Mt. Song Martial Arts Academy — Attraction in Tampa

Ni hao,

I strongly recommend this Martial Arts academy and here is why -

I have been practicing at Mt. Song Martial Arts Academy since April 2007. I have attended all the classes offered at one time during the course of my time at the Guan. My experience there has been amazing and quite extensive!

In a nut shell here is what I have learned and experienced: Shaolin Kung Fu forms, weapons, applications and history Yang Style Tai Ji forms, weapons, applications and history Chen Style Tai Ji forms, weapons, applications and history Sanda for a very short time - very intense Meditation, Shaolin ways, Chinese Lessons Demos Tea Ceremonies Family Trip to China to tour, train and experience our lineages ways Participated in tournaments where most all of our students get medals but most of all we participate as a team Learning to teach others

This is all because of Shifu Mario Salazar and his years of experience, extensive training in the US and China and overwhelming talent for teaching and mentoring. He has a definitive vision for his Guan and his students encouraging all to strive to do their best. He has a deep understanding and passion of the arts which becomes apparent upon meeting him. His humility is endearing yet screams confidence and strength. Shifu's sense of humor often surprises me because it comes at unexpected moments and always makes me smile. I feel honored and grateful to have the opportunity to study the under the brilliance of this most honorable man we call Shifu.

I think it is worth noting again that I highly recommend anyone who is interested in Martial Arts to give this Guan (school) a chance for at least 1 week. It is quite reasonable as well financially.

Xie xie (thank you), Bi Ming (Chinese name assigned after 4 months...

Kind, honorable, wise, humble, gentle, and patient are only a few words that describe Shifu Mario. He embodies the whole essence of Shaolin. I’ve trained under Shifu for 3 years now and I have grown more as a person than I have in my life. His tutelage has granted me more flexibility, strength, endurance, patience, and wisdom than I could have ever imagined. I am a better person because of Shifu!

Shifu Mario teaches more than forms and simple movement. He explains and demonstrates the practical applications of the forms learned then guides us during practice. His approach allows you to learn different forms, styles, and weapons. There are opportunities to learn the various weapons and even animal styles. He does not place your growth in a box, but instead helps guide you to your true potential and what works best based on your strengths… both physically and mentally.

Mt. Song Martial Arts is different than all other Martial Arts schools. Kung Fu is not like other disciplines. It focuses on fluid movements that will help relieve tension within the body (think yoga). You will notice that you move much lighter and without as much effort after starting your practice in Kung Fu under Shifu Mario’s mentorship.

Finally; Shifu, the coaches, and fellow students are not just acquaintances or friends, but Kung Fu Family.

Highly...

I was brand new to martial arts and very nervous about what to expect during my first class - I wasn't sure how to start so I just showed up one day - but everyone was so positive and welcoming that my anxieties quickly melted away. Shifu and Coach Megan are masterful in both their own practice and in their demonstrative teaching of Kung Fu skills and techniques. They also care deeply about the history of the discipline and share the significance of the traditions in modern practice. The classes span the skill spectrum so that everyone from first-day beginners to advanced students feel included and challenged. The school also offers the option of student participation in competitions, public demonstrations, and even traditional lion dances for New Years celebrations and private ceremonies. I spent a long time researching martial arts and schools in the Tampa area and I'm so excited to have...