Kung Fu Basics

Muscle Tone

Flexibility

Strength

What are Kung Fu Basics?

Basics are a Classical Kung Fu workout that develops your Strength and Extraordinary Power. Classical Kung Fu is based on the 2000 year old Chinese art of Kung Fu that kept the monks in the Shaolin Monastery healthy and free from disease. They created an unbelievable Health program based on 5 Animals: Tiger (Strength), Leopard (Speed), Snake (Endurance), Crane (Balance) and the Dragon (Flexibility).

Watch the Video on the History of Kung Fu

Kung Fu Postures

Postures are the foundation of your body. In other words, think of postures as a foundation of a house. Without a strong foundation, the house will fall down. Postures develop leg strength, flexibility, and balance.

About the 5 Animals of Kung Fu

Watch the Five Animal Video

Kung Fu Strikes

Strikes include a multitude of different types of punches and open-handed strikes. Punches might include Inverted Fist, Rolling Fist, and Hooking Fist. Strikes include the Knifehand, Willowleaf, and Slapping Palm. Strikes develop upper arm strength and power.

Kung Fu Kicks

Kicks provide a longer reach and more power than strikes. Kicks are used for striking both high and low parts of the body. Kicks include Side, Round, Hook, and a variety of jumping kicks. Kicks are also used for ground fighting and the third leg. Kicks develop balance and flexibility.

Kung Fu Blocks

Blocks involve Upper Gate, Middle Gate, and Lower Gate. Blocks can be subdivided into several types. These include Power blocks, Guiding blocks, and Striking blocks. Each block has a purpose depending on the type of attack. Blocks have some colorful names such as Upper Circle, Folded Wing, Backhand Parry, and the 5-star block.

Kung Fu Combinations

Once you’ve learned each basic, you then learn how to do combinations. In other words, a block and punch together or a block, kick and punch. This improves your coordination and focus. Along with coordination and focus, you are using both sides of your brain because you are doing the techniques on both sides of the body. This improves the brain functions, improves the blood flow to the brain, and develops new and deeper neural pathways that are essential for a healthy functioning brain.

IT'S A GREAT WORKOUT

All of the instructors have been extremely supportive during class and never once made me feel like I don't belong and it's a fun learning environment

Amy Popies

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Muscle Tone - Flexibility - Strength

Erik Raber

Local Guide · 54 reviews · 13 photos

3 months ago

If you want a good place to learn self-defense as well as getting a good workout, look no further. I have been coming here for several months and have made great strides in many aspects since the beginning. Mr. Solito is a great instructor …More

Rob Esposto

1 review

a month ago

I recommend Rothrock's to anyone who is seeking martial arts training. Mr. Solito and Master Rothrock are great teachers who challenge you to improve every class. They both care a great deal for their students and have a good balance of …More

Nick Scavo

2 reviews

2 months ago

I've been attending Mr. Solito's classes for about six months now. In short, the experience so far has been an absolute blessing to me in many ways. The classes will stretch you mentally and physically. You'll leave drenched in sweat. …More

david robinson

1 review

4 months ago

Michael Solito has been my instructor for Wu Style Tai Chi. Michael is a professional that consciously creates a supportive, inspiring and evenly paced instructional environment...and because this is a lineage holder’s facility...you can be …More

Christian Taormina

1 review

2 months ago

Great place to exercise with very nice people - Good for balance and flexibility - has helped with my knee and shoulder pain.

David Carrico

1 review

3 months ago

My 11 year old son and I have been going to Rothrocks in Wexford for a little over a year now. My son really likes it, as Mr. Solito has great energy which keeps the kids interest throughout class. Its an excellent workout for him, and I …More

Jerry Clark

1 review

If you are looking for a real martial arts school with a family tree dating back centuries to its country of origin, this is the school for you. I have studied a variety of martial arts over the last thirty years, and Rothrock's provides …More

Andy Johnson

1 review

A great environment to learn in. While at the school, there is a perfect balance between fun and work. Which makes it enjoyable and exciting to learn a classical martial art in a relaxed and well paced way. I could never train anywhere else. Check it out!!

Mark Ohlund

Local Guide · 2 reviews

I've been attending Rothrock's for nine years now, initially as a bonding exercise between me and my oldest son. …More

Beth Minerd

1 review

This was great for my son. Great exercise and helped him be more confident. Great experience. All the people who work here were wonderful.

