tests cover only the techniques, forms, and exercises practiced in class — there are no surprises. Testing is conducted in class and is included in monthly tuition at no additional cost. If a student doesn’t pass, they may retest at a future scheduled session at no charge, or request a private session for a fee.
Q: How long does it take to earn a Black Belt?
A: In the Rising Dragons program (ages 10–14), students follow a structured 32-month journey from White Belt to Black Belt, progressing through 16 belt ranks. Progress depends on consistent attendance and demonstrated skill — every child moves at their own pace, and instructors communicate openly with parents if additional time is needed before testing. The Black Belt is a genuine achievement, not a participation award.
Q: What if my child misses a class?
A: Regular attendance is important for consistent progress, and missed classes are not eligible for refunds or credits. However, makeup classes may be offered as a courtesy and are subject to space availability at the same enrolled location. If your child is approaching belt testing week and is missing stripes, the first class of testing week is designated as a review and stripe make-up class, giving students an opportunity to earn up to 3 missed stripes.
Q: How do you keep children safe?
A: Safety is central to everything we do. Key measures include:
No sparring or full-contact activities — all training is technique and forms-based.
All managers are required to hold current First Aid and CPR certification.
We adhere to U.S. Center for SafeSport policies — all adult-to-minor interactions must be observable and interruptible, and private one-on-one contact between staff and students is not permitted.
Students showing signs of illness (fever, vomiting, rash, etc.) are asked to stay home until symptom-free for 24 hours.
Parents must keep emergency contact information current; in the event of a medical emergency, 911 is called and parents are notified immediately.Q: Do you have a program for children with autism or special needs?
A: Yes — our Spectrum Stars program is one of our most beloved offerings. Designed specifically for children ages 4–14 on the autism spectrum, it features a lower student-to-teacher ratio, a calm and predictable class structure, and a curriculum that proactively builds the skills children with ASD often find challenging — including focus, communication, emotional regulation, and social connection. Parents participate alongside their child in every class.Please note: Spectrum Stars is in high demand and some time slots are waitlisted. The process begins with a Complimentary One-on-One Evaluation so our instructor can evaluate whether the program is a good fit for your child. If a spot isn’t immediately available, your child will be placed on the wait list — and when a spot opens, you’ll have 24 hours to claim it.
Q: Will martial arts make my child more aggressive?
A: This is one of the most common concerns parents share with us, and the answer is no — quite the opposite. Respect, self-control, and discipline are foundational values in our curriculum. Students are explicitly taught that the techniques learned at Kung Fu Kids are never to be used outside the academy except in self-defense. True martial arts cultivates restraint and humility. Our students are expected to demonstrate the same respectful behavior they practice in class everywhere they go.
Q: What should my child wear, and do I need to buy equipment?
A: All students wear the Kung Fu Kids uniform (shirt, pants, and rank belt). As a welcome gift, every new student receives their first uniform at no charge. For Mighty Tigers and Rising Dragons students, black Feiyue-brand Kung Fu shoes are also required. Students must wear their uniform to earn the skill stripes required for belt progression and are not permitted to test without it. Additional uniforms are available for purchase through the academy.
Q: Can I watch my child’s class?
A: Parents are welcome to observe classes. We do ask that parents refrain from sideline coaching or giving instructions to their child during class — our instructors are trained to guide students, and sideline interference can distract both the student and the coach. For Grasshoppers and Spectrum Stars, parent participation in class is actually required and is a meaningful part of the experience.
Q: Do you offer a program for holidays and school breaks?
A: Holiday and break schedules vary by location, as each Kung Fu Kids location is independently operated and aligns its calendar with local school schedules. We recommend checking with your specific location for their current academic calendar. You can find schedule details and upcoming closures on the Spark Member app once enrolled, or by reaching out to your location directly via kungfu.kids.
Q: Is there an opportunity for my child to become an instructor?
A: Yes — and it’s one of the things we’re most proud of. After earning their Black Belt, students are invited to join the Kung Fu Kids Leadership Program, a structured pathway that trains advanced students to become coaches and leaders.The program progresses through five levels — from Trainee to Leadership Mentor — developing skills in teaching, awareness, positivity, and confident leadership presence. Leadership students assist in classes across all age groups, eventually qualifying to teach independently. Many of our Leadership Program graduates go on to pursue part-time or full-time coaching careers with Kung Fu Kids. It’s a natural next step for students who want to give back, deepen their skills, and grow as young leaders.
Q: How do I get in touch or get started?
A: The best place to start is our website at kungfu.kids — you can request information, find your nearest location, and schedule your child’s complimentary one-on-one lesson there. For membership and billing questions, our Concierge team is available 7 days a week from 9:00 am – 7:30 pm PT at [email protected] or by phone/text at (408) 431-4831.
