Austin Kong Fu Academy

I've been attending Santanu's tai chi class for 2 years. I enjoy every class. I learn new movements and refine the forms I've already learned to gently gain grace and confidence in tai chi. I've been happy to realize that my tai chi training contributes to my creative practice as a fine artist in drawing and painting. My recent work has been influenced by zen painting and having tai chi in my life supports flowing and expressive brushwork. Pros: Fabulous training for brain and body more

I've been taken Santanu's Adult Kung-Fu class for 4 months now. I was looking around for dance classes at the time since I use to dance in high school, but I found AKFA through Austin Chronicle and decided to call. Santanu invited me to a one-on-one session where I learned some basics and then he invited me to a class. The class was really fun. It was exactly what I wanted, I was not only learning self-defensive moves, but I also was learning forms and formations in order to earn my belts. Not only is the class fun and useful, but the people are really friendly. I would recommend this for any one who is interested in starting out in martial arts or if they are looking for a new place to continue their practice. more

I started taking classes after minor surgery over a year ago. I found the classes not only helped me get back into condition, but were fun at the same time. more

I have been studying tai chi at Austin Kung Fu Academy for 16 months. In that time we have worked on five forms: the yang 37, broad sword, chen, straight sword and fan. We have done a variety of warm up exercises, push-hands and standing meditation. Santanu Rahman knows his stuff and is an unassuming and masterful teacher. He works with everyone at his own level, at every class. I tried the class when it was offered through my health club and liked how it felt. If you have curiosity or are knowledgeable about tai chi and want to practice and have fun, I urge you to contact Santanu and try a free class. Also look for ""Do the Fu"" his weekly program on Access TV (Tuesday at 8:00 pm on Channel 10), the book ""Taijiquan: The Art of Nurturing, the Science of Power"" by Yang Yang, his teacher; and Santanu's comic book series. Pros: Tai chi is wonderful for both the mind and body more

6 months ago I was shopping around for a martial arts class in Austin. After reading through the website, I called AKFA to get more information and Santanu personally answered the phone and kindly invited me to just show up and see how I liked it. He even took the time before class to show me the basics, so I wouldn't feel completely lost. You may think that anyone would do that for a first timer, but Santanu does this for every student at all times. He is sincerely there to help you learn and have a good time doing it. Pros: Personal instruction, great value, positive atmosphere, self-improvement more

Austin Kung-Fu Academy ROCKS! What more can I say? AKFA provides excellent martial arts training in a friendly environment where everyone is focused on enhancing their martial arts knowledge from beginner to expert. The instructor, Santanu Rahman, masterfully guides all students to acheive the most in their training. If you are interested in high impact or low impact training, AKFA provides a well rounded curriculum from Tai Chi to Kung-Fu. I highly recommend sitting in a class and see why the students have such a positive experience from it. more

Austin Kung Fu Academy has been a thoroughly positive experience for me. I first met the Academy's founder and head instructor, Santanu Rahman, through my gym, where he was teaching a Tai Chi class. I have studied Tai Chi with a number of instructors, but I particularly liked the way Santanu focused on the basics. When the class was replaced by a yoga class, I knew I wanted to continue learning from Santanu. I have typically been drawn more to ""yin,"" internal martial arts, such as Tai Chi, and wanted to stretch myself with something more ""yang,"" or external, like Kung Fu. Santanu invited me to attend a Kung Fu class free of charge, to make sure it seemed like a good fit for me. He and his wife and business partner, Nisha, helped me feel very welcome. Their friendliness, encouragement, and positive attitude make all the difference. They welcome everyone, regardless of age, experience, or skill level, and create an atmosphere that is fun and supportive, while maintaining a high standard for instruction. Santanu's education background informs his teaching style--he literally makes it possible for anyone to succeed and enjoy the learning process at the same time. He regularly provides tips that help students continue moving forward, where they might otherwise get stuck and discouraged. I get a full-body workout at each class, and have gotten in touch with power (both internal and external) I didn't know I had. Santanu and Nisha also produce a terrific Public Access Cable Television show, ""Du the Fu,"" which, like class, is both fun and educational. Santanu is a superb instructor at all age levels. When I arrive early for adult class, and am watching Santanu teach his kids' class, I don't know who is having more fun, him or his students! I highly recommend the Austin Kung Fu Academy! Pros: Friendly, welcoming, excellent instruction! Cons: Would like a Monday evening class--more a request than a con! more

My son is 5 years old and has been learning Kung Fu at the academy this past year. He looks forward to going and I can tell he respects the instructor Santanu. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming and the kids get down to business from the time they get there until the class ends. I would recommend Austin Kung Fu Academy to any child who could benefit from dicipline, self control and self-esteem building. The owners/instructors are very friendly and passionate about what they do. more