Jennifer Rath

2 reviews

I visited 4 gyms for my son before I found Rothrock's. I was surprised by the variety of quality in the gym programs for children. I have been extremely pleased with my experience here. My son has some special needs and this program was very willing to make accommodations as needed. I would highly recommend this program!

michele Trevino

6 reviews

We love Wexford Rothrock's Kung fu! It is the best! Have been going there for about four years-- seems like yesterday. Time flies when you're having fun!

Rob Frazzini

4 reviews

Great school, fantastic program for kids. The staff is really attentive and focuses on fun and learning. Wouldn't send our kids to any other program.

Damian Suess

Local Guide · 27 reviews

Outstanding place! All the way from the teachers to the staff at the front desk. When i started going there 3 years ago I was amazed to see how well the coaches interacted with the students on an individual level. No matter your level of …More

Rachel Boyle

1 review

My son has been attending the studio for almost 3 years and absolutely loves his classes. He goes to class every night he possibly can. The instructors are great and I greatly appreciate the disciplined approach to Kung Fu. Thank you!

Anne Zacharias

2 reviews

My kids have been going to Kung Fu at Rothrock's in Wexford for over 3 years. They both love it. My husband and I love what it has done for them - instilled a sense of confidence, self awareness and strength in both of them. Our daughter …More

Alicia Sewald

1 review

My son has been doing Kung Fu for a year and a half. He loves it at Rothrock's. He goes three times a week and he says that it helps him distress from a hard day at school. He is in 6th grade. Great family supportive atmosphere, fun and educational for the heart, mind, body and spirit.

Tom Stump

4 reviews

My wife and I have been taking Tai Chi at Rothrock’s for a few years. The training is very good and both Master Rothrock and Mr Solito work one on one with everyone in the class, ever class, to help refine our postures. They really care and want to teach us the right way.

Amitkumar Chhaparwal

Local Guide · 58 reviews

I would recommend this institute to everybody who is looking to learn patience / self defense / concentration and self confidence.
Kung Fu art is really really nice, it helps in many ways of life. and it is not …More

Scott Bacon

1 review

My son is now six years old and has been going to Rothrock’s Kung-Fu in Wexford for over two years. His progression is amazing and the instructors are excellent with the younger kids. This experience has taught him many great things, such …More

June Cahall

1 review

Although I don't take kung fu, I take tai chi and it is wonderful. I am also one of the oldest, but I finally got my diploma after a year of three times a week. It surely helps my concentration, relieves stress, and just makes me feel so …More

Allie Oswell

1 review

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Rothrock’s Kung Fu in Wexford is wonderful!
I originally started taking Kung Fu at Rothrock’s hoping to get in shape and to learn some basic self-defense skills. That was over 7 years ago, and I can’t …More

nick wiese

1 review

I love Roth rocks Kung fu in Wexford. I've been involved for over 2 years now and love that it helps with my concentration its good excercise and its deepend my relationship with my best friend Deven Michel!

Rock TayTay

6 reviews

My Family and I started going three months ago partially as a family bonding experience and a confidence builder for my step son.I don't know how anyone could have a have a better experience learning Something new as in Kung-Fu! The …More

Jeff Matty

1 review

I started a little more than 9 years ago with my three kids. After an introductory lesson, I discovered that Kung Fu, as taught at Rothrock's, was the one, single type of exercise I could do without messing up my back. Since then, it has …More

Shari Berg

2 reviews

Four years ago, I came across a story about the benefits of Tai Chi in North Hills Monthly Magazine, written by a local martial arts/tai chi academy. As the mother of a child on the autism spectrum, I immediately wondered if Tai Chi would …More

Nick Williams

1 review

If you are looking for authentic Kung Fu training this is the school for you. Master Rothrock is the real deal and his lead instructors at all of his schools are highly skilled martial artists who continue to train with the master. Mr. …More

Michael Boyle

Local Guide · 24 reviews · 13 photos

Rothrocks Wexford has become my second home!! Instructors are awesome and classes are great!!

Ashley Vogler

2 reviews

I started my training back in 2012. Now im getting ready to test for my black belt. I have come a long way with such great training and hard work. It has helped me in High school and now college to focus and concentrate more on my work. My …More

Robert Pagonis

1 review

I have been training at Rothrocks since 2008 and my over all life has improved. I injure my back in the Army and for 15 year I always had a little paid. Ever since I started Kung-Fu I have had no pain. Keep up the great work.

Colin Richards

1 review

Rothrocks's Kung-Fu and Tai Chi is an absolutely wonderful martial arts studio. The instructors are friendly and very knowledgeable and classes are designed for multiple skill levels. This is a great studio for anyone curious about …More

Amanda Lawson

1 review

Rothrock's Kung Fu and tai Chi Academy is by far the best martial arts school in the Pittsburgh region. I have been taking classes there with my daughter for more than 5 years and the results have been spectacular. The teachers have many …More

Kirstin C

1 review

Rothrock's Kung-Fu provides an excellent environment for kids to learn discipline, respect and self-defense while building confidence, skills, and strength.

Mike Solito

This place changed my life! I would recommend it to anyone!

Heather Riesmeyer

1 review

My Experience in Kung-Fu fit class has been great and i love it Mr solito is a great teacher

Chuck Titley

1 review

I started at Rothrock's in Wexford a little over a year ago looking to continue my martial arts education which started with Tang So Do Korean Karate. My search was based on two criteria; comprehensive physio-cardio workout in combination …More

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5 Animals of Kung Fu

Dragon - developed alertness and concentration. Physical techniques were executed without strength, with emphasis placed on breathing. Movements appeared long, flowing, and
continuous.

Tiger - developed determination and discipline. Physical techniques develop the bones, tendons, and muscles. Movements were short, snappy, and executed with power.

Leopard -developed patience. Movements developed speed and strength and were executed fast, shifty, and crafty with narrow stances and clenched fists.

Snake - developed temperance and endurance. Breathing was developed through the techniques, and the movements appeared flowing and rippling with emphasis on the
fingers.

Crane - develop control, character, and spirit. Techniques develop the mind through concentration on one-legged stances.

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Frequency Asked Questions

What is the schedule for Classes?
We have a variety of class times to suit everyone's needs. When you come in for your trial course, we will cover the regular class schedule. The Trial Course is private and can be scheduled at a time convenient for you.

Do I have to be in shape to start?
No! This is a common misconception. Our beginner program gradually gets you back into shape, improves your flexibility, muscle tone, strength, and balance, and improves focus and discipline. As these areas improve, the more advanced training will challenge you to improve yourself even more. You’ll never get bored.

How long have you been in business?
In 1972, Master Rothrock started training in 1968 in Karate. Later, he was introduced to the ancient arts of Kung Fu & Tai Chi... and has trained for over 50 years. Grandmaster Leung Shum's teacher is retired, and Master Rothrock still travels to New York to visit with him. He is one of only 5 disciples in the United States who have Mastered both the Eagle Claw Kung Fu System and Yang and Wu Tai Chi.

What does professional instructors mean?
A professional instructor is someone who has chosen to make their career as a Kung Fu & Tai Chi instructor. That's their full-time occupation, and they have 10 to 30 years of experience. That means they are specifically trained to teach and take pride in helping you achieve your goals. Many schools use part-time help or volunteers who are not specifically trained to teach martial arts.

What Can I expect when I come in for a visit?
You'll be greeted by my friendly staff, who will give you a tour of the Academy. You will never feel intimidated, and you'll feel right at home—guaranteed.

Am I going to get hurt?
No! We have a safe and modern training environment. It's different from what you might have seen in the movies. In over 50 years, we have never had anyone get hurt by the training program.

I’ve never done this before. Will I be able to do Kung Fu or Tai Chi?
Yes! Many people who have started felt the same way as you. As I mentioned earlier, we start with beginner classes for everyone. These beginner classes are designed so people who have never done anything can easily learn the techniques. You don’t have to be coordinated or need special flexibility. It’s not like the movies that you might have seen. You can easily follow along as you have a fantastic workout.

What does it mean to Have my Mind Work Better?
Develop your own personal power for the challenges we all face in life. Do you want to find better ways to overcome the obstacles in your life? Kung Fu will help you develop a stronger and more focused mind.

Are Classes Separated by Age?
Yes! All our classes are separated by level and age. Every age group has its own needs. Children need help with discipline and concentration, while adults prefer a healthy workout geared towards improving muscle tone and flexibility as they learn self-defense. You’ll be in class with other adults your age.

Are there testing fees?
No. We have no hidden testing fees or association fees.

How many times can I come a week?
We recommend that beginners start with two 30-minute classes a week.

What is the Cost of the Classes?
We offer a variety of options based on your needs. That's why we recommend a Trial Course first to get started. It provides an easy way to take Kung Fu for a Test Drive and allows us to look at your balance, strength, and flexibility. Then, based on our 50 years of experience, we can make some specific recommendations. To get the most up-to-date prices, we suggest you visit the Academy.

How can I get started?
You can get started with one of our Trial Programs. That is the best option for most beginners.