Iron Dragon Kung Fu Academy
About
At Iron Dragon, we don't just focus on martial arts - we focus on building up our students by improving strength, flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, physical and mental balance, discipline, honor, and self-concept. Our curriculum offers a holistic approach not only to self-defense, but also to internal growth. It incorporates offensive and defensive maneuvers, chi gung (energy work), manipulation of body weight and pressure points, in addition to movements of nine animals including shark. Pai Lum Tao is an ancient art with martial influences from China, Japan, Brazil, and Hawaii. It is revered world-wide for it's heritage and effectiveness in real situations. Here, we maintain a positive atmosphere, and have welcomed students of all ages and ability levels for over 11 years! At Iron Dragon, martial arts is our passion, and you are our priority!
I have always loved working with people, but I truly enjoy sharing my passion of Pai Lum Tao martial arts and self-defense with every student! Training has helped me find confidence, strength, and inner peace, and has truly changed my life for the better. Additionally, I am a firm believer that every person deserves the opportunity to be confident in themselves and their ability to defend their bodies should it become necessary. I would love the opportunity to be a part of your physical and spiritual journey! If you want to see how passionate I am for yourself, please read through the rest of my profile, and feel free to reach out at any time via phone, email, our website, Facebook, or you can follow me on Instagram @sifulauren.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
We begin by building a foundation in stance and posture along with some basic techniques. Once the student demonstrates understanding and application of these 'basics', we open them up to new, more advanced techniques that combine offensive and defensive maneuvers with control and manipulation of the student's own body weight and internal energy (or chi). This wholistic approach produces increased physical fitness, discipline, positive self-concept, and inner peace.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been training at Iron Dragon and in Pai Lum Tao martial arts for over 9 years. I have a second degree black level in Kung Fu, and a first degree black level in Tai Chi (although my own training is not yet over!). I have been teaching children and adults of all ages for over 6 years, and am actively completing certification as a Group Fitness Instructor and Health Coach.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Due to the varying nature of the classes we offer, there is not a standard price across the board. Please visit our website for class options, times, and pricing information.
How did you get started teaching?
Although I have been an educator in other modalities outside of Pai Lum Tao, I trained for approximately 3 years within this system before earning a brown sash (second to last before black level 1). At this level, all of our students are given the opportunity to train under their teacher/master to appropriately understand our best practices around teaching students of their own. I assisted my instructor, SiGung Scott Muelling, with children and adult classes for 2 years before teaching regularly on my own. In December 2017, Iron Dragon celebrated its 10th anniversary, and I was honored to take over as the school owner at that time!
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with students of all skill levels from ages 5 to 75 in Kung Fu, Boxing/Sparring, and Tai Chi. Due to the varying level of skill and age, I have also worked with a wide range of physical limitations including 'bad' joints, high blood pressure, and anxiety. I find working with people who experience limitations especially rewarding because I fully believe that physical and mental healing can be found through various movements, meditations, dietary adjustments, and aromatherapy; all of which I am well equipped to offer advice to every student on!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
My primary piece of advice to anyone looking to start or adjust their journey in any kind of martial art or physical practice, is to do your research: Research your needs to clearly define what will work for you long term; research the various ways that those practices can be applied in your life; and research the institutions where you can find those practices to make sure your energy relates to the energy or culture established in those institutions. It's okay to be picky, to want to feel comfortable and un-judged, and to ask lots of questions before committing. Enjoy your journey!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Other than the obvious questions around scheduling and pricing structures, I find it really important to ask the instructor(s) about their personal motivations behind teaching classes or owning a school. Believe it or not, some people just want to make money. Others are genuinely passionate. I would also ask about the motivations of the students as that will directly relate to the culture of each class and business. Many individuals train for physical fitness, but is their internal motivation positive or negative; and is the instructor able to address students who seem to be experiencing spiritual or mental challenges?