I have been taking Kung-Fu here for over eighteen months and have loved every day of it. Santanu (the instructor) has extreme patients and is very easy to learn from. The two locations are also very convent. more

My eight year old son loves his Kung Fu classes!! It is so fun to watch him do his forms and learn something that is not only good for him physically but also teaches him how to protect himself. Santanu is such an amazing instructor, very patient & kind, it is obvious he enjoys teaching Kung Fu. more

My daughter and I both take classes at Kung Fu Academy, and the benefits have been outstanding! Santanu is a wonderful instructor and is especially great with the kids' classes. My daughter (age 7) has a fantastic time in her class, and she is learning self-discipline and concentration and she is becoming very strong. Kung Fu has been good for her overall self-esteem. Pros: Techniques, friendliness, workout, fun, location, parking, $ value more

I spent close to 3 years looking for a traditional Kung Fu school within reasonable driving distance, and finally found one in Austin Kung Fu Academy. I've trained Chinese martial arts for almost 4 years, and I'm pretty picky about schools (in case the 3-year search didn't clue you in!). I look for an instructor that knows and values his training lineage and demands good technique from his students. The instructor, Santanu Rahman, has a friendly but exacting style, and is an effective teacher for both beginners and somewhat-advanced students (like myself). Pros: Excellent instructor, friendly atmosphere, good Kung Fu! Cons: not too many cons -- maybe few choices on class times? more

My 6 year old has been taking classes at Austin Kung Fu Academy for over a year, and we LOVE it!!! Martial arts is a great activity for kids, and this is the place to do it! The instructor is so energetic and lively, his enthusiasm rapidly spreads in class. The kids have a ball doing complex Kung Fu forms, kicking and punching, learning how to fall...what more could you want??? more

I was naturally shy about studying such an exotic martial art as Choi Le Fut Kung Fu, but everyone was super friendly. The class seems free of any attitude, the instructor is technically fantastic and very easygoing, yet I stil seem to get a great workout and am rapidly picking up techniques I never thought I could learn. And most of all, it's fun! more

Austin Kung Fu Academy is a friendly place to learn martial arts. The instructor really goes the extra mile to create an encouraging atmosphere. Students of all ages and varying abilities can be comfortable in challenging themselves with the masterful guidance of the instructor and cheering from classmates. Classes at are both personal and rewarding. more

It's exactly as it sounds--the Austin Kung Fu Academy is the most welcoming dojo I've ever trained at, and I've been to several over the years. There is no hostility, no competition, all the members are very kind and outgoing and classes are run in a loose fashion. We focus on forms, as well as the martial power of our arts. It's rare to find a combination between the two, but the Austin Kung Fu Academy has done so, and has done it very well. I have a lot of training in the martial arts, and the dojos I have trained at in the past are wrought with politics and unnecessary arguments of who's better at what. I am truly happy to have found a place that forgoes all hostility and pointless quarrels and focuses on the fun of martial arts. The Austin Kung Fu Academy is a professional environment welcome to all who seek knowledge of the martial arts, and I highly recommend at least going and sitting in on a class. Pros: Professional environment, great training, fun, family experiece, and life long usefulness. more

My two young sons have both had a wonderful experience at Austin Kung Fu Academy. From the start, the school has been friendly and welcoming. Their instructor has made a point to get to know each of them and has tailored their experience to their individual ability and learning style. The school has been terrific about communicating with me about their progress. Both boys have been appropriately challenged and encouraged. They have learned an incredible amount in a short time - gaining not only many new Kung Fu techniques, but also fitness, discipline, character, and confidence. What more could you ask for? Pros: Friendly community, fantastic instruction more

Santanu at Austin Kung Fu Academy is a gifted and generous teacher. He is patient and kind, traditionally trained and yet open minded in his approach both to teaching and to tai chi. Class atmosphere is non-competitive and a lot of fun. This is great exercise both for body and mind. Pros: great teacher! highly recommended more

What a great place. The owners are wonderful, friendly people who love what they do. They also incorporate their other interests to make this school unique. The other students are a blast and we all work together to improve. Pros: Best one in Austin. Great owners, people, classes, and extra. GREAT value. Cons: If anything, some classes are a bit crowded. But that is a testament to how good it is. more

I have been very pleased with the kids' program at Austin Kung Fu Academy. Santanu is exceptionally good with the kids -- he inspires and challenges them to learn, and provides a fun, respectful and caring environment in which to do it. You can see the joy in the kids faces and their bodies as they discover things they had no idea they could do. Highly recommended! Pros: Great instructors, easy parking, central location, convenient after school and weekend hours. more