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Kung Fu for Kids

Leadership

Discipline

Focus

Confidence

Have Your Child take my Leadership Program for a Risk-Free Test Drive.

What is Kid's Kung Fu

Kids Kung Fu is based on the 2000-year-old art of Chinese Kung Fu and is modernized to fit today's busy lifestyles. 99% of our parents bring their children to the Academy for Discipline, Focus, and exercise. They might have concerns about their child's discipline at home and in school. Their grades might be suffering because of the lack of focus. Or maybe they spend too much time playing video games and never really get any exercise. And even if they watch only 1 hour of TV, they are more likely to be overweight. Parents of Ancient China sent their children to the Shaolin Monastery for academics because the Monks were the doctors and educators of the time. The first tools the monks taught the children were Discipline, Concentration, and Leadership. We use these same tools today. Getting started is easy. Just check out our Trial Programs.

The Four Steps to get Your Child Ready for Life

Here are the tools that your child needs to be successful in life. These are:

The 3 aspects of Focus: Listening to Their Teachers

Focus the Mind
Focus the Body
Focus the Eyes

The 4 rules of discipline: Get it Done

Have a Plan
Focus on the Plan
Complete the plan on time
Accomplish the Plan

3 Rules of Confidence - Believing in Themselves

Self Esteem and Determination
Goals develop motivation
Success develops belief in themselves

7 Rules of Leadership - Learn Everything

Lead by Example
Decisions based on Knowledge
Ask for Help & Advice
Find the Win/Win in every Situation
Stay Organized and Focused
Planning through Achievable Goals
Show Respect for Others

Focus

Concentration is the ability to focus attention on a task at hand while blocking out other distracting or unrelated stimuli. This includes insignificant sounds, visual input, and, most importantly, wandering or irrelevant thoughts. When concentration is at optimal levels, we find our work easier, more readily remembered, takes less time, and makes fewer mistakes.

Discipline

Studies by psychologists have shown that self-discipline is key to academic success. For instance, a study of eighth graders found that self-discipline was strongly associated with marking period and final GPAs, student achievement test scores and selection into a competitive high school. Children with high self-discipline also behaved differently in relation to school. They were less frequently absent, did more hours of homework, spent less time watching television and began their homework earlier in the day compared to children with low self-discipline.

Confidence

Confidence is a key skill for young children to develop. Children already have thoughts and opinions of their own; confidence is what allows them to express them. It is also essential to know how they perceive their self-worth. One of the biggest factors for developing confidence is goals. Your child will learn to set long-term goals to overcome challenges and then separate those long-term goals into intermediate and short-term goals. They'll find it much easier to focus on those smaller goals, until they've accomplished the long-term goal.

Leadership

Lead by example rather than just words. That means actions speak louder than words. 

A good leader collects all the facts first before making a decision, ensuring the best outcome.

A leader asks for help and advice. 

Find the Win/Win in every situation. When facing decisions or opportunities with others, always look for a way for everyone to be happy with the decision or the opportunity. 

Organize your actions around your plans and set goals to accomplish those plans. You must write down the outcome and then set a plan of action to accomplish the outcome.

Write a plan of action to achieve your goal. If you have a significant goal, plan it out in stages. 

Leaders always show respect to others.

HIS GRADES HAVE SKYROCKETED

I Master R. “Low self-esteem and lack of interest in general was causing my son, Michael, problems that as a parent, seriously worried me. All this changed after taking Kung Fu classes at Rothrock’s Kung Fu & Tai Chi Studio. He has a good overall feeling about himself, and his grades skyrocketed.”

Bill

Conclusion

Every loving parent's job is to provide the tools your child needs for success in school and life. These include Confidence, Focus, and Discipline. These three pillars are necessary for developing Leadership. Your child will face challenges while growing up, and they need the tools to confidently handle any difficult situation they will face and make the right decisions.

Your Professional Team

Master Rothrock and his team of Professional Black Belt Coaches have over 55 years of experience.

They know how to keep your child motivated and on track to achieve the goals of Leadership, Discipline, Focus, and Confidence.

Classes are based on three pillars for success: Physical Workout, Mental Workout (Focus and Discipline), and Motivation (personal Black Belt trainers in every class). 

The program, designed by Master Rothrock, provides your child with a safe, fun, and motivating environment that will help them develop the skills necessary to succeed in school and life.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Michael Boyle
Local Guide · 24 reviews · 13 photos
 
Rothrocks Wexford has become my second home!! Instructors are awesome and classes are great!!
 

Ashley Vogler

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

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

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

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

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

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

Heather Riesmeyer

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

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
 
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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Michael Boyle
Local Guide · 24 reviews · 13 photos
 
Rothrocks Wexford has become my second home!! Instructors are awesome and classes are great!!
 

Ashley Vogler

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

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

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

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

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

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

Heather Riesmeyer

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

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
 
Close

Frequency Asked Questions

What is the schedule for Classes?
Class times vary from Academy to Academy. We offer a variety of times in the mornings and evenings. Trying a Trial Course is the best way to get all your questions answered. That way, you can discover if the program is right for you or your child. We can cover the class schedule and answer all your questions in detail at that time.

How old should my child be to take classes?
We recommend about 4 years old. However, we offer special classes for younger children that help them develop listening skills. We suggest trying the FREE Trial Course to determine your child's readiness for classes.

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

What does a professional instructor 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. The instructors have exceptional teaching knowledge and take pride in helping you achieve your goals. Many schools use part-time help or volunteers who have never had any training in teaching 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.

Is my child going to get hurt?
No! We have a safe and modern training environment. It's not like what you might have seen in the movies. In over 50 years, we have never had anyone get hurt by the training program.

Do you offer classes Separated by Age?
Yes! We separate all classes by level and age. Every age group has its own needs. Children need help with discipline and concentration, while adults prefer a healthy workout to improve muscle tone and flexibility as they learn self-defense. Your child will be in class with other children their age.

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

How many times a week should my child come in for classes?
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 specific recommendations. To get the most up-to-date membership fees, 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.

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John Tripi
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August Gearhart
Branson Allen
Zion Scarbrough
